The Legacy and Artistry of William Friedkin: From The Exorcist to The French Connection

Director of The Exorcist and The French Connection, William Friedkin, Dies at Age 87

The Passing of a Cinematic Master

William Friedkin, the acclaimed director of iconic films such as The Exorcist and The French Connection, has passed away at the age of 87. Friedkin’s death was confirmed by his widow, Sherry Lansing, who described him as a wonderful husband and father. The cause of his death has yet to be confirmed, but the director had been battling health issues in recent years.

A Career Defined by Masterpieces

Although Friedkin’s career began in the early 1960s, it was in the 1970s that he achieved his greatest success. His film, The French Connection, released in 1971, won five Academy Awards, including Best Director. The movie, a crime thriller, solidified Friedkin’s place as a true cinematic master.

However, it was The Exorcist, released in 1973, that truly cemented Friedkin’s status as a legendary filmmaker. The horror film about a possessed young girl shocked audiences and became a cultural phenomenon. It earned 10 Academy Award nominations and won two, and went on to gross $500 million worldwide. The Exorcist spawned multiple sequels, with the latest installment, The Exorcist: The Believer, set for release in October 2021.

A Controversial Legacy

Friedkin was known for his strong opinions and was famously critical of remakes of his films. He once stated that all attempts to remake The Exorcist were “ridiculous” and claimed his version was far superior to any others. Despite his decline in form after The Exorcist, with films like Sorcerer (1977) receiving mixed reviews and box office disappointment, Friedkin’s wider legacy as a filmmaker remains highly regarded by critics and audiences alike.

An Enduring Impact

The news of Friedkin’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from celebrities and fans on social media. Actors, like Elijah Wood, have paid homage to his influence and described him as a true cinematic master whose impact will continue to extend forever.

Friedkin is survived by his widow, Sherry Lansing, who is a former studio chief, and his two sons. His untimely passing leaves a void in the world of cinema, but his remarkable body of work will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.

Stay tuned for more information on William Friedkin’s latest movie, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, to be released posthumously at the Venice Film Festival.