For me, the most bizarre aspect of this movie is that Friedkin was inspired in part by the arrest of Paul Bateson, who actually had a small role in 'The Exorcist' during the angiography scene. Bateson admitted to killing one man in his apartment, but claimed that he wasn't responsible for the 'bag murders'. But cops supposedly told him he'd get a lighter sentence if he confessed to them, as happens at the end of 'Cruising'.
There's nothing wrong with this movie. Movies don't make killers. People make themselves killers. Men still cruise for sex--day or night--and could meet a killer whom had never even seen this movie--just as they wouldn't with people whom have. The fact is cruising's dangerous. You never truly know who'll meet. That is what makes this movie relevant.
I saw this film for the first time yesterday and I thought it was very sympathetic to the victims. It is violent parts are difficult to watch but it is based on a number of true stories. The opening murder is one of the most horrific portrayals of a killing I have ever seen. The fact you see the victim realise he is in trouble and there is nothing he can do about it is an extremely powerful scene.
Have you not seen Dog Day Afternoon? His portrayal of a bisexual man was a huge leap at the time, and was embraced by the lgbt+ community (still is today). This film may have been controversial, but it’s a very mixed situation. He was working with gay men 12 hours a day, and being protested the next by the same community. I think the main problem with cruising was Friedkin not addressing the protestors in any way. He simply ignored the way they felt ostracised and stereotyped in the films making and continued on with it. If that had at very least been addressed and acknowledged, I’m sure it wouldn’t have as bad of a reputation as it continues to hold today. And this is a small side note, but from what I’ve seen and heard, most of the Italians love Pacino, and embrace him as a cultural icon. He’s a national icon! Certainly one of the greatest actors.
I follow old footage on gay civil rights. As a gay man, I understand the protests. When you're a minority. With little to no recognition or understanding of your existing. Your exposure in any limelight could set you back.
I found it a profound and thought-provoking film that was unusually sympathetic to gay characters. If anything, I could imagine the police being offended by how they were depicted. I don't believe films showing violence in context (non-gratuitous) inspire violence. I think the film is in some ways an indictment of the homophobia that runs through our whole society, from external hatred to self-hatred. And it shows that the "soul of a killer" can lurk in anyone, gay or straight, outlaw or law enforcement. It portrays a very specific subculture within the gay community and makes it clear it is not meant to represent the gay community as a whole. It also graphically illustrates the vulnerability of some parts of the gay community because they have been driven into the shadows where society's protections, such as they are, do not extend, and where "protection" by the police can be worse than no protection at all. The film was quite daring - it was made in a much freer time than we live in now. We are much more repressed and censored now - this film could never be made today. Scenes and themes from this film come back to me over and over and I can watch it again every few years and find something new in it.
Totally agree with you. I did not see it as damaging to gay. But we gotta go back to 1980. The info we have now was not available then. In addition, we as a nation has jumped leaps and bounds in terms of acceptance and knowledge of the gay community. When I first saw the movie, I understood right away that only a subculture of the gay community was portrayed. There is also an S&M subculture with straight people, obviously.
Funny the G community at the time thought this film would cause violence. Now it’s obvious the film is more sympathetic to that niche era of biker leather queens. The victims are victims, not glorified targets.
Awesome. Its funny, later in the piece a protest organizer takes credit for "lowering the cinematic quality" of Cruising with their protests and pressure to have the film censored/edited.
This film served as a great way to have a photographic record of these long lost leather bars where there's hardly any photos or videos that could be found anywhere. In that sense, I am glad the film was made, and the fact that the leather community fascinates me in many aspects.
This film premiered February 15th, 1980 . The next day I was Born ... February 16th , 1980. I have seen this film probably fifty times through the years, very interesting and based on a true story . IMO Paul Bateson committed the bag murders, I base that off everything I have read and studied on the case
Never knew this film got so much heat. It should be noted Scarface was universally panned when it first came out as well the same year I believe. It’s been a cult favorite for at least 25 years. Great art often isn’t always appreciated when it’s first created.
the New York filming locations are interesting but it is not a very accurate portrayal of gay leather subculture in the 1970's. It's a sensationalized and silly movie.
The first great American Giallo in my opinion. I could have easily lived without a few of the overly ripe scenes...however I at the same time liked being made to feel uncomfortable,and uneasy from the safety of my couch. I collect arrow videos...this one was a gift that I originally had no..ZERO interest in,but now after watching I’m fascinated and it’s among my very favorites! I do understand how in the 80’s the world was probably not ready for such a film... At all.
