Cruising

“Cruising” is a dark, psychological mystery thriller from the brilliant William Friedkin. Based on actual murders and unsolved cases from the 70’s, this queer film created QUITE a stir – to the point that local New Yorkers protested the on-location shoots. When the film was released, it polarised the LGBT community because of it brutal depiction of the S&M scene. Many felt that it was a negative portrayal of only a small sub-sect of the community, thereby hurting the push of gay rights activism in the 80’s. “Cruising” is also rather infamous for the rumoured 40 min of cut sex club footage, scenes that Friedkin was forced to edit back by the MPAA in order to secure even the film’s “R” rating. While it’s reported much of that footage was hardcore sex or the illusion of, there’s also a lingering question of key storyline elements being lost as a result. The theatrically released version actually has some major story issues with continuity, though some note that that’s also part of Freidkin’s style as it exacerbates the mysterious and often confusing allure. However, modern audiences have a slightly different viewpoint regarding “Cruising”. While hated by many at the time, there are many others who view this queer mystery thriller as a time-capsule to the past. Through dark imagery and by utilising actual gay S&M bars with real patrons as extras, Freidkin has unexpectedly provided an insight into a pre-AIDS sect of the gay world. In fact, the rumoured missing 40 minutes led actor/director James Franco to “recreate” the footage in his film “Interior. Leather. Bar”. And let’s not forget that even with the major cuts, there is a brilliance to the film that can only come from Friedkin’s cinematographic style. While “Cruising” is NOT for everyone, it’s actually an excellent queer mystery film to watch on many levels. If you’re intrigued, give it a watch!