Aside from the stories of protests and backlash during the filming, little else had registered on the mainstream movie world until the recent ‘rediscovery’ (A term I fucking loathe!) of CRUISNG. The slasher film that was partially based on a true story and partially based on the directors own interest in the undergrounds of humanity. Fusing a New York of early 80s depression and demolition, it is a classic that will perfectly fit a Halloween night.
11 – CRUISING (ARROW)
WHATS IT ABOUT?
A serial killer is murdering gay men in New York. They seem to be targeting people who frequent S and M nights and bars. The bodies are turning up in pieces. Limbs and things are turning up in the water and on land. This leads a Police Chief Captain Edelson (Paul Sorvino) to set up an undercover operative in to sub section. In steps Steve Burns (Al Pacino) to get involved. He will act as a newly arrived member of the gay community and set about settling into the nights and the scenes hang outs. Every month, he is to report back about his finding and when he thinks he has found his target, he is to bring them to justice before they murder again.
WHY SHOULD WE WATCH IT FOR HALLOWEEN?
Its a case of three simple reasons. Firstly, Friedkin’s form was still on fire on the making of CRUSING and so the film is a stunningly powerful, grimly realised, slice of truth. Secondly, Pacino. He turns in a magnetic performance, connecting the physical and the metaphysical messaging of the piece. Thirdly, its the creeping despair at the heart of the film. Who is the real murderer and what does this mean for all of us?
WHAT SHOULD WE LOOK OUT FOR?
BUY IT NOW
