Part of A Tribute to William Friedkin
All Screenings: Pre-recorded introduction with film historian and archivist Elizabeth Purchell
A psychopath is scouring New York City gay clubs and viciously slaying its patrons in Friedkin’s sleazy, oft-misunderstood slasher. Detective Steve Burns (Al Pacino) is ordered to don leather attire, hang at the city’s S&M joints, and keep an eye out for the killer. But as Steve becomes immersed in club-hopping, he begins to identify with the subculture more than he expected. Meanwhile, Steve behaves distantly around his girlfriend, Nancy (Karen Allen), the police force’s homophobia becomes apparent, and the killer remains at large.
“...Despite some crudeness in conception, CRUISING exists on a level far above a regulation slasher, thanks to its bizarre, one-of-a- kind setting and Friedkin's impassioned direction. Friedkin knows how to make you care and knows how to get you scared.” —Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
