Directed by William Friedkin | 102 min | USA | 1980 | 18+
In 1980, visionary director William Friedkin (The Exorcist, The French Connection) unleashed what would become the most controversial film of the year, CRUISING (and that’s saying something from a year that also gave us Friday the 13th, The Blue Lagoon, and Dressed to Kill!).
With the star pedigree of Oscar winner Al Pacino and a source novel by Gerald Walker to work from, CRUISING seemed like a sure thing —an edgy crime thriller from a filmmaker who had made the studio a fortune just a few years prior. However, prolonged protests from the gay community during filming and seemingly endless battles with the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) over the film’s content meant this film was a hot button from day one. Critically reviled upon release, the film did somewhat respectable business at the box office, but continued to draw protestors throughout its run.
However, the passage of time has done some interesting things to this film’s reputation, with filmmakers such as the Safdie Brothers, Nicolas Winding Refn, and Quentin Tarantino defending the film’s artistry and style. CRUISING remains a fascinating time capsule of a particular place and time, not to mention a relic of a bygone era when major Hollywood studios still took risks on films they believed in, “safe” bet or not.
So, is CRUISING exploitative trash? Or is it a dark and gritty crime thriller from a legendary filmmaker at the peak of his craft? There’s just one way to find out! And either way, it’s one hell of a conversation starter!
Metro Passes: only Silver Screen accepted (subject to ticket availability)
