Exploring the Blurred Lines of Identity

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MOVIE REVIEW
Cruising [Limited Edition]
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Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Year Released: 1980, Arrow Video 4K 2025
Runtime: 1h 42m
Director(s): William Friedkin
Writer(s): William Friedkin, Gerald Walker
Cast: Al Pacino, Paul Sorvino, Karen Allen, Richard Cox, Don Scardino, Joe Spinell, Jay Acovone, Gene Davis, Randy Jurgensen, Barton Heyman, Arnaldo Santana
Where To Watch: available February 25, 2025, pre-order your copy here: www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Few films have sparked as much debate and reflection as William Friedkin's 1980 thriller, CRUISING. Set against the backdrop of New York City's underground gay leather scene, the narrative follows a young police officer, portrayed by Al Pacino, who delves deep into this subculture to apprehend a serial killer targeting its members. Upon its release, the film was met with significant controversy, with many accusing it of perpetuating negative stereotypes about the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Over time, however, CRUISING has been re-examined, with some viewing it as a complex exploration of identity and the human psyche. To be clear, I can’t speak on what the film did or did not represent.

The film's portrayal of the gay S&M subculture was unprecedented for its time, offering mainstream audiences a glimpse into a world that was largely hidden. Friedkin's decision to shoot on location in actual leather bars added an element of authenticity, immersing viewers in raw and unfiltered environments. The ambient sounds of this world, combined with Jack Nitzsche's haunting score, create an alluring and disconcerting sensory experience.

Al Pacino's portrayal of Officer Steve Burns studies internal conflict. As Burns becomes more entrenched in his undercover role, the boundaries between his professional duties and personal identity blur. His interactions within the subculture lead him to question facets of his sexuality and morality. This descent into ambiguity is mirrored in the film's visual storytelling, with James Contner's cinematography casting shadows and reflections that symbolize Burns's fractured sense of self.

The narrative structure of CRUISING is deliberately disorienting. The film refrains from providing clear resolutions, leaving audiences in a state of uncertainty. The open-ended conclusion prompts viewers to ponder the extent and meaning of everything they’ve seen thus far. This ambiguity challenges the audience to grapple with the complexities of identity and the potential consequences of immersing oneself in an unfamiliar world.

CRUISING faced passionate protests from LGBTQIA2S+ activists who feared it would incite homophobia and violence against the gay community. Demonstrations disrupted filming, and the movie was criticized for its depiction of gay men as associated with violence and deviance. In response to the backlash, Friedkin added a disclaimer stating that the film was not intended as an indictment of the homosexual world but was set in a specific segment of that community. Was this enough? Were the intentions of Friedkin sincere? We may never really know.

CRUISING has undergone a critical reassessment in the decades since its release. Some contemporary critics and scholars argue that the film is a time capsule, capturing a pre-AIDS era of gay subculture with an unflinching lens. They contend that, rather than being a straightforward thriller, the movie delves into themes of identity, repression, and the duality of human nature. The film's refusal to provide moral judgments invites viewers to confront their biases and assumptions.

However, the film has flaws—certain characters are underdeveloped, and the antagonist lacks clear motivation. Years later, Al Pacino expressed discomfort with the film's exploitative elements. In his memoir, he revealed that he donated his salary from the movie to charity, acknowledging the valid concerns raised by the LGBTQIA2S+ community. This act underscores the complex legacy of CRUISING and the evolving perspectives on its place in cinematic history.

CRUISING remains a polarizing piece of cinema. Its unflinching portrayal of a subculture and its exploration of identity and morality ensure that it continues to provoke discussion and analysis. While it is a product of its time, the film's themes resonate with contemporary audiences, prompting reflections on the nature of self-discovery and the societal constructs that define us.

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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