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This Iconic Director Once Conquered Hollywood - A Look Back at William Friedkin's Legendary Career

2023-08-07

The French Connection - Friedkin's 1971 crime thriller, starring Gene Hackman, earned him an Academy Award for Best Director.
The Exorcist - His 1973 horror film is considered one of the scariest movies ever made and earned him a second Academy Award nomination for Best Director.
Sorcerer - This 1977 thriller was a financial flop but is now regarded as one of his best films.
To Live and Die in L.A. - This 1985 neo-noir crime thriller starred Willem Dafoe and earned Friedkin his third Academy Award nomination for Best Director.
Jade - This 1995 erotic thriller, starring David Caruso and Linda Fiorentino, was a commercial and critical failure.
Killer Joe - This 2011 neo-noir black comedy, starring Matthew McConaughey, earned Friedkin his fourth Academy Award nomination for Best Director.
The Devil and Father Amorth - This 2017 documentary, which follows a real-life exorcism, was Friedkin's most recent directorial effort.

2023-08-07

The Exorcist - William Friedkin’s 1973 horror film is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, and has been praised for its psychological depth and stunning visuals. It was the first horror film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.
The French Connection - Friedkin’s 1971 crime thriller is considered to be one of the greatest police dramas ever made, and it earned him an Academy Award for Best Director. It was also the first film to win both the Academy Award for Best Picture and the Golden Globe Award for Best Drama.
Sorcerer - Friedkin’s 1977 thriller was a box office failure, but it has become a cult classic and is now seen as one of his most underrated films. It is renowned for its intense action scenes and its use of sound design.
To Live and Die in L.A. - Friedkin’s 1985 crime thriller is a highly stylized and violent exploration of the criminal underworld of Los Angeles. It was the first film to feature a car chase scene shot with a Steadicam.
The Boys in the Band - Friedkin’s 1970 drama is a landmark film, as it was the first Hollywood film to portray openly gay characters. It was also the first film to be adapted from a play by a gay playwright.