Image via Giphy
William Friedkin, an American film director with a prolific career that spanned several decades, sadly passed away last week at the age of 87. Having been closely aligned with the ‘New Hollywood’ movement of the 1970’s, his formative work included direction of an episode of the anthology series ‘The Alfred Hithcock Hour’ in 1965. He found initial success with the 1971 neo-noir action/thriller ‘The French Connection’, which went on to win 5 Academy Awards. He then directed his most famous film ‘The Exorcist’ in 1973, which has gone down in history as one of the most iconic and influential horror films of all time. Over the next few decades, he made several further films within a variety of genres that received varying levels of critical and commercial success. Check out some of his works from within our catalogue below.
The French connection
One of the greatest crime movies of the 70s (which means it’s one of the best ever) this also won a handful of Oscars (Best Picture, Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor for Gene Hackman). Based on real events, The French Connection is about two New York Police Detectives played Hackman and Roy Scheider, and their investigation into the heroin pipeline flooding New York from the French port of Marseilles which, at the time, resulted in the biggest drug seizure in Police history. Hackman is ‘Popeye’ Doyle, an unapologetic, arrogant, rule breaking cop who sees the job, and the fight against drug-pushers, as nothing short of a war – and one in which he’ll put innocent lives in danger to win. Hackman and Scheider play a cat and mouse game as they struggle to bring down French drug kingpin Alain Charnier, the titular French Connection. Everything in the film looks dirty – the streets, the people, the leads, the city itself – giving the movie a grainy edgy feel. Directed by William Friedkin, with a screenplay by Ernest Tidyman (creator of the Shaft novels/movies) the movie is fast paced and suspenseful, and there are a few out and out action scenes in it, including the famous car chase where Hackman pursues a train under the elevated subway tracks, which still ranks as the best car chase ever filmed. And the gritty inconclusive ending, filmed in a decrepit building still jolts. (Mark)
The exorcist
“The frightening and realistic tale of an innocent girl inhabited by a terrifying entity, her mother’s frantic resolve to save her, and two priests, one doubt-ridden, the other a rock of faith, joined in battling ultimate evil. The extended director’s cut includes over ten minutes of footage deleted before the film’s 1973 release.” (Adapted from catalogue)
To live and die in L.A
Fans of CSI’s William L. Peterson (Grissom) may well be surprised by this 1985 movie, based on the novel by former Secret Service agent Gerald Petievich. Peterson plays Richard Chance an arrogant and cocky Secret Service agent on the trail of a ruthless counterfeiter (one of Willem Dafoe’s best roles). When Peterson’s mentor, a fellow agent about to retire, is killed by Dafoe he becomes obsessed with bringing down the clever counterfeiter – and will do anything to do it. Directed by William Friedkin (French Connection) this cynical, yet thoroughly entertaining movie blurs the line between the law enforcement officers and the criminals, as Peterson’s character is prepared to do anything from manipulating his informant (Debra Feuer), corrupting his new rookie partner (John Pankow), stealing, and even murder to get the job done. Features one of the greatest car chases ever filmed – going the wrong way up a freeway in rush hour traffic – and a bleakly cynical ending. (Mark)
Bug
“Agnes has finally escaped her abusive ex-husband Goss, who has recently been released from state prison. Agnes is a lonely waitress with a tragic past who moves into a sleazy, run-down Oklahoma motel room with her lesbian co-worker R.C. She, in turn, introduces Agnes to Gulf War veteran, Peter, a peculiar, paranoiac drifter and they begin a tentative romance. However, things don’t always seem as they appear and Agnes is about to experience a claustrophobic nightmare reality as the bugs begin to arrive.” (Adapted from catalogue)
Killer Joe
“When 22 year old drug dealer Chris has his stash stolen by his mother, he has to come up with six thousand dollars quick or he’s dead. Desperate, he turns to “Killer Joe” when he finds out that his mother’s life insurance policy is worth $50,000. Although Joe usually demands cash up front, he finds himself willing to bend the rules in exchange for Chris’ attractive younger sister, Dottie, who will serve as sexual collateral until the money comes in… if it ever does.” (Adapted from catalogue)
