Discussion with Filmmaker William Friedkin at New York Film Academy

William Friedkin is an American film director, producer and screenwriter best known for directing "The French Connection" in 1971 and "The Exorcist" in 1973; for the former, he won the Academy Award for Best Director.

[@RamseyMcV]

Old school. Loves answering questions and is obviously a film fan first. People like him are dying out. Great story tellers, very honest and not selling something or hiding behind a billion dollar brand.

[@Valkonnen]

I'm here, and am willing to answer any question based on my 35 years in film.

[@UltimateNinja-fe6yh]

I could listen to and watch Friedkin talk about films for the rest of my life.

[@SailfishSoundSystem]

Agreed.

[@RoddyTullenz]

"Most movies should be watched with your emotions...I'm not looking at filmmakers for their philosophy, ideology, or psychology" So good, so true.

[@KrisBryant99]

Most of his movies are ironically rooted in all that you listed lol In fact a lot of 70s Cinema like Network and Chinatown was political

[@MaeyaTVusa]

The creator hinking is important

[@TomatoKing1817]

I watch them with both. They don't have to be mutually exclusive.

[@LorraineHinchliffe-vg5cb]

What a legend. RIP Billy Friedkin sir, the world is a far duller place without you!❤

[@SailfishSoundSystem]

Exactly. Look at the cesspool Hollywood pumps out now. Buy the films you love and and stop paying for all these dumb SaaS services that edit these films and they do. A lot. Same with music. Own a hard copy. Then copy that for future generations.

[@intuitiveimprints]

What a filmmaker and what a unique personality he was. Loved his sense of humor and his “tell it like it is” attitude. No BS with this man. He also was a filmmaker willing to take lots of risks. Sometimes they paid off big time and sometimes not. But the point is, he always stayed true to his vision and never compromised. He’s a legend in cinema and I will miss him dearly. RIP William Friedkin 🙏🏻

[@LorraineHinchliffe-vg5cb]

Spot on mate. RIP Billy Friedkin sir, the world is a far duller place without him❤

[@ricarleite]

William Friedkin is the "teacher" director. He knows a LOT and he demands a lot from those who listen from him - and he is just brilliant.

[@nickfekula6617]

Why didn't he get a standing ovation?

[@dantedlane2]

@@nickfekula6617 hes dropping jewels my goodness sharing secrets he shouldnt

[@Grdnp03]

This is one of the greatest american filmmakers in the history of cinema.

[@christofferjenzen78]

Even Friedkins failures have a quality and watchability to them,always great camera work and him trying to bring the stories to life. What a legend.

[@marcusmorgan2373]

To Live and Die in LA is so god damned overlooked and underrated

[@mguevarra61]

A damn good film, if you ask me....

[@foosbooze263]

Along with Sorcerer.

[@marcusmorgan2373]

@@foosbooze263 agree...Sorcerer is one of the best films of the 70s

[@kramalerav]

@@foosbooze263 Sorcerer was an interesting misfire.

[@FrancoisDressler]

@@kramalerav Wrong.

[@tomhamilton5261]

One of the greatest film directors ever. Brilliant speaker and insightful man.

[@greg1mcintosh844]

The two months before the sudden passing or at least I didn't know he was on his way to passing of Leonard Cohen I became spontaneously and inexplicably obsessed with everything about him always interviews his music. I got in touch with the background poetry and music of my generation that I never directly paid attention to but was always there from that genius and when I had exhaust my interest listening excessively he died. Suddenly an out-of-the-blue two months ago I started being excessively excessively preoccupied with all things William friedkin. Is interviews these talks is movies blah blah blah I found out he died.. I've had that experience with other artists off and on in my life. Personally I think it's a gift some wonderful thing can't explain it I'm so glad that I could learn and feel who these people were under absolute on her obsessive genius I love that so much. Thank you Leonard and William. You live on

[@rossdiamondthief6627]

William Friedkin is a great/underrated and under appreciated Director now. He seriously deserves more love/attention now!

[@pressureworks]

Not by any means underrated nor under appreciated. Get out of here.

[@Golfstar17]

Underrated? Under Appreciated? Have you been living under a rock? He's been listed as one of the greats since the 70's

[@Superpowerless1]

I could listen to Friedkin all day..such an insightful, interesting guy

[@JosephHfx]

Buy his book....The Friedkin Connection.

[@JacobLomax]

Film Lecture where he also roasts the audience if they aren’t paying attention or yawning but also if they’re paying too much attention lol I WORSHIP THIS MAN !

