Is Love Is Love: Lesbians Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1966)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Documentary cinema, the 1966 release of Love Is Love: Lesbians stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The groundbreaking Australian documentary on lesbians, presented by Anne Deveson, first broadcast in February 1966. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "The groundbreaking Australian documentary on lesbians, presented by Anne Deveson, first broadcast in February 1966. Amongst those interviewed are Dawn O'Donnell (off camera at the beginning of the documentary) and psychiatrist Dr Neil McConaghy (the Australian 'expert' in aversion therapy). Some women are interviewed in shadow or close-up to disguise their identity. Women speak about being discriminated when applying for jobs against because of their sexuality. Dr Neil McConarghy is interviewed about his shock therapy work to change sexual orientation. Surprisingly Dr McConarghy says that homosexuality might be of benefit to society as creative traits or traits of non-conformity might give society as a whole the ability to survive."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Dawn O'Donnell does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Peter Westerway is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 28 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Love Is Love: Lesbians truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 1/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Love Is Love: Lesbians explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1966 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Peter Westerway respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Love Is Love: Lesbians is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Dawn O'Donnell or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Love Is Love: Lesbians is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.