Review of Cruising (1980) by Garrett T — 27 Feb 2008

A dark dark movie about an undercover cop looking for a serial killer, killing gay men on the S&M scene. The first thing that grabs you about this movie is the controversial background to the story - seedy New York S&M gay clubs, given that it was made in 1980, it wasn't given the best of receptions when first released..

This is not a feel good movie by any stretch. This movie will leave you feeling.. exposed... seedier than Joel Schumacher's "8MM" and far far better written. Pacino is just brilliant as the undercover cop, playing the character with an almost stalker-like quality.. adding to the big question of the movie.. Who is the killer? - Decide for yourself - Watch this movie.. but be warned, this may not be as controversial-a-subject in a 21st century world, however it is one of the darkest movies I have ever scene. But it's ambitious, original, brave and a breath of fresh air. When I finished watching this movie I was thinking about it all afternoon.. Far far more of an impact than any of today's new releases. Brilliant.