Al Pacino Reflects on “Cruising” and Donates Earnings to Charity: A Look Back at the Actor’s Controversial Film

In 1980, Al Pacino starred in the controversial film Cruising, a thriller directed by the late William Friedkin. The film, which follows a police officer going undercover in New York’s gay bars to catch a serial killer targeting gay men, was highly divisive. At 84, Al Pacino has opened up about his experience in his new memoir Sonny Boy, revealing that he donated all the money he earned from the film to charity.

Al Pacino’s Reflection on Cruising

In Sonny Boy, Al Pacino discusses how he initially found the script intriguing, mainly because he enjoyed “pushing the envelope” with his roles. However, during the filming of Cruising, protests erupted, led mostly by LGBTQ+ advocates concerned that the film would perpetuate harmful stereotypes about the gay community.

According to Pacino, protestors gathered “almost every day” outside the set during the film’s production, reflecting how contentious the movie had become. Despite these protests, Pacino did not immediately recognize the potentially negative impact the film might have.

It wasn’t until the film was released that Pacino fully understood the concerns. The backlash convinced him that Cruising was, in his words, “exploitative,” which led him to take a step back and refrain from promoting the movie publicly.

Pacino’s Charitable Gesture

One of the most surprising revelations in Pacino’s memoir is his decision to donate all of his earnings from Cruising to charity. While the exact figure is undisclosed, Pacino admits that “it was a lot” and that he placed the money into an irrevocable trust fund. Over two decades, the fund’s interest has supported various charities.

“I don’t know if it eased my conscience, but at least the money did some good,” Pacino writes, clarifying that his gesture was not meant as a publicity stunt. He also emphasizes that he always donated anonymously to avoid the appearance of trying to absolve himself in the public eye.

The Legacy of Cruising

Despite its controversy, Cruising has continued to spark discussions on censorship, representation, and artistic freedom in cinema. Pacino’s candid reflections decades later shed light on the film’s cultural impact and his reckoning with it.

The actor’s decision to donate his earnings shows a sense of responsibility and awareness that wasn’t initially apparent during the film’s release. As Pacino acknowledges, while the gesture may not have changed the film’s divisive nature, it ensured that the proceeds went to a worthy cause.

Conclusion

Bold and diverse roles have marked Al Pacino’s career, but his experience with Cruising is one of the most challenging moments in his acting journey. By reflecting on the film’s controversy and donating his earnings to charity, Pacino demonstrated his ability to learn from his experiences and make a positive impact.