[@philipperholland]

it is cool he totally rejects the sit in the chair and take questions before an audience format thing and immediately belittles the host and engages the audience haha

[@philipperholland]

charmingly of course

[@robertnegron9706]

Stand up comedy at its best.

[@stefanross8129]

.... He was GREAT.

[@judyd5011]

Ll I'm l

[@TheCreepyKroly]

This man is so hilarious. Very dry and no-nonsense. I love his approach to answers and telling stories. I hope nobody in the crowd interpreted him as being rude or in an unpleasant mood. This is a very particular sense of humor that not everyone gets, unfortunately.

[@davidsantacarla]

How lucky the world we’ve lived in to have Billy Friedkin.

[@gterrymed]

He's so generous; with this interviews and lectures videos all over KZbin, its like he never left us.

[@bankcounsel]

This guy is basically my favorite now. After this Q&A, he leaped everyone else. What a performer himself.

[@snolan1990]

Willy Friedkin. Perhaps the greatest raconteur of all time.

[@legendofbillyjean]

“Everything you see, we had to do.” That’s how you make a great movie!

[@stefanross8129]

.... R.I.P. William Friedkin. We lost one of the great filmmakers.

[@СемёнПетров-з4щ]

i have ENDLESS respect for William Friedkin. What a legend!

[@schmui]

What a hero. "Don't pull too hard!", Linda Blair said. He didn't give a

[@anameofsomesort959]

William Friedkin always sounds like he's ADRed over in interviews. What a voice.

[@KenWenWinPow]

The Hithcock anecdote with the tie business is so good, what a life this man had, and the body of work he leaves behind 👏

[@particleboy3584]

'French Connection,' 'The Exorcist' and 'Sorcerer' - that lightning struck three times in one lifetime is incredible. And that's just three of the best, let alone everything else. One of a handful of geniuses of the New Hollywood.

[@Nintendonomics]

@@kramalerav Nah. He's one of the greats

[@kramalerav]

@@Nintendonomics Absolutely one of the greats..when working with the right material. Deal of the Century, The Guardian and Bug were all pretty terrible.

[@mnewman7775]

Live and Die in LA

[@jonaslafonte9070]

The film world will never see another William Friedkin or any semblance of him.....

[@escondido3901]

What an immense loss! Rest in peace Mr. William Friedkin! 🙏🙂🥀

[@sonpham32]

The French Connection and To Live and Die in L.A. are masterpieces. RIP.

[@tylertilwick6852]

I love any interview with Mr. William Friedkin! His knowledge about films and the craft of filmmaking, along with his anecdotes/stories were so entertaining to me! RIP Mr. Friedkin❤🙏

[@anthonyjohnson8672]

i would pay big to listen to friedkin,he commands respect,brilliant guy

[@Alexander-tj2dn]

French Connection and The Exorcist were such incredible and superb films.

[@hauntedhose]

He’s 82 years old ?? Looks f’ing amazing…god bless him and his no bullshit approach 🇺🇸🙏

[@generationselfie]

Dude you’re stupid, this was 12 years ago. Moron.

[@MrScopophiliac]

a beautiful man with such humour and generosity and great insight!

[@redmondo42]

Love this guy. So engaging to listen to, yet so unfiltered and irreverent as well. A true legend of cinema.

[@roneteus]

Damn. Friedkin is the best. Would love to see him talk about his other works as well. Other than The French Connection and The Exorcist. He has so many overlooked movies that deserve more attention.

[@BrentWilkins7777]

Yep, such as his first feature film, “Good Times” (1967) starring Sonny and Cher. I would have loved to hear his views on that film.

[@kthx1138]

I like this guy, Friedkin--he's hilarious! He's a no-nonsense, no bullshit guy! His documentary-style realism is exactly what I go for when I make a film. I really love getting gorgeous images in almost no light.

[@rossdiamondthief6627]

There’s no phoniness or pretentiousness with William Friedkin. So humble and down to earth. Love this man!

[@stevenmcnicoll5060]

I had the great pleasure of meeting him at the Edinburgh International Film Festival after a screening of Killer Joe. He was a delight to talk to. Modest, self deprecating and funny.

[@sttarch5150]

I've watched thousands of YT vids and this is one of the best.

[@JacobLomax]

Don’t go to film school: go to films and listen to Fridekin!

[@chrisgjohnson134]

INCREDIBLE DIRECTOR AND AMAZING HUMAN .......

