Controversy has always been a part of the William Friedkin experience, yet Cruising created an uproar that is still heard to this day.
Based on the novel by Gerald Walker, Cruising is a serial killer thriller set in the underground gay leather S&M scene of late 1970s New York City, upon which a demented killer has left a trail of bodies in his wake. Al Pacino plays an undercover cop who must catch this maniac, while dealing with the complexities of the case and the extremities of his new environment.
Cruising generated poor review and brought about a stern reaction from the gay community who strongly believed that the film stigmatised them. Over the years critical acclaim has warmed somewhat, especially in regards to the haunting, engrossing performance by Pacino, who delivers one of his most underrated turns.
True to Friedkin’s form, Cruising is a film that is confronting yet unforgettable in its bravado filmmaking. Friedkin is at his best when he explores the extremes of humanity, and Cruising presents the director at his most confrontational yet.
