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Al Pacino Reflects on Controversial Film ‘Cruising’ and Charitable Donations

In a recent memoir, Al Pacino shares his experience regarding his involvement in the 1980 film Cruising, which he felt was “exploitative” of the LGBTQ+ community. This revelation underscores the reflections of a seasoned actor grappling with the impact of his work.

In Sonny Boy, Pacino expresses how his desire to “push the envelope” led him to work with director William Friedkin on the controversial crime thriller. The film depicts Pacino as a police officer going undercover in the gay bar scene of New York City to uncover a serial killer targeting gay men.

At 39 years old during filming, Pacino recalls the significant backlash the project received. He observed constant protests at filming sites by individuals concerned that the movie would misrepresent the LGBTQ+ community. Although he initially did not recognize the film’s exploitative aspects, his perspective shifted after viewing the finished product, leading him to remain silent and withdraw from promoting the film upon its release in 1980.

Pacino writes about his decision to donate his earnings from the film, stating, “I took the money, and it was a lot, and I put it in an irrevocable trust fund.” He indicated that he used the funds to support various charities, allowing the money to make a positive impact over time, though he remains uncertain if it alleviated his moral conflict.

He emphasized the importance of anonymity in his charitable contributions, expressing a desire for his philanthropy to be genuine rather than a means of seeking public attention. “I just wanted one positive thing to come out of that whole experience,” he added, highlighting his commitment to ensuring that his donations served a purpose beyond self-promotion.

Director William Friedkin, who passed away in 2023, acknowledged the film’s contentious reception in a 2013 interview. He remarked that while the film was not an ideal representation for the LGBTQ+ movement, it was never his intention for it to be detrimental. Friedkin also disclosed that working with Pacino posed challenges, attributing it to factors beyond the standard actor-director dynamic and expressing a preference for Richard Gere in the leading role.

Cruising is loosely based on Gerald Walker’s 1970 novel of the same name, and features a cast that includes Paul Sorvino, Karen Allen, Richard Cox, Don Scardino, Ed O’Neill, and Joe Spinell.

Sonny Boy is currently available at bookstores, offering readers insights into Pacino’s life, career, and the complexities involved in navigating art and ethics.

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people.com