For some reason, they screened this at Tulane University, in the late Fall of 1981. I suppose it was a test screening, of sorts.
Being gay, I found it interesting, but very ridiculous, even at 19.
I understand the significance of the film, and have read detailed information about its production.
I saw this when it first came to cable, and I thought it was profound as could be (I was 13 or so.) I told a gay friend about it in college, and we tracked it down in a video store when he said he'd never heard of it. I was mildly embarrassed for talking it up when we watched it, as he was doubled over laughing through much of it. For starters, I guess to make it clear to the audience that Hamlin's character was a major stud, guys were constantly losing their *beep* when they saw him out and yelling, "Hey Bart! Where you going? It's Bart!" This became a running joke between the two of us for years. Still, it was revolutionary for its time, and Ontkean and Hamlin were brave as hell to take on those roles.
shareI guess to make it clear to the audience that Hamlin's character was a major stud, guys were constantly losing their *beep* when they saw him out and yelling, "Hey Bart! Where you going? It's Bart!" This became a running joke between the two of us for years.
I found it interesting, but very ridiculous
Simplistic and melodramatic. TV had dealt with the gay culture well before this, and much more effectively..."That Certain Summer" TV-movie in 1972, for instance.
This does not hold up well.
Simplistic and melodramatic. TV had dealt with the gay culture well before this, and much more effectively..."That Certain Summer" TV-movie in 1972, for instance.
This does not hold up well.
Well, the way that "Cruising" deals with gay culture, is somewhat stereotypical, and specific within the community. It was not looked upon favorably at the time, by many. It was more about sex, not being gay.
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