It’s hard to go on any social media today and not see the news of the passing of director William Friedkin, at the age of 87. While he made plenty of films, it really was only two that gave him the notoriety that he carried with him for the rest of his career, the first being The French Connection (1971) and, of course, The Exorcist (1973). On the later, one can argue about his tactics on set (and one should), but the end results that ended up on film are just incredible, giving us, without question, one of the scariest films of all time. It is a film that still holds up today and can still pack the same slap to the face, has he had done to Father William O’ Malley, playing Father Dyer, right before the scene where he gives Karras his Last Rites.
Because of The Exorcist, Friedkin will never be forgotten in the minds of not only horror fans, but movie fans in general. He was able to create one powerful film, obviously with the help of many talented actors, makeup artists, technicians, and everyone else involved in that film. But without his craziness leading the charge, who knows if it would have been as effective.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Friedkin. Thank you for the nightmares.
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