THE movie exposed sexual behavior. It still exist , nothing has changed. The only difference is that we don't see it in bars. We see it in porn, we see it in sexual parties and in block parties in " Festivals" in San Francisco, THROUGHOUT the entire country.
This movie was my first window into the gay leather scene. Seeing men in leather turned me on like nothing else. The movie holds up well. The big cop in the jock strap was really strange and I don't think that was realistic and doubt the police go that far to freak out a person during interrogation.
It looks like someone else mentioned it, but yeah the black guy was a real thing, I've heard it was so that if the witness tried to retell that in court the jury or judge wouldn't believe him because it was so outlandish. So basically it was a police tactic to discredit the witness
no. marginalized and violently abused minority populations are correct to be concerned when the few depictions of them in media are inaccurate, negative, and sensationalized. Your comment is lazy and irresponsible.
@@miyike Considering that Mr Friedkin filmed in actual leather bars, I hardly think the depiction of gays in this film was completely inaccurate. On the other hand, one of the major gay characters isn’t into the deviant leather scene at all. So each side is fairly represented. Perhaps if you saw the film, you would know that. And the movie was actually supported by a huge portion of the gay community. Do your research instead of assuming they all hated the film.
If a movie can incite you to commit murder like in this movie, then you have it in you to do that already. If this movie was released today I don’t believe it would have the same reception.
Wow. I actually used to think that San Francisco was an open minded place. We should all take a look at the contributions this literally fantastic movie made. Sheesh😮
Am I wrong for thinking that it seems that people would want to bring attention to police brutality towards gays. There was a scene where these cops forced transsexuals to preform oral sex on them. Besides that, the movie was about a gay serial killer. Maybe it was too soon for that time.
Such close mindedness from both the gay and straight community back then. Calling the movie a piece of crap before it even opened. It's a movie about a killer in the s&m scene. It's just a thriller. They cried over Basic Instinct and Silence of the lambs too. A gay killer cannot be tolerated 😅
Not Friedkin's best work. Making a movie with subject matter like _Cruising_ was sort of like a couple of fifty-year-old men trying to dress a _Barbie_ doll.
I went out of my way to see this just because I was ordered not to see it. I am a thought criminal. It is OK but I wish they would make a remake. An porno version
Thank you for uploading this. Incredible time capsule.
For me, the most bizarre aspect of this movie is that Friedkin was inspired in part by the arrest of Paul Bateson, who actually had a small role in 'The Exorcist' during the angiography scene.
Bateson admitted to killing one man in his apartment, but claimed that he wasn't responsible for the 'bag murders'. But cops supposedly told him he'd get a lighter sentence if he confessed to them, as happens at the end of 'Cruising'.
Yup. I wish I could find more information on that story
There's nothing wrong with this movie. Movies don't make killers. People make themselves killers. Men still cruise for sex--day or night--and could meet a killer whom had never even seen this movie--just as they wouldn't with people whom have. The fact is cruising's dangerous. You never truly know who'll meet. That is what makes this movie relevant.
I saw this film for the first time yesterday and I thought it was very sympathetic to the victims. It is violent parts are difficult to watch but it is based on a number of true stories.
The opening murder is one of the most horrific portrayals of a killing I have ever seen. The fact you see the victim realise he is in trouble and there is nothing he can do about it is an extremely powerful scene.
I had the same experience 2 days ago
The Germs songs never made it in the movie... that’s my protest
Al Pacino, hated by gays, italians and cubans and still the greatesr actor ever!
Hated by italians? 🤔
Have you not seen Dog Day Afternoon? His portrayal of a bisexual man was a huge leap at the time, and was embraced by the lgbt+ community (still is today). This film may have been controversial, but it’s a very mixed situation. He was working with gay men 12 hours a day, and being protested the next by the same community. I think the main problem with cruising was Friedkin not addressing the protestors in any way. He simply ignored the way they felt ostracised and stereotyped in the films making and continued on with it. If that had at very least been addressed and acknowledged, I’m sure it wouldn’t have as bad of a reputation as it continues to hold today.
And this is a small side note, but from what I’ve seen and heard, most of the Italians love Pacino, and embrace him as a cultural icon. He’s a national icon! Certainly one of the greatest actors.
I follow old footage on gay civil rights. As a gay man, I understand the protests. When you're a minority. With little to no recognition or understanding of your existing. Your exposure in any limelight could set you back.
