The End of Cruising

In cincinnati there were only a few spots and a few streets to cruise back in the day.. it was hit or miss, but occasionally youd find some hot young dudes.. so much fun!

On seeing the trailer I thought this was going to be a well visually documented account of the cruising culture I grew up hearing so much about. Unfortunately I was greatly let down.

The idea of having guys recount their experience of cruising is good, but the makers of this film have killed the documentary by only sticking to this format. It would have been a better idea to have the interviewees recount their cruising experiences while actors play the part of what the narrative voice is describing. This was not the case and because of that by 25 minutes into the film you begin to wonder what is the point to all of this. Without re- enactments of the various cruising experiences, all the account seem like one story keeps repeating itself.

The title of the film is The End Of Cruising; however, the film fails to look at what has replaced cruising or look at the factors which led to the end of cruising. This film has so much potential, but probably the makers did not have the budget and so end up producing an unsatisfactory film.

I really hope someone with more creativity and resources will make a proper documentary film about the glory days of the cruising culture.

Anyone who has had cruising experiences in public lavatories or parks will find recognition in the anecdotal stories being told here. The film is divided in little 5 to 10 minute vignettes, in which one particular cruising spot is the focus, and one person's experience with it, is narrated. Visually, we are taken to that geographical location that is being spoken about, and see the cruising spaces as they were back then, or what has become of them now (often defunct). We are treated to a kaleidoscope of moving images, a dreamscape to other people's flashbacks of the characteristics of these locations, so to speak. Herein, Verow has also managed to convey in each history, a different sentiment. The soundtrack aids greatly to this as well.

There are no talking heads in this movie, thankfully. The (often animated) voices speak for themselves, and visually it is mostly the ambiance of the location that has precedence over an exact re- enactment of the sexual pursuits being recounted. I like it that way. It might have a hint of the abstract about it, but it is completely accessible to anyone who has an interest in cruising (as to them, the images will make absolute sense).

Despite the film being called "The End of Cruising," there are some locations and histories in the film that indicate that all hope is not lost yet. I am glad for this, as in my experience, I believe that there are still a fair amount of places going strong (thank God!).

The pc generation seemed to purposely set out to sabotage and destroy the way previous generations of gay men connected. They made it shameful by glamorizing it as sleaze just like Franco does now with his docufilms like 'Kink'. Like all that they do, it's all about them!!! What else can they do to get famous today? We now have a sterile real environment and boring virtual environment. It's not wonder everyone is walking around like a zombie and zombie films are so hip. We have become the zombies. I'm glad I'm an old man and this all is moot now for me. I'm thrilled I lived my life when life was authentic. You can have this world. I thank God every night for global warming and disasters. We don't deserve life. Give the world back to nature.

After about 10 or 15 minutes I just turned this off. The video seems only minimally connected to what the person speaking in the background is talking about. During the first segment, the video was primarily of floors in stores, sidewalks and the ground along wooded paths. Otherwise it was random buildings, bridges and other structures as someone holding the camera walked along or held the camera while riding in a car. I am completely mystified as to why anyone would video floors and pavement and claim they're produced anything beyond a boring oral presentation.

While watching these things, in the background various people "reminisced" about some personal experiences they had cruising toilets or in parks or at various beaches. None of it was remotely interesting or informative or of historical interest.