Why did the film Cruising (Friedkin 1980) lead to protests?
Guidance
For general guidance about what is expected in your essays for this module, see the guidelines for writing essays and reports.
|
|
Please remember to avoid footnotes and to include an alphabetical list of 'References' which have been cited in the text (not a Bibliography of anything you have read for the essay). This list should include author's names, date, book titles (in italics), place of publication and publisher. Within the text always cite author's surname, date and page number. Double-space your text and number your pages.
Guidance for this assignment: Read the Cruising Case Study. Consider the historical context of relevant events at the time in the USA which might have influenced the production and reception of the film. Relate the protests against Cruising to the landmark of the Stonewall riots of 1969 (widely regarded as influential in, or symptomatic of, changing attitudes towards gay identity). You need to do some historical detective work and to source the evidence identifying the various concerns of the protesters. Remember, of course, that the protests were during production rather than after the film's release. What forms did the protests take (again, provide evidence)? Note that Friedkin had directed an earlier gay-themed film called The Boys in the Band (1970) which some commentators also refer to as homophobic. Critically reflect on the representational issues raised by the representation of gays/lesbians in film. Clearly, you'll need to discuss stereotyping, for instance. Which particular stereotypes generated objections among some protesters? In what ways was the film seen as homophobic? In what specific ways did the film-makers respond to the protests (again, cite evidence)? What particular fears did the protesters have about the film? In what ways was it seen as damaging to the advancement of gay rights? At all costs, avoid 'moralising' about the subject - about what film-makers or policymakers should or should not do or have done - stick to the topic!
Note also that this is an assignment for which the inclusion of some relevant pictorial illustrations could be useful (for instance, historical photographs providing documentary evidence of the protests). Use these to illustrate particular points rather than 'decoratively'. Incorporate illustrations electronically into your text (e.g. by scanning or downloading from the Internet) rather than literally cutting and pasting. For guidance on capturing stills, click here.
Some suggested reading
Note: Treat with extreme caution sources labelled with this symbol!
|