William Friedkin's Favorite Films of all Time

Academy Award winning director William Friedkin gives us his favorite films of all time and more in this 2012 interview for FADE IN MAGAZINE.

[@jackspry9736]

RIP William Friedkin (August 29, 1935 - August 7, 2023), aged 87 You will be remembered as a legend.

[@toniputin1096]

I didn't even know he died until I read your comment. Shows how shameful our political climate and the media is right now, that he doesn't even get a mention anywhere. Probably because in life as well as his films, he spoke too much truth.

[@jdxsr85]

The news of his passing was all over the place.

[@JoJO187ism]

He made one last movie before passing. To Live and Die in LA is a masterpiece ✨️ 🙌 👌🏾

[@itomba]

@@MilesjDoyleHere s a fun one in response to your ridiculous non Sequitur; Christians who are slaves should give their masters full respect so that the name of God and his teaching will not be shamed. If your master is a Christian, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. You should work all the harder because you are helping another believer by your efforts. Teach these truths, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. (1 Timothy 6:1-2 NLT) Your Jesus had no issue with slavery and never made any proclamation forbidding it, rather he told his followers he had come to enforce the laws of the Old Testament. Even if he did exist he was an immoral man no one should have followed.

[@SwisstedChef2018]

I did not know Friedkin died, RIP Sir, you were a true Icon. Wow.

[@romanclay1913]

Instead of film school, do what Orson Welles did before he made CITIZEN KANE. He watched John Ford's STAGECOACH 30 times. Pick a film you admire and learn every edit, composition, staging, rhythm, performance etc.

[@kevinrhea7332]

Such a simple perfect approach , wells fuckin got it , bloody legend

[@HumanBeanbag]

Hunter Thompson would type The Great Gatsby word for word for similar reasons.

[@mcplainview8376]

@@tonimashdane33498and film festivals

[@Michael-vk1vr]

He was 25

[@MatimoreAgain]

Kinda what Quentin T did as well.

[@warpathh]

Films loved by William Friedkin: -Onibaba -Rosemary's Baby -Z -Alien -Bladerunner -Blood Simple -No Country for Old Men -Bullitt -Blow Up -L'Avventura -La Notte -L'Eclisse -8-1/2 -American in Paris -Bandwagon -Singing in the Rain -Gigi -All About Eve -Treasure of Sierra Madre -Birth of a Nation -Citizen Kane -Rashomon -The General -Jason Bourne films -Breathless

[@Meesterlijker]

A magnificent list. A spectacular one even

[@Meesterlijker]

Hitchcock got mentioned as well, specifically Vertigo, Psycho, North by Northwest, The Wrong Man and Notorious

[@Meesterlijker]

And Crimes and Misdemeanors

[@thorndykebarnhard]

A correction: “Blow-UP” by Antonioni is the film he cites, not de Palma’s “Blow Out” (which is nevertheless a great film in it’s own right)

[@iKickstand]

And Breathless (1960)

[@williamburke1731]

William Friedkin is a man who pulls NO punches in either his films, or his brutal honesty. Notice how he calls out the very people interviewing him, regarding their "out of focus, jump-cut" methods. No other director would probably have the balls to say that to them directly...brilliant!

[@adamadappa]

The best thing is that it does it without being patronising or smug, just honest

[@eltravos99]

I had to go to the comments to see if I just heard what I just heard. I was in disbelief like some sort of dream. That's insane he was calling them out! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@luigivincenz3843]

To live and Die in L.A. is underrated. So is William Peterson, the actor.

[@stevenolsen3162]

🤣 And doesn't watch movies or pull books off the shelf to get his history right... So I give him props for spewing pea soup and jumping bed and picking you feet in Poughkeepsie but he sucks ass as a historian....

[@rustneversleeps85]

Why would no director have the balls to say that directly to a bunch of nobodies? I don't get your Bizarro World logic

[@Rob-sk1im]

Roy Scheider's work in the 70s and early 80s was outstanding and like McQueen, Roy could express his emotions without speaking.

[@sgt.thundercok4704]

Casual loose vs. perpetually stiff.

[@TheRancor53]

@@sgt.thundercok4704which is which?

[@hunterhemingway3477]

this guy has zero pretension, just sheer honesty.

[@thegoodjinn8065]

honest about what agreeing with the KKK ?

