Monday, August 7, 2023

Oscar Winning Director 'William Friedkin' of 'The French Connection' dies at 87

William Friedkin is a 1970's film director who drastically changed the horror genre with "The Exorcist" (1973). When the movie premiered. Film-goers had to walk out of theaters because of a girl's body being taken over by "The Devil." It became a box office smash and set the model with horror films to come. It was revolutionary. 

Friedkin never returned to direct the movie sequels. He also believed that "The Exorcist" could never be made with the current CGI special effects. He directed his film which had a documentary feel. It was created from the ground up with movie-sets, make-up and powerful sounded effects. The movie was never replicated since 1973 and became an original masterpiece.  

Note: I only watched "The Exorcist" once and will never see it again. (You call the "Devil" and he will come).

Friedkin won the Best Director Oscar for "The French Connection" (1971). He also went on-to direct the controversial "Cruising" (1980) with Al Pacino. It's about a gay male killer in New York. 

My favorite is "To Live and Die in L.A." (1985). It is on my top 10 Best List of movies from the 1980's.

"Scorcerer" (1977) has now become a cult classic and fans cannot get enough of this movie. It was released on the same weekend as "Star Wars.!!" Freidkin thanked fans of this film at a recent revival screening.

William Friedkin - Rest in Peace....


(Below) Warner Bros... Behind the Scenes of "The Exorcist."


(Below) 2023 4K Ultra HD Official Trailer "The Exorcist"



(Below) 1985 Original Trailer "To Live and Die in L.A."

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