Cruising is a very polarizing film. No one saw it and those who did hated it at the time of it’s release. Some were shocked by it’s casual portrayal of gay leather and S&M clubs in Manhattan’s Meat Packing District. Others found the story in-cohesive and pointless. Imagine Mr. Moviefone’s dramatic voice over review: “Al Pacino as you’ve never seen him before” or “The Movie that Al Pacino doesn’t want you to see”, etc etc.
After watching it, I mostly felt disappointed. What’s most annoying is that we don’t really see how Al Pacino’s new undercover gay lifestyle effects him psychologically. I mean come on. One second he’s your average New York City cop, the next he’s seeing a guy in chains getting fisted. These are things that change people!! One of the best scenes is when Pacino’s character takes his problems to the dance floor and dances like Elaine Benes surrounded by sweaty half naked men. Overall though, watch at your own risk.
Also notable is that it’s directed by William Friedkin (The Exorcist, The French Connection).