[@furtherback6131]

@@thegoodjinn8065 Did he?

[@marcusmorgan2373]

No he didn't fucking agree with the KKK...listen more closely next time...don't be a wanker,British Bulldog

[@sarperdogan6454]

I love how whenever someones racist people just describe it as "Telling it like it is and being super honest." This whole "We all think it but he is the one saying it." approach to racism.

[@marcusmorgan2373]

@@sarperdogan6454 what are you talking about?

[@allaboutmelz]

Nobody ever talked so eloquently and passionately about film like Friedkin, I could've listen to him talk for hours. Something about his voice is so calming. R.I.P one of the greatest filmmakers of all time.

[@kurtmorrison6411]

Totally agree! If you haven't seen Leap of Faith the documentary yet, checkkkk it out. Friedkin talks about his making of The Exorcist

[@allaboutmelz]

@@MilesjDoyle Please take your religious garbage somewhere else, this is not the time nor place. Friedkin was an an agnostic, so you preaching about god on comments regarding his death is just disrespectful.

[@rogerfournier3284]

Absolutely

[@emanuelediiorio-gp7wl]

I mean, i love Friedkin and i love listening to him but... have you ever listened to how Scorsese talks about movies? I'm pretty sure even Friedkin, who was a friend of Martys, would agree with me that there has never been anyone in history who talks more beautifully, knowingly, eloquently, lovingly and passionately about motion pictures than Marty. Watch his documentary about American cinema and the one about italian cinema, or any interview, lecture or speech you can find. Friedkin himself would appreciate you doing it. May i send you much cinematic love, from an old guy living in Switzerland.

[@Shawnkells]

Friedkin's SORCEROR is the most kick-ass movie I have ever seen. Followed by To Live and Die in LA!

[@ridammisra1299]

MF A ,was searching for this comment🤠🤠

[@Stephen-lt1tp]

Such amazing movies, and I can’t believe he pretty much discovered William Peterson as a movie actor. He was so bad ass in to live and die in LA. You should listen to his interview about the end of sorcerer did he die or did he not. Friedkin says he possibly lived

[@plasticweapon]

AGREED!

[@noizetrauma242]

If you haven't, you should see The Wages of Fear, which is the original film that Sorcerer was a remake of.

[@IlluminatiLand]

"Leave Film school immediately" -- Best advice I've ever heard!

[@arlosteiner8382]

I love Friedkin but his era of getting into filmmaking is very different than today. It was far easier to get into the industry than today and getting even a PA job on a set requires some academics including those at film school are required.

[@Mormon_underwear]

@@arlosteiner8382 Film School, i.e. college, is like college sports are to the major leagues. It's a cycle. And with people like Lucas and Spielberg donating close to $1 billion, they sure aren't going to let the cycle break, even if it is good for the industry to have fresh blood from outside the circle. They peddle formulas. That's why the average joe can go see pre-screenings to test out ideas. It's all by method and statistics now. Translation: Commercial appeal.

[@dantedlane2]

Just study fine art for the frames,scene lighting understanding,study William burke poetry for descriptions and great writing,read the bible for extreme morals and understanding or cause and effect and boom you have film school ,I wasted 4 years trust me it's not worth it

[@KTK44]

@@dantedlane2 William Burke?

[@DyenamicFilms]

@@arlosteiner8382 It wasn't really easier back then to get into the industry than today. I think it was actually harder. While maybe there's a lot more 'competition' for jobs today, back then there wasn't nearly as much 'content' being produced back then and having connections to the industry was much more important in those days too. George Lucas had an extremely hard time getting a job in the industry at first even with the recommendation of Haskell Wexler (his first industry connection). I'm talking about a PA job or crew job. His professors at USC were discouraging, telling his class on the first day "You'll never get a job in this industry. At best, you'll be a ticket taker at Disneyland". Something like that. It was ALWAYS a difficult industry to get into. In one way or another, it always will be. The one advantage younger kids have today is it's so much cheaper and easier to just go out and shoot, edit and complete a film. Spielberg was told he'll never be taken seriously by the industry unless he made a professional level film shot on 35mm. You don't have that expensive worry. A phone has good enough quality. You just have to make something good. Back even 20-30 years ago which is when I started, you had to shoot on film to be taken seriously (35mm, but 16mm was acceptable, but less so). Film was so much more expensive. $1000 for 10 minutes 35mm. You pretty much had to rent cameras for hundreds, even thousands a day (to buy a camera would set you back $80,000-$100,000). Never mind post-production which was also outrageous. You want a simple dissolve in your film. $10 for each. Never mind sound mixing. Now you just slap it on in your NLE software which you can get for FREE. FREE post production software. Shooting on a relatively inexpensive, but high quality camera and not worry about how much footage I'm shooting because of cost? I would've killed for all that 25 years ago.

