From lost footage to killer connections: 20 surprising facts about controversial thriller ‘Cruising’

Image Credit: ‘Cruising,’ Arrow Video

William Friedkin is perhaps best known for his movies The French Connection and The Exorcist, but the late director also staged one of the most controversial queer-themed films of all time. The dark crime thriller Cruising was released in 1980 and starred Al Pacino as Detective Steve Burns, a straight cop who goes undercover in the gay S&M scene to solve a series of murders. 

Cruising was and is still a hot topic among film buffs. With its brutal violence and unsympathetic portrayal of queer kink and sexuality, many see the film as homophobic, including Pacino. But while it may be problematic, the production of Cruising is almost as interesting as the movie itself.

Below, check out 20 surprising facts

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