Remembering Director William Friedkin

Friedkin was the maestro, and he demonstrated his skill as a director.

Sadly, on August 7, 2023, at the age of 87, one of my all-time favorite directors, William Friedkin, passed away. Few people are familiar with Friedkin, but they have undoubtedly seen his work. Friendkin is responsible for some of the most artistic and, to some extent, powerful films in the history of cinema. I was in my mid-20s when Friedkin's films came to my attention: The French Connection (1971) and The Exorcist (1973).

But it wasn't until I saw Friedkin's Sorcerer (1977) that his work truly captured my attention and turned me into an ardent admirer. The fact that Friedkin broke the rules is what most intrigued people about him. I prefer it when artists deviate from the norm, as long as they have a distinctive and valid point of view. Friedkin was the maestro, and he demonstrated his skill as a director.

Friedkin released two other timeless classics, Bug and Killer Joe, between the years of 2006 and 2011. I was absolutely blown away by every part of these two movies. In order to analyze every aspect of the movies, including the narrative, dialogue, camera angles, editing, sound, and production design, I viewed them repeatedly. The acting performances in a Friedkin movie are a totally separate topic. His actors were his pupils, and they served as the "souls" of Friedkin's films.

A Friedkin movie gives you the impression that you're seeing a documentary because of the sense of realism he gives them. He had no qualms about putting his performers in perilous positions, and his performers had no qualms about carrying out his instructions. Friedkin's movies, however, always have a cinematic flair. Most of the time, documentaries don't give you that kind of emotion, but Friedkin's work was nonetheless cinematic and realistic.

I should also point out how Friedkin's contribution to film changed the industry. It made the medium better. His body of work has had an impact on other filmmakers and will continue to do so. Friedkin loved film, and if he lived another 87 years, he would be the only one to elevate the art form because William Friedkin was not an ordinary filmmaker. He will be sorely missed, and the movies he left behind will always be treasured and studied.

William Friedkin, may you rest in peace and I’m grateful for your films.