Klute + Cruising

Episode Notes

It’s time for a saucy double feature. The podcast episode takes on the themes and cultural impact of the films Klute and Cruising. Klute, a crime thriller released in 1971, centers around the investigation into a missing person case led by detective John Klute, played by Donald Sutherland. Alongside the mystery, the film explores themes of sexuality, gender roles, and power dynamics in relationships. Cruising, released in 1980, follows the story of a detective, played by Al Pacino, who goes undercover in the gay leather scene to solve a string of murders. The film sparked controversy and backlash for its portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community and themes of sexual fetishization and violence. The episode will explore the ways in which these films address and potentially reinforce or challenge societal attitudes towards gender and sexuality at the time of their release and in the present day.

Trailers

Covers

Klute

Released: June 23, 1971
IMDB | Wikipedia

Director: Alan J. Pakula
Writer: Andy Lewis, Andy Lewis, David P. Lewis, David E. Lewis
Starring: Jane Fonda, Donald Sutherland, Charles Cioffi

A high-priced call girl is forced to depend on a reluctant private eye when she is stalked by a psychopath.

Cruising

Released: February 15, 1980
IMDB | Wikipedia

Director: William Friedkin
Writer: William Friedkin
Starring: Al Pacino, Karen Allen, Paul Sorvino

A serial killer brutally slays and dismembers several gay men in New York's S&M and leather districts. The young police officer Steve Burns is sent undercover onto the streets as a decoy for the murderer. Working almost completely isolated from his department, he has to learn and practice the complex rules and signals of this little society.