“Who’s here, you’re here, I’m here”
every group attracts its detractors. the movie was well done. like looking for mr goodbar guy style.
I found it a profound and thought-provoking film that was unusually
sympathetic to gay characters. If anything, I could imagine the police
being offended by how they were depicted. I don't believe films showing
violence in context (non-gratuitous) inspire violence. I think the film
is in some ways an indictment of the homophobia that runs through our
whole society, from external hatred to self-hatred. And it shows that
the "soul of a killer" can lurk in anyone, gay or straight, outlaw or
law enforcement.
It portrays a very specific subculture within the gay community and
makes it clear it is not meant to represent the gay community as a
whole. It also graphically illustrates the vulnerability of some parts
of the gay community because they have been driven into the shadows
where society's protections, such as they are, do not extend, and where
"protection" by the police can be worse than no protection at all.
The film was quite daring - it was made in a much freer time than we live in now. We are much more repressed and censored now - this film could never be made today.
Scenes and themes from this film come back to me over and over and I can
watch it again every few years and find something new in it.
Totally agree with you. I did not see it as damaging to gay. But we gotta go back to 1980. The info we have now was not available then. In addition, we as a nation has jumped leaps and bounds in terms of acceptance and knowledge of the gay community.
When I first saw the movie, I understood right away that only a subculture of the gay community was portrayed. There is also an S&M subculture with straight people, obviously.
Great movie and time makes it a classic. One of the only movies in the mainstream that correctly shows pre stonewall leather and levi gay culture
Thank you for archiving and sharing this footage.
Funny the G community at the time thought this film would cause violence. Now it’s obvious the film is more sympathetic to that niche era of biker leather queens. The victims are victims, not glorified targets.
Never believe in censorship , cruising is a great film
Awesome. Its funny, later in the piece a protest organizer takes credit for "lowering the cinematic quality" of Cruising with their protests and pressure to have the film censored/edited.
People have always been sensitive, this proves it.
This film served as a great way to have a photographic record of these long lost leather bars where there's hardly any photos or videos that could be found anywhere. In that sense, I am glad the film was made, and the fact that the leather community fascinates me in many aspects.
except it was not filmed in an actual gay leather bars
@@miyike there were a few that were filmed in actual bars, some weren't.
This film premiered February 15th, 1980 . The next day I was Born ... February 16th , 1980. I have seen this film probably fifty times through the years, very interesting and based on a true story . IMO Paul Bateson committed the bag murders, I base that off everything I have read and studied on the case
it's like when joker came out, but with gayness
As a lesbian i found the film to be entertaining. I dont know who people wanted to revoke it from their city.
Never knew this film got so much heat. It should be noted Scarface was universally panned when it first came out as well the same year I believe. It’s been a cult favorite for at least 25 years. Great art often isn’t always appreciated when it’s first created.
Scarface wasn't universally panned. Pacino was nominated for a Golden Globe.
Scarface came out 3 years after Cruising
2:42 Dennis Richmond (aka: Shaft).
Thank you for this video! Very interesting!
The movie is amazing
I wish people would realize this
YOU ARE RIGHTTTTTTT
the New York filming locations are interesting but it is not a very accurate portrayal of gay leather subculture in the 1970's. It's a sensationalized and silly movie.
@@miyike how do you know it's not accurate
@@miyikeseeing how it was filmed at an actual gay leather bar with actual patrons as extras, I’d say it was right on the money?
The first great American Giallo in my opinion.
I could have easily lived without a few of the overly ripe scenes...however I at the same time liked being made to feel uncomfortable,and uneasy from the safety of my couch.
I collect arrow videos...this one was a gift that I originally had no..ZERO interest in,but now after watching I’m fascinated and it’s among my very favorites!
I do understand how in the 80’s the world was probably not ready for such a film...
At all.
It's a great movie.
Smashing windows and acting like hooligans in the face of freedom of expression. It's funny how little things have changed.
in Zane go fuck yourself
There's no point beating up a masochist - they love it
It would be sadistic not to!
I thought gays liked the arts
THE movie exposed sexual behavior. It still exist , nothing has changed. The only difference is that we don't see it in bars. We see it in porn, we see it in sexual parties and in block parties in " Festivals" in San Francisco, THROUGHOUT the entire country.
Nothing has Chsnged?? Really? Boy you must have not been around in the 70s and 80s becuase Trust Me ALOT has changed.