[@benjijack22]

R.I.P - What a film maker he was! 29/8/35 - 7/8/23

[@universaltalentbookings1389]

William Friedkin is Hilarious . and very entertaining . Man I would have loved to have worked with him on one of his sets.

[@Damiano0630]

An extremely bright and forthcoming man who speaks as well about the craft of film as anyone. This is a true master class for these students. Love the Nick Nolte vignette too.

[@killbot_factory]

15:03 whoa, I had no idea that Friedkin had directed Peter Bogdanovich's classic film Paper Moon!

[@antonioHR23]

this guy is such a great speaker its like watching stand-up setup-punchline setup-punchline

[@devin_shivmaster]

He didn't direct Paper Moon.. That was Peter Bogdanovich.

[@MindBat]

Mr. Friedkin is a movie directing GOD.

[@markybgoode]

Wow!! The man is brilliant. I was entertained the entire time. Thanx for posting.

[@alxandermurillo]

The last minute carries a heavy weight. We will keep trying. Thank you, sir. RIP.

[@MrOkami75]

Thanks for uploading this. He's a brilliant speaker.

[@Walber996]

What an incredible director...I will never forget the Exorcist...

[@misterpowers5234]

RIP Legend🙏🕊

[@cnfuzz]

If you listen to him how he explains you understand why he was among the greatest directors.

[@Freeskiingisdabest]

Friedkin is the definition of a badass.

[@JosephHfx]

I love listening to him...very compelling talker...

[@nickfekula6617]

excellent speaker

[@JamesMc2051]

Great directors have a really strong vision and idea and that comes through in him as a person. He knows what he likes and what he wants to do.

[@ThomasLuca]

To all you film students, listen and learn from Billy, because he's one of the few #MastersofCinema

[@stefanross8129]

..... I've met Billy friedkin a few times and he was great! He had such insights into filmmaking and his approach to making good movies. He's quite an inspiration.

[@chronoslv3]

I like how he doesn't bother sitting down and barely pays attention to the woman interviewer. This guy is real

[@_scabs6669]

Did anybody else notice But I love how Friedkin projects confidence He is obviously a bull of a man in the absolute best and loveliest way He says "No stupid questions" in such a way that you know that no question is stupid I thought it was very interesting when I noticed in the comments that he's in his 80's He adds pauses for dramatic effect sometimes, but others it's for his own memory I love the way he asks "Am I putting you to sleep" It's not so much to demand attention at it is an interjection for his own sake, to take a breath and/or let his own memory buffer We can learn so much about charisma from this guy

[@radonpq99]

Such an intelligent witty and brilliant person, only he could have pulled off a film like Exorcist, the film should have been given oscar for best picture and best director.

[@samreid9106]

“Anyone know who Peter Boyle is? He was on Everybody Loves Raymond that stupid show.” I love Friedkin

[@robertnegron9706]

I worked in the Randall’s wards island area back in the 80’s 90,s and 2000’s. Remember seeing the bridge they used in the final scene. Friedkin was rejected a permit for filming in that area by the parks Dept. So he had everyone show up real early before the parks DEPT knew what was happening. The rest is history. Great film making etc. one of the film greats.

[@joeb5765]

"It meant zippo". I'm from Manchester and to see empty chairs at this event boggles my mind. He stands up throughout the entire event and doesnt get a standing ovation? I cannot empathise with these people. And its not even like he doesn't deliver. It's insightful and funny and extremely entertaining. For some reason these people aren't that arsed. I honestly don't get it.

[@RustyApper]

I'm up the road in Wigan and , ahhhh what I wouldn't give to be at an audience with Bill!

[@nigelinasia2088]

That audience did not deserve him. 猫に小判。

[@LorraineHinchliffe-vg5cb]

Spot on mate, I'm from Salford. RIP Billy Friedkin sir, the world is a far duller place without him❤

[@billybarnell1996]

I’m from down Sheffield way and I couldn’t agree more. RIP to a legend 💛

[@jared7237]

This is unbelievably good. Thank you for this upload @newyorkfilmacademy, sincerely.

[@percyweasley9301]

Why didn't he get a standing ovation?

[@jrdoran]

Had a smile on my face while watching all the way thru. Such a charming, funny, and intelligent guy who commands the room. RIP

[@jimcameron1234]

Seven years ago he looks so fit for his age yesterday I was shocked about his looking three months ago in his fifty anniversary Interview

[@kerwingo99]

Absolute legend.

