Cruising

Cruising

Year: 1980

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: William Friedkin

DramaMysteryThrillerCrime

A sadistic killer terrorizes New York City's gay clubs, systematically targeting victims. Detective Steve Burns must go undercover to investigate, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant nightlife. As he delves deeper into the case, the lines between his role as an officer and the world he’s infiltrating become blurred, forcing him to confront his own beliefs and sense of self while pursuing a dangerous predator.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Cruising (1980)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Cruising (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s

The film is set in the 1980s, a decade that experienced significant cultural shifts, especially regarding sexuality and the LGBTQ+ community. This period was marked by the rise of the gay rights movement and heightened societal conflicts surrounding these issues. The backdrop of the early 1980s also adds an air of tension, as it leads into the onset of the AIDS epidemic.

Location

New York City, West Village, Hudson River

The story unfolds in New York City, particularly focusing on the vibrant yet dangerous West Village, known for its rich LGBTQ+ history. The Hudson River serves as a stark backdrop, where a severed human arm is discovered, sparking the investigation. The contrasting settings of lively gay nightclubs and ominous alleys exemplify the hidden dangers within this urban landscape.

🏙️ City 🌊 River 🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

Main Characters – Cruising (1980)

Meet the key characters of Cruising (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Steve Burns (Al Pacino)

Steve Burns is a young policeman who takes on a high-stakes undercover assignment to investigate a series of murders in the gay community. Throughout the film, he struggles with the emotional toll of his dual identity while forming complex relationships that blur professional boundaries. His journey reflects the challenges of grappling with societal norms and personal connections.

👮‍♂️ Policeman 🎭 Undercover 💔 Conflict

Detective Lefransky (Randy Jurgensen)

Detective Lefransky is a seasoned member of the New York Police Department who leads the investigation into the gruesome murders. As a cynical and pragmatic figure, he embodies the tension between duty and personal beliefs, often clashing with the community's complexities. His commitment to solving the case reveals the darker shadows of policing in sensitive areas.

👮‍♂️ Detective 🔍 Investigator 🏙️ Urban

Captain Edelson (Paul Sorvino)

Captain Edelson is the authoritative figure overseeing the investigation, often balancing departmental pressures with the need for justice. His character represents institutional challenges in addressing crimes against marginalized groups while grappling with his own biases. Edelson's leadership is crucial in navigating the high tension of the precinct during a volatile period.

👮‍♂️ Captain ⚖️ Authority ⏳ Time-sensitive

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

Major Themes – Cruising (1980)

Explore the central themes of Cruising (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔍 Identity

The theme of identity plays a crucial role as the protagonist, Steve Burns, goes undercover to navigate the gay community. This exploration forces him to confront his own identity and assumptions about sexuality while putting him in morally ambiguous situations. It questions societal perceptions of masculinity and the impact of secrecy on personal relationships.

🗡️ Violence

Cruising highlights the dark underbelly of urban life, where violence lurks beneath the surface of social interaction. The brutal murders create an atmosphere of fear, particularly within marginalized communities. This theme examines the consequences of unchecked aggression and the psychological scars that violence inflicts on individuals involved.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

Unlock the Full Story of Cruising

Don't stop at just watching — explore Cruising in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Cruising is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Cruising Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Cruising, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Cruising Summary

Cruising Timeline

Track the full timeline of Cruising with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Cruising Timeline

More About Cruising

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Cruising: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Cruising

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