Cruising

An NYPD detective goes undercover to catch a serial killer who is targeting gay men in the S&M bars of Greenwich Village. As he delves deeper into the city's underground scene, the lines between his investigation and his own identity begin to blur. He faces increasing danger and moral ambiguity as he gets closer to the killer.

Cruising was a highly controversial film upon its release, drawing protests and accusations of homophobia due to its bleak portrayal of the gay S&M subculture and its perceived exploitation of violence. While some critics acknowledged Friedkin's directorial skill and Al Pacino's intense performance, many found the film gratuitously violent and morally questionable. Audiences were also divided, with the film performing moderately at the box office despite the controversy.

• Intense and atmospheric, but often gratuitously violent and controversial.

• Al Pacino delivers a powerful performance amidst a morally murky investigation.

• Criticized for its sensationalized portrayal of the gay community and its subject matter.

Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a mixed reception, with many acknowledging Al Pacino's compelling performance and the film's unsettling atmosphere. However, a significant portion of viewers found the movie overly disturbing, exploitative, and controversial in its depiction of gay culture and violence.

Director William Friedkin insisted on a realistic portrayal and filmed many scenes in actual gay bars and clubs in Greenwich Village, which led to protests and security concerns during production.