RIP William Friedkin (August 29, 1935 - August 7, 2023)

I have only watched a handful of films by William Friedkin (listed below), most on TV or VHS, and I’m looking forward to seeing his latest The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial that will premier at the Venice International Film Festival in a few weeks.

Despite that, I’ve always enjoyed reading or hearing his no holds barred interviews and conversations. His memoir The Friedkin Connection is always highly praised as an essential read about Hollywood, and think it’s time I buy myself a copy.

There are countless interviews with Friedkin online that are worth watching and reading. But over here I’m sharing this very long interview with Marc Maron on his WTF podcast from 2016.

Director William Friedkin is a consummate storyteller, which explains why he tells such an entertaining story of his own life, rooted in three recurring themes: faith, fate and film. Within that story, William tells Marc about the making of The French Connection and The Exorcist, the failure and resurgence of his film Sorcerer, and his reasons for never wanting to do a second take.

I also suggest you read moving tribute by James Gray in The Hollywood Reporter

As the years passed, he spoke of his mortality with greater frequency yet without a trace of self-pity. He seemed at peace, and his view of time’s relentless melt had the air of acceptance about it.

I remember watching The French Connection (1971) on TV as a kid, and the infamous car chase scene has stayed with me.

I don’t remember when and where, but I’ve only watched The Exorcist (1973) at home. Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells is one of my favourite film scores. The restored version of the film will be screening at this year’s edition of the Venice International Film Festival and I’m looking forward to watching it.

I think Jade (1995) was a VHS viewing and hope it’s a film I can see in a cinema someday. There’s an episode about it on You Must Remember This - Erotic 90s series that’s worth listening to.

In 2019 I watched for the very first time Cruising (1980) on the 35mm print of its initial release, part of The Shady Eighties: American Cinema Below the Line Programme at Zomerfilmcollege 2019.

I leave you with a music video from 1984 he directed that I remember very well, Self Control by Laura Branigan (1952-2004). Quite racy and caused a bit of stir at the time.