Exorcising 'Cruising' Poster

Exorcising 'Cruising' 2007

★ 6.52 votes23 min📅 2007-09-18

Delve into the fascinating behind-the-scenes drama of William Friedkin's controversial 1980 thriller *Cruising* with *Exorcising 'Cruising'* (2007), a concise documentary directed by Laurent Bouzereau.

Director: Laurent Bouzereau

Cast

Jay Acovone
Jay Acovone
Self
Michael Aronin
Michael Aronin
Self (archive footage)
Larry Atlas
Larry Atlas
Self (archive footage)
Leo Burmester
Leo Burmester
Self (archive footage)
James A. Contner
Self
Richard Cox
Richard Cox
Self
Gene Davis
Gene Davis
Self (archive footage)
William Friedkin
William Friedkin
Self
Sonny Grosso
Sonny Grosso
Self
Barton Heyman
Barton Heyman
Self (archive footage)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Exorcising 'Cruising' (2007) about?

This documentary dives into the controversies surrounding William Friedkin's 1980 thriller *Cruising*, exploring the protests, censorship battles, and cultural debates it ignited. Through interviews and archival material, it examines how the film became a flashpoint for discussions about representation and morality in cinema.

Who directed Exorcising 'Cruising'?

Laurent Bouzereau directed *Exorcising 'Cruising'*, bringing his expertise in behind-the-scenes filmmaking to this exploration of a cinematic controversy.

Who stars in Exorcising 'Cruising'?

Key figures in the documentary include Jay Acovone, Michael Aronin, Larry Atlas, Leo Burmester, and James A. Contner, alongside director Richard Cox.

Is Exorcising 'Cruising' (2007) worth watching?

While short at just 23 minutes, *Exorcising 'Cruising'* offers a compelling look at a pivotal moment in film history. Its focus on censorship and controversy makes it a fascinating watch for fans of documentaries and classic cinema alike.

How long is Exorcising 'Cruising'?

The documentary runs for 23 minutes.

About Exorcising 'Cruising' (2007) — The Untold Story Behind a Controversial Classic

Delve into the fascinating behind-the-scenes drama of William Friedkin's controversial 1980 thriller *Cruising* with *Exorcising 'Cruising'* (2007), a concise documentary directed by Laurent Bouzereau. This 23-minute film explores the heated debates, protests, and censorship battles that erupted during the making of Friedkin's gritty crime drama. Through interviews and archival footage, Bouzereau peels back the layers of a production mired in controversy, capturing the tense atmosphere of a film caught between artistic vision and public outrage. The documentary offers a revealing look at how *Cruising* became a lightning rod for debates about morality, censorship, and the boundaries of cinema.

Part of a larger series, *Exorcising 'Cruising'* sheds light on the cultural and political climate of the late 1970s and early 1980s, when LGBTQ+ communities protested the film's portrayal of gay life. Bouzereau's film doesn't shy away from the darker corners of the controversy, presenting a balanced yet critical perspective on the film's fraught legacy.