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Cruising

William FRIEDKIN

USA / Germany1980 102min 35mm Color Korean Premiere

Synopsis

Probably the most notorious gay film in history, Cruising deviates from the existing pop gay film trend as sheer reproduction of homosexuality. The ever-so-controversial movie takes us to the underworld of S&M bars in New York of the 70s and disturbingly overt sexuality. It gained even more fame(!) by boycott efforts from gay community discontented with the way it depicted gays equivalent to psycho serial killer. Ironically enough, FRIEDKIN received both affection and hatred from gays who directed Boys in the Band (1970) a decade ago with affirmative contemplation on them. While Cruising makes homosexuality an outlaw of the gay serial killer, one may become subdued by homophobia through observing the change in Officer Burns (Al PACINO) who is sent deep undercover to masquerade as a gay. He had to learn and practice the complex rules and signals of the underground gay community, but before he realizes it and to his bewilderment, he crawls into the world of crude desire. After the serial killer case is closed, Burns finds himself heading back to the club. (Jin PARK)

Diretor

William FRIEDKIN

After watching Citizen Kane[1941], he fall in love with movies. After high school he worked for documentary at a broadcasting station, then directing TV shows at Hollywood from 1965. With the The French Connection in 1971 he was awarded best director at Academy Awards.