This Is Not a Love Song (2002)

User Rating:

6.3/10   

Director:

Bille Eltringham

Writer:

Simon Beaufoy (writer)

Release Date:

13 June 2003 (Greece)

Genre:

Thriller

Tagline:

A life taken, now Spike and Heaton are running for their own...

Plot:

The small time criminal Heaton is anxiously waiting for the release of his close friend Spike, after...

Plot Keywords:

Criminal | Farm | Shotgun | Friend | Prison

Awards:

4 nominations

Cast

Michael Colgan	...	Spike
Kenneth Glenaan	...	Heaton (as Kenny Glenaan)
David Bradley	...	Mr. Bellamy
John Henshaw	...	Arthur
Adam Pepper	...	William
Keri Arnold	...	Gerry
Chris Middleton	...	Policeman

Runtime:

94 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Argentina:13 | UK:18

Company:

Film Council

Trivia:

This is the first film to have its premiere occur in cinemas and to be available for download online on the same day.

Soundtrack:

This Is Not a Love Song

Brilliant.....if you like this kind of thing

"This Is Not A Love Song" is a brilliant example of the chase genre, which many people think has an underlying meaning. The love between the two main characters may be more than fraternal. I believe that Heaton is in love with Spike, but Spike is too naive to see this.

I really feel this is portrayed with such scenes as the blow back and letter writing sequences. Heaton shows great intimacy towards Spike. With intense facial expressions and how he takes great care in writing Spike's name on the top of his letters.

One thing I've noticed when looking at external reviews, is that when the film has been slated, the reviewer seems to have not fully understood the film, as they haven't even mentioned the possibility of Heaton having sexual feelings for Spike. I also get the feeling that some of the reviewers haven't recognised it, when they use phrases like: "Who is Heaton? What's he doing with a retard like Spike?" This person, however may have hit the nail on the head with their remark. Spike shows noticeable signs of having A.D.D, although I don't think this person has realised this, as he seems to be using the word "retard" as a derogatory term.

I really enjoyed this film. Although it is not for the faint hearted. The film is exceedingly character based, after the shooting until the end there isn't much but dialogue between the two anti-heroes. Unless you are used to watching such deep, gritty films, stay well away.