Original Release Date: February 15, 1980
Written and Directed by William Friedkin, based on the novel of the same name by Gerald Walker
Cast: Al Pacino, Paul Sorvino, Karen Allen, Richard Cox, Don Scardino, Joe Spinell, Jay Acovone, Randy Jurgensen, Barton Heyman, Gene Davis, Allan Miller, Sonny Grosso, Ed O’Neill, James Remar, William Russ, Mike Starr, Powers Boothe
Soundtrack: Jack Nitzsche
It’s virtually impossible to talk about this movie without at least some discussion of the controversy surrounding it, so I won’t pretend to ignore it.
The plot of ‘Cruising’ involves a serial killer targeting gay men in the Lower Manhattan S&M scene (which may or may not still exist today; I have a distinct lack of expertise in this area), and the effort to bring him to justice by a young undercover cop (played by Al Pacino). Needless to say, many in the gay community were outraged at what they perceived to be an unfair portrayal, and, in fact, the protests during filming were so vigorous that none of the audio from outdoor night shoots was usable. Combined with the fact that much of America was not ready for any sort of look at homosexuality, let alone such a lurid and peculiar slice of it, it’s easy to see how ‘Cruising’ was a critical and commercial nightmare waiting to happen (although it did just fine in Europe).
Based on the novel of the same name (though reportedly in title only), but more so based on the real-life experiences of former NYPD detective Randy Jurgensen (the film’s technical adviser and one of the supporting actors, with whom there was a Q&A with after the screening), ‘Cruising’ is a movie that is not without its issues. The third act especially becomes somewhat disjointed, and character motivations become frustratingly hazy (not to mention Karen Allen is basically given nothing to do). And yet, despite all of its flaws, ‘Cruising’ is a movie I would absolutely watch again in the future, even if I can’t fully articulate why.
One reason is that buried under all of the layers of controversy and shock value are a wonderfully subtle performance from Al Pacino (one of the last times audiences got to see him before he became a self-caricature, which I’m not complaining about, just saying), a beautifully eclectic musical soundtrack (including some really great stuff from Willy DeVille), and a reasonably effective crime thriller story. Add in a lot of name actors in before-they-were-famous roles, along with more than a pinch of genuine New York City grindhouse feel, and you’ve definitely got something cooking.
It is, for sure, not his best film, and I don’t think I would recommend it for general audiences, but, William Friedkin’s ‘Cruising’ is quite the mood piece. If you’re curious enough to step beyond the controversy (and not be put off by the more lascivious elements), check it out, You might be surprised by what you find.
Rating: ★★★½ (out of five)
Original Release Date: March 3, 1989
Directed by William Lustig
Written by Aubrey K. Rattan (story), John F. Goff and Peter Brosnan (screenplay)
Cast: Jan-Michael Vincent, Leo Rossi, Lance Henriksen, Charles Napier, Rip Torn, Harold Sylvester, Harriet Hall, Ken Lerner, Nick Barbaro, Lou Bonacki, Robert A. Ferretti, Vic Manni, Frank Pesce
Soundtrack: Garry Schyman
This was actually director William Lustig’s personal film print, and was not only willing to share it with an audience, he also provided quite a bit of behind-the-scenes insight (not unlike what you’d find on a commentary track), so much of my information comes directly from him.
The first thing to know about this movie is that it’s loosely based on Akira Kurosawa’s ‘High and Low‘ (which is itself based on the novel ‘King’s Ransom’ by Ed McBain).
The second thing to know is that William Lustig was conversant with Nicholas Pileggi at the time Pileggi was interviewing Henry Hill (these interviews led to the book ‘Wiseguy’, which led to the movie ‘Goodfellas’), so if you think you hear dialogue in ‘Hit List’ that sounds like it’s straight out of ‘Goodfellas’, you’re not wrong (except ‘Hit List’ came out first).
Other interesting odds and ends include Jan Michael Vincent attempting to make a comeback after a couple years out of work and being, shall we say, difficult to manage (drinking problem), Charles Napier living out of a camper trailer, Rip Torn being tons of fun, Lance Henriksen’s [temporary] back tattoo costing $1000, an uncredited Janusz Kaminski receiving the offer to shoot ‘Schindler’s List’, and Scott Spiegel and Josh Becker being the actual writers (as opposed to the credited CineTel writers).
All that said, I’ll allow the director himself to sum up the movie in one sentence, “It’s ridiculous, but it’s fun.”
As for me, I’d say the movie is full of wonderful accouterments in the form of fun supporting characters and over the top action, but it unfortunately suffers from a lack of chemistry from its two lead actors.
I’ll give ‘Hit List’ credit for having at least a somewhat clever premise (all-American dad and Mafioso team up to find the former’s son), but it’s not a great movie overall. I definitely put the ‘Maniac Cop’ trilogy above it in terms of the William Lustig catalog.
However, if you’re interested to see how Lance Henriksen might’ve handled the role of The Terminator, I recommend this movie. It’s just a shame it likely won’t ever get a proper home release (unless you’re still good with VHS), thanks to various bankruptcies and legal entanglements.
Rating: ★★½ (out of five)
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