Iconic Filmmaker William Friedkin Remembered and Honored by Collaborators and Admirers
Renowned filmmaker William Friedkin, best known for his groundbreaking horror film “The Exorcist,” passed away on Monday at the age of 87. As news of his death spread, numerous collaborators and admirers paid tribute to his immense talent and enduring legacy.
Friedkin’s impact on the film industry remains significant, with an upcoming sequel to “The Exorcist” set to be released in October. Additionally, his film “The French Connection” is remembered for featuring one of the most iconic car chases in cinema history.
In a statement, Ellen Burstyn, who starred in “The Exorcist” and is reprising her role in the upcoming sequel titled “The Exorcist: Believer,” fondly remembered Friedkin as a smart, cultured, and fearless filmmaker. Burstyn described him as an original and a genius.
Jason Blum, the producer behind the “Exorcist” trilogy of upcoming sequels through his production company Blumhouse, expressed his personal indebtedness to Friedkin and his sorrow at the filmmaker’s passing. Blum credited Friedkin with revolutionizing the horror genre and changing audience perceptions of horror films. He also praised the remarkable body of work Friedkin left behind.
Director David Gordon Green, who helms the upcoming “Exorcist” sequels, regarded Friedkin as an inspiration and a brilliant artist. Green expressed sadness at the loss of a genius whose work, including “The French Connection” and “Sorcerer,” would continue to influence filmmakers for years to come.
Scott Derrickson, known for directing “Doctor Strange” and his work in horror films, remembered his interactions with Friedkin on Twitter, calling it an honor to have exchanged lengthy chats with the late director. Derrickson treasured Friedkin’s support and praise for his film “The Black Phone” and hailed “The Exorcist” and “Sorcerer” as two of the greatest films ever made.
Matt Reeves, director of “The Batman,” described Friedkin as a towering artist and expressed deep admiration for his incredible work both on screen and in opera. Reeves referred to Friedkin’s staging of Puccini’s “Suor Angelica” as one of the most moving experiences he had witnessed.
Chris Miller, one half of the creative duo behind “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” recalled meeting Friedkin earlier this year and discussing the significant influence his film “Sorcerer” had on him and his creative partner, Phil Lord. Miller emphasized that “Sorcerer” was not about wizards but a tense and thrilling journey through the jungle.
Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary filmmaker behind “The Godfather” trilogy, grieved the loss of Friedkin, whom he considered a much-loved companion. Coppola praised Friedkin’s extraordinary accomplishments in cinema, pointing out how his work, including “The French Connection,” “The Exorcist,” and “Sorcerer,” represented true milestones. He described Friedkin as a beautiful, brilliant, and deep-feeling giant of a man, and his films as masterpieces that would continue to astound viewers.
Guillermo del Toro, director of “Pinocchio,” mourned the loss of a true scholar and dear friend, considering Friedkin one of the gods of cinema. Del Toro proclaimed them fortunate to have had Friedkin in their lives.
Lesli Linka Glatter, president of the Directors Guild, honored Friedkin by recognizing his mastery of storytelling in various genres. Glatter acknowledged his role in breaking cinematic conventions and influencing director-driven filmmaking during the New Hollywood era. She referred to “The French Connection” as the quintessential thriller and highlighted how “The Exorcist” still served as the template for horror films to this day.
Actress Natasha Lyonne paid tribute to Friedkin by sharing a photo on social media of a script for a Mae West biopic that he had adapted. Lyonne expressed her love for Friedkin and promised to cherish the script always.
Al Jean, showrunner of “The Simpsons,” shared an image of Friedkin’s work featured in a 2017 episode of the long-running series. Jean praised Friedkin as one of his all-time cinema heroes and credited him as a genius and an icon.
Elijah Wood, known for his roles in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, regarded Friedkin as a true cinematic master whose influence would endure forever.
Author Stephen King expressed his sorrow at Friedkin’s passing and hailed him as a deeply talented filmmaker. King considered “The Exorcist” a great film but regarded “Sorcerer” as the true classic among Friedkin’s works.
Comedian Marc Maron paid tribute to Friedkin by describing him as a director who made some of the greatest movies ever.
The passing of William Friedkin is a great loss to the film industry, but his contributions and extraordinary body of work will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.