Cruising

Frank’s Film Review: Cruising
⭐⭐⭐/5

William Friedkin’s Cruising is a thought-provoking film that challenges viewers to engage with its deeper themes. Released in 1980 and starring Al Pacino, this thriller is renowned for its controversial and captivating nature. It explores topics such as identity, violence, and the complex relationship between duty and desire.

In Cruising, Al Pacino portrays Steve Burns, an NYPD officer tasked with infiltrating the leather bar scene to catch a serial killer targeting gay men. What initially appears to be a clear-cut police drama soon morphs into a gripping psychological thriller as Steve’s exploration into this hidden world begins to unravel his own sense of identity.

James A. Contner’s cinematography in Cruising is nothing short of a masterclass in atmosphere. He brilliantly captures the gritty, shadowy underbelly of 1980s New York, transforming its leather bars into maze-like, almost otherworldly spaces that throb with danger and allure.

From the moment Cruising was announced, it faced intense backlash from the Queer community. Activists feared the film would perpetuate harmful stereotypes, portraying gay men as violent or deviant. Protesters disrupted filming by interrupting shoots and forcing the production team to re-record much of the dialogue in post-production. Al Pacino himself later admitted he found the finished film “exploitative” and donated his salary to LGBTQ+ charities. Director William Friedkin, however, maintained that his intent was not to critique the gay community but to use the S&M subculture as a backdrop for a murder mystery. The controversy remains a significant part of the film’s legacy, sparking debates about representation and artistic freedom.

Despite its flaws, Cruising offers a rare glimpse into a specific moment in Queer history. The film was shot in real New York City gay bars like the Ramrod and the Anvil, capturing the raw energy of a pre-AIDS era when sexual freedom and danger coexisted. For some, this makes the film a time capsule.

At the box office, Cruising grossed $19 million, a modest return for a film with such a high-profile star and director. While it didn’t achieve blockbuster status, its cultural impact far outweighed its financial success. The film continues to be revisited and debated, with some modern viewers reevaluating it as a flawed but fascinating piece of cinema history.

Cruising is not an easy film to watch, nor is it meant to be. It’s messy, provocative, and deeply unsettling. With Friedkin’s fearless direction and Al Pacino’s intense performance, this is a film you must watch.

Frank Gaimari is an author, film reviewer, and actor based in Seattle, Washington. He lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. Learn more about his work at http://FrankGaimari.com.