William Friedkin, renowned director of ‘The French Connection’ and ‘The Exorcist,’ passes away at 87.
Famed Film Director William Friedkin Passes Away at 87
The world mourns the loss of renowned film director William Friedkin, a true master of his craft. With an illustrious career that included Oscar-winning films like “The French Connection” and iconic works such as “The Exorcist,” “Rules of Engagement,” and “Sorcerer,” Friedkin leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Born in Chicago in 1935, Friedkin’s journey to success was not without its challenges. His parents, Jewish emigrants from Ukraine, fled their homeland after a violent anti-Semitic pogrom in 1903. Despite not excelling academically, Friedkin’s passion for storytelling led him to the world of television at a young age.
At just 18 years old, Friedkin was already directing live television shows and documentaries. His talent was recognized when his work on “The People vs. Paul Crump” earned him an award at the esteemed San Francisco International Film Festival.
In 1965, Friedkin made his mark in Hollywood with the directorial debut of “Good Times,” starring the beloved duo Sonny and Cher. This was only the beginning of a remarkable career that would solidify his status as a visionary filmmaker.
However, it was in 1971 that Friedkin truly made his mark with the groundbreaking film “The French Connection.” This gripping crime drama, inspired by Costa-Gavras’ “Z,” revolutionized the way films were shot, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. The film’s success was undeniable, earning Friedkin five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.
“After I saw ‘Z,’ I realized how I could shoot ‘The French Connection.’ Because he shot ‘Z’ like a documentary. It was a fiction film but it was made like it was actually happening, like the camera didn’t know what was gonna happen next. And that is an induced technique. It looks like he happened upon the scene and captured what was going on as you do in a documentary. My first films were documentaries, too. So I understood what he was doing but I never thought you could do that in a feature at that time until I saw ‘Z.'”
Friedkin’s brilliance continued to shine with his next masterpiece, ”The Exorcist,” which garnered 10 Oscar nominations and solidified its place in cinematic history. He further showcased his talent with films like “Sorcerer,” a personal favorite, and “To Live and Die in LA,” which received critical acclaim.
Throughout his career, Friedkin remained true to his artistic vision, never shying away from controversial subjects. His film “Rules of Engagement,” a thought-provoking exploration of the U.S. military, challenged societal norms and showcased his unwavering commitment to storytelling.
Beyond his own work, Friedkin held great admiration for fellow filmmakers and actors. He expressed his fondness for films like “Alien,” “Blade Runner,” and “Bullitt,” and praised the late Steve McQueen as a highly underrated yet sensational American film actor.
In his personal life, Friedkin experienced love and companionship with four marriages. From actress Jeanne Moreau to news anchor Kelly Lange, each relationship played a significant role in shaping his life and career. At the time of his passing, he was married to former Paramount Pictures head Sherry Lansing.
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