2019. Same craziness about "Joker".
I agree
2012. Same craziness about Argo
This movie was my first window into the gay leather scene. Seeing men in leather turned me on like nothing else. The movie holds up well. The big cop in the jock strap was really strange and I don't think that was realistic and doubt the police go that far to freak out a person during interrogation.
That big cop in a jock strap really happened. Cop, actor and technical advisor Randy Jurgensen confirmed it.
It looks like someone else mentioned it, but yeah the black guy was a real thing, I've heard it was so that if the witness tried to retell that in court the jury or judge wouldn't believe him because it was so outlandish. So basically it was a police tactic to discredit the witness
@@wiseauserious8750 hahaha what a story, Mark.
@4:24 Dennis Richmond was about 37 here..much younger than me now
The original Cancel Culture.
no. marginalized and violently abused minority populations are correct to be concerned when the few depictions of them in media are inaccurate, negative, and sensationalized. Your comment is lazy and irresponsible.
@@miyike Considering that Mr Friedkin filmed in actual leather bars, I hardly think the depiction of gays in this film was completely inaccurate. On the other hand, one of the major gay characters isn’t into the deviant leather scene at all. So each side is fairly represented. Perhaps if you saw the film, you would know that. And the movie was actually supported by a huge portion of the gay community. Do your research instead of assuming they all hated the film.
@@miyike concerned, sure. Dliberately trying to stop a film from being made before even watching it however is another..
If a movie can incite you to commit murder like in this movie, then you have it in you to do that already. If this movie was released today I don’t believe it would have the same reception.
Wow. I actually used to think that San Francisco was an open minded place. We should all take a look at the contributions this literally fantastic movie made.
Sheesh😮
The movie Cruising was Predictive Programming for the AIDS virus...
wow.
The Billy Dee knock off isn't wearing enough jewelry.
Something viral but not someone acted out on the gay male community with a homicidal vengeance not long after this movie's release.
"Bargain matinee price of $2.00" LOL!!
I saw it at a bargain matinee in Beaumont, Texas.
Why is that funny?
Well they were half right, there was a killer amongst them, just not a human one.
There is supposed to be a sequel to "Cruising". It's going to be called "Crusing 2: Seamen on the Poop Deck"
The film was restored on DVD in 2007.
Plus a space-age follow up ‘Probing Uranus’
Am I wrong for thinking that it seems that people would want to bring attention to police brutality towards gays. There was a scene where these cops forced transsexuals to preform oral sex on them. Besides that, the movie was about a gay serial killer. Maybe it was too soon for that time.
Nowadays, the liberal moaners can just go to social media to make their protests!
"well, i think he's got beautiful legs"!!
Peter Turley are the backs of his legs smooth with running feces?
Very interesting
".....it's a piece of crap" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Little did he know all this controversy waa gonna make this film one of the greatest.
@@shaov.vreacts1339This film is not one of the greatest. 😂
The way history works is that you have to judge everything in its own time. I watch the film today and its like a Walt Disney film.
Wow, what Disney movies are you watching?
The LGBT community was so ridiculous….
The killing isnt what they were protesting.
Menergy patrick cowley🤗
I really liked the movie..
Its like when Argo came out in 2012 and angered the Iranians
Such close mindedness from both the gay and straight community back then. Calling the movie a piece of crap before it even opened. It's a movie about a killer in the s&m scene. It's just a thriller. They cried over Basic Instinct and Silence of the lambs too. A gay killer cannot be tolerated 😅
Gay fatwa...
I just don't think the film was any good.
Not Friedkin's best work. Making a movie with subject matter like _Cruising_ was sort of like a couple of fifty-year-old men trying to dress a _Barbie_ doll.
Gene Davis, brother of Brad Davis who trying to dress a Barbie doll.
I went out of my way to see this just because I was ordered not to see it. I am a thought criminal. It is OK but I wish they would make a remake. An porno version
They did...James Franco made it..a lost scenes remake..
It’s a very ugly depiction of gay people by straight people.
And the movie is also needlessly depressing to sit through.
It's pretty obviously about fetish culture. I mean, I think people realize that not all gays dress up in leather and watch strangers f*sting.
I agree
A bad movie A good propaganda
Surprise, surprise, this "community" (ha!) has always been a censorious bunch of toads.
And then came aids
They were afraid the movie would cut down on the amount of anonymous, risky sex partners they could have to infect them with the bug 🦠 ☣️