It Wasn't Love (1992) [N/A]
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Directed by:
Sadie Benning
Release Date:
May 10, 1992
Original Title:
It Wasn't Love
Ratings / Certifications:
N/A
Runtime: 20
The narration and intertitles describe the ultimate teenage fantasy road-trip: a female version of Bonnie and Clyde in love, in trouble, and unstoppable. With dreams of freedom, a life of crime, and the glamour of Hollywood, the film depicts the ultimate wish list of the lesbian bad girl whose life is not only constrained by school and parents, but also by the fear of a world that cannot tolerate her difference.
Shot on late 80's pixelvision technology this film excellently grabs the essence of average teenage life. It is about a girl and her first experiments with love and lust. It shows the viewer a breathtaking different perspective on the all too average love/lust story line, however her love/lust for another girl and her exposure to and acceptance of lesbianism separates it from common narratives. It is not the average coming-out story and gives a playful, innocent, childish take on discovering one's sexual urges. What is especially great about this film is that she seemingly discovers her sexual orientation without being told what it is. In other words, she did not have any prejudices and treated her lesbianism as if it were perfectly normal. She did not repress it at all in her video diary, and in fact embrasses it fully. It detracts further from the average queer film in that it does not have a moral or any political agenda apparent, aside from that of inherent acceptance for all. It's just a film exposé on teenage love. A must see for any person interested in film as the use of style is exceptional, especially when one considers the filmmaker's age and lack of expertise, as well as the technology she was using. Fully endorsed and recommended!
