Reappraising Cruising: A Shockingly Misunderstood Cult Classic

Cruising, the 1980 psychological thriller directed by William Friedkin, is a captivating exploration of the dark corners of New York City's underground gay leather scene, a world rarely depicted in film at the time.

Starring Al Pacino, the film follows a police officer who goes undercover to investigate a series of brutal murders, immersing himself in a subculture rife with mystery and danger.

Friedkin's direction creates a palpable sense of unease, blurring the lines between the investigator and the investigated, as Pacino's character becomes increasingly consumed by the very world he's meant to infiltrate.

The film's raw, unflinching depiction of the leather bar scene, with its intense rituals and coded language, used real-life patrons and clubs – offering a rare glimpse into a marginalized community often shrouded in secrecy and misunderstanding.

Cruising turned mainstream attention to a facet of the LGBTQ+ community that was largely unknown. But in doing so, it sparked debates on representation and the ethics of storytelling in marginalized communities, highlighting the need for nuanced narratives.

The film's production was marred by protests and boycotts over perceived homophobia. "Cruising" has since been reassessed as a complex exploration of identity on the margins of society, becoming a cult classic for its bold depiction of sexuality long before mainstream acceptance.

The movie's controversial reception overshadowed its technical merits, including innovative cinematography and an edgy soundtrack featuring punk and new wave artists (The Germs, Willy DeVille, Rough Trade, John Hiatt), along with an atmospheric score composed by Jack Nitzsche.

Friedkin argued that the S&M subculture (which he researched extensively) was merely a backdrop for a murder mystery – and never intended as homophobic. He later admitted it was “not the best foot forward as far as gay liberation was concerned” at the time.

Pacino's nuanced portrayal of a cop navigating the treacherous waters of his undercover investigation, grappling with his own desires and moral compass, is one of his most underrated performances.

The ambiguous ending and its confounding use of misdirection leave viewers questioning the nature of identity and the masks we wear—a theme only more relevant today in the era of online personas. Today, Cruising stands as a provocative and unfairly overlooked cult classic.