On this day, February 15, 1980, the psychological thriller Cruising premiered in theaters. Directed by William Friedkin, best known for The Exorcist and The French Connection, the film starred Al Pacino, Paul Sorvino, and Karen Allen in a dark and controversial exploration of the underground leather bar scene of New York City.
The film follows Pacino’s character, Steve Burns, an undercover cop assigned to investigate a string of murders targeting gay men. As Burns infiltrates the world of underground clubs, he begins to lose himself in the role, blurring the lines between his real identity and the persona he has adopted. The film’s mix of crime, mystery, and psychological tension made it one of the most unsettling thrillers of its time.
Cruising sparked intense controversy upon release, facing backlash from LGBTQ+ activists who argued that it negatively portrayed the gay community. Protests erupted during filming and continued after the movie hit theaters. Despite the controversy, the film performed modestly at the box office, earning $19.8 million against its $11 million budget. Over time, Cruising has been reassessed as a daring and provocative film, with some praising its gritty portrayal of 1980s New York.
80s insight: Director William Friedkin claimed that real members of New York’s underground club scene were cast as extras to enhance the film’s authenticity.
The film follows Pacino’s character, Steve Burns, an undercover cop assigned to investigate a string of murders targeting gay men. As Burns infiltrates the world of underground clubs, he begins to lose himself in the role, blurring the lines between his real identity and the persona he has adopted. The film’s mix of crime, mystery, and psychological tension made it one of the most unsettling thrillers of its time.
Cruising sparked intense controversy upon release, facing backlash from LGBTQ+ activists who argued that it negatively portrayed the gay community. Protests erupted during filming and continued after the movie hit theaters. Despite the controversy, the film performed modestly at the box office, earning $19.8 million against its $11 million budget. Over time, Cruising has been reassessed as a daring and provocative film, with some praising its gritty portrayal of 1980s New York.
80s insight: Director William Friedkin claimed that real members of New York’s underground club scene were cast as extras to enhance the film’s authenticity.
