Key Takeaways:
– Oscar-winning actor Al Pacino faced backlash from the late director William Friedkin, famous for ‘The Exorcist’.
– The pair’s contentious working relationship stemmed from their collaboration on the 1980 movie, ‘Cruising’.
– The film’s depiction of the gay community and its violent content sparked controversy and criticism.
– Despite its infamous reputation and numerous protests, ‘Cruising’ is still available to rent on Apple TV until today.
– The strained relationship between Pacino and Friedkin raises questions about professional conduct in the industry.
Al Pacino’s Infamous Run-In With William Friedkin Over’ Cruising’
Al Pacino, the method actor recognized for his iconic roles in films such as Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘The Godfather’, has had a successful, illustrious career spanning over five decades. However, like many successful actors, Pacino’s stellar journey has not been devoid of controversy. One notable incident traces back to the 1980s flick ‘Cruising’, where his working relationship with ‘The Exorcist’ director, William Friedkin, soured significantly.
The Heart of the Conflict: ‘Cruising’
The movie, loosely based on Gerald Walker’s novel featuring an undercover police officer delving into serial killings in New York City’s gay community, has been mired in controversy since its inception. Not only was the film’s depiction of the gay community heavily criticized, but its explicit content also drew significant apprehension. A notable protest, reported by The New York Times, saw about a thousand people march against the movie in 1979.
However, the internal discord between Friedkin and Pacino proved even more troublesome than the external disturbances. The professional relationship between the two soured rapidly post-release, with Friedkin expressing his disdain for Pacino on multiple occasions.
Friedkin’s Lack of Appreciation for Pacino
In an interview cited by Far Out Magazine, Friedkin boldly stated his indifference towards Pacino’s thoughts, lamenting the actor’s lack of preparation and commitment in comparison to another actor, Tommy Lee Jones, whom he held in high regard.
Friedkin also expressed his dissatisfaction with Pacino’s ill-discipline during the making of ‘Cruising’ in a 2013 interview with The Wrap. Noting that Pacino often arrived late to the set and seemed unaware of the day’s briefing, he depicted a strained actor-director relationship plagued by more than normal challenges.
Despite ongoing contention, the director acknowledged Pacino’s effective performance in the film. Nevertheless, the grievances of their shared experience could not be masked.
Financial and Critical Performance
‘Cruising’, despite its controversy, did not fare well at the box office, grossing only $19.8 million against a budget of $11 million. Furthermore, its ratings on Rotten Tomatoes reflect mixed reviews with an approval rating of 51%.
A Question of Acceptance in Today’s Culture
Given the sensitive subject matter, it prompts the question of whether a film like ‘Cruising’, with its explicit content and challenging portrayal of the gay community, could find a place in today’s culturally sensitive environment. As it stands, the film is still available for rent on Apple TV.
In the end, the controversy surrounding ‘Cruising’ and the rocky relationship between Pacino and Friedkin offers a potent reminder of the challenges and conflicts that can arise when bold storytelling and strong personalities collide in Hollywood. This incident serves not only as a unique case study in film history but also serves as a reflection upon professional conduct and ethics within the industry.
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