[@z31rider24]

Fucken Bad Ass Director. Remembering some of the things Director John Carpenter said on his Movie Halloween; shot in 20 days, phenomenal. French Connection; shot in like 30 or 40 days. Incredible that Movie Directors were able to pull that off and make movie history.

[@billjones8503]

The bang at the end I thought was one of those iron doors slamming. And to me was a stroke of genius. Great aural finale gave it gravitas.

[@dirbrody]

So glad I went to school there. Graduate of 2007...

[@roquefortfiles]

Billy is the perfect conduit from the old to the new Hollywood. What a raconteur. And a very good film maker.

[@Joe-rj3dy]

What an amazing man. I'm either going to have to drop one of my three choices for the proverbial dinner of a lifetime or go against the rules and add a fourth. There's no way I'm having that dinner without the great William Friedkin at the table. Richard Plantagenet III, Farouk Bulsara, and Penny Chenery would all be happy to see Billy at the table!!!

[@enriquesinghjr]

Underrated! Maybe he won't rank in most people's Top 10 best film directors of all time, but for many years I always thought of him as among my favorite people to listen to talk about cinema, through his interviews/commentaries he was one of my favorite film professors.

[@ThomasLuca]

*applause* THE EXORCIST (1973), SORCERER (1977) are masterpieces. And I'd love to see Fritz Lang Interviewed by William Friedkin (1975) Conversation with Fritz Lang. *thumbs up* Thank You, Bill, for terror-ific movie memories.

[@danieljp3048]

The chyron at 15:04 states Friedkin directed “Paper Moon.” He did not. Peter Bogdonovich did.

[@dominicgarrison4545]

I like the how the cocaine, firearms and megalomania aged into sarcasm. My favorite director to listen to

[@jeffdawson2786]

Maverick director. An era of American filmmaking that changed the industry forever.

[@jimcameron1234]

Joseph was the MAVERICK director!

[@cfx5000]

The director of the most powerful film that will ever be made. No one can take that away from him.

[@jeshkam]

I'm so in love with this guy. I truly wish he was my dad :))

[@jeremykoerner4100]

Fantastic! Thank you so much!

[@greatdelusion7654]

A master of his craft. Literally no one else could’ve made The Exorcist. There’s a video somewhere in which Tarantino explains well why only Friedkin could’ve made it.

[@massi6528]

How come this only have 80000 views!? Thanks a lot for sharing. 👍

[@AoiHeartStranger]

I think there is value in endulging in the art of cinema instead of trying to make everything seem real. Thats what made Buster Keaton stuff so good. I really want to watch "To live and die in LA" now, cause it looks very cinematic, without any pretense.

[@brandonkashinsky9222]

I love that Friedkin is not sitting down for the whole time. Acts like a professor

[@valentinapenta2715]

"How do you qualify to get in here?" Good question, Mr. Friedkin.

[@kthx1138]

Lean, Scott, Kubrick, Hitchcock, Spielberg--superb visual stylists.

[@jc6594]

Happy 85th Birthday William Friedkin

[@nikitamcconnell8027]

That’s a genius. In real life he’s probably an asshole but that’s a part of him being a genius. Marvelous speech.

[@Valkonnen]

Do people realize what it means to be a student of film and have someone of his stature give you that kind of encouragement at the end? At least a handful of those people had their lives changed that night, and here they thought that they were just going to hear some director give an interview.

[@Sortirai]

Good evening, I remember when the connection was released, a very popular program in France told us about the number of shots during the chase. we were impressed. this director had so much to tell, I sometimes watch his films with the bonus videos c'est le cinema!!!

[@Romul099]

Brilliant director Sorcerer is masterpiece of adventure movie

[@winterbird4447]

This proves that to be a filmmaker one also has to be a great storyteller. Cause that is in essence what Friedkin is doing here.

[@ChachiTelevision1979]

Friedkin is insane, I love him. May he RIP.

[@abanustrickland368]

He's like sweet and sour the person.

[@sm70911]

My hero - the Don - a true old school director whose films will never be forgotten because the improve with age

[@danjeup5569]

This is great and so is William Friedkin, but he did NOT direct PAPER MOON as credited at the 15:03 mark. Peter Bogdanovich directed PAPER MOON. Whoever put this together didn't do their research and needs to correct this huge error. Both directors are amazing and their films are too. If you haven't seen their movies, do so. You'll love them.

[@davidgray2805]

My favorite scenes he did was from the Iraq scenes of the Exorcist.

[@watchxfiles]

Wow I wish I was in film school and was able to meet him