[@EoghanMcCarthy900]

Dude looks a lot younger than the 78 he is during this interview

[@65rowan]

No way he looks so much younger. I've seen guys 40 who look older William

[@MyTonyClifton]

When you're worth a billion dollars and one of your assets is your very own aesthetics, what do you do? You spend money on your body's maintenance, yes? You guys are both sagacious Einsteins I see, pretty amazing huh? And oh, the 40 year old that looks older than William, who makes your wages, shame on him!

[@mphrdldn]

Great skin.

[@GeorgeUK84]

Wow he looks 35!

[@starwarsroo2448]

GeorgeUK84 I swear he looks 23 done up

[@Fook_Yu]

"Cinema has become a place where everything is possible.... but in fact there's very little truth to be found" Hit the nail on the head right there

[@sof4183]

+JeanP there is that and whats more is its a script pattern now idealism and good endings and such ways to turn stuff around, but i think he mainly was talking about the crap, junk as he says, that is being repeatedly made and watched and that is superhero movies and super productions like that, the ones that really speak of nothing not even through metaphores or symbolism or analogies but that are just strictly entertainment through a mass of unseeable action coupled with dumb archetyped plots like marvel shit and such ..

[@Fook_Yu]

***** I find that its mostly commercial films that tend to be idealistic.

[@sof4183]

***** not even certain what you re saying, why dont you enlighten us as to what you think he meant by what he said ? directors like friedkin have enough notoriety and network that they can make movies that locate between the commercial and the author poles, for sure as far as im concerned what he meant by what he said when speaks of junk is souless films that are none but products meant to make money, he s saying he d like to have more different films more daring films not the average always the same stuff made by hollywood and its not like there is many directors who get the finance to make movies like that on a big commercial scale so its an issue of big producer choices and strategy actually. now as far as im concerned the most noble form of cinema is that which conveys emotion, or educate or at least get people thinking; as far as movies that dont try to do that, anything that does what it meant should be ok though sometimes it tries to do complete crap and then its not ok. open mindedness will let you see what is actually really bad, and then there is the rest which locate on different levels. so truth can be found in film yes but not necessarily through artistic lay out, and horror can be fun of course. also dont be putting words in my mouth you know the films you cited are not truth revealing films obviously neither did i say or imply that, just cuz he talks about these films in the video doesnt mean my cinema knowledge is limited to that k ? my comment refered to the video only as far as an explaination of what he meant by junk in us commercial cinema nowadays. you dont have to bother answer or reading btw.

[@kanjooslahookvinhaakvinhoo1525]

+fook yu Idealism isn't a bad thing, necessarily. I mean that's basically the message of Rashomon. The problem is a skewed worldview that works to a person's detriment, rather than his benefit ("We crossed swords thirty times!" versus "I saw the whole thing as an objective spectator would..."). Another example is The West Wing, which positively relishes in idealism as an antidote to cynicism.

[@kanjooslahookvinhaakvinhoo1525]

+sof Symbolism and metaphors aren't things to be applauded unless they're in service to entertainment and the rest of that jazz - do you even like movies? Or did someone very clever convince you that you could be just like a literary snob in a third the time if you watched this thing called A Space Odyssey? You realize Singin' in the Rain is practically devoid of metaphors besides the painfully obvious one (maybe two), and that all the sexy symbolism in Alien services the rawer, more visceral fear factor in it?

[@DarrylG]

RIP to a legend

[@mca4u]

I feel blessed to have lived at a certain time, being a film buff and to have watched and loved most of Williams favorite films. And the few I have missed; I will look for because I know it will be time well spent. RIP Mr Friedkin, you made an impression with your films!

[@davidlean1060]

Crazy to think Friedkin was in his 70s making Killer Joe! He was a maverick right to the end! Rest in peace.

[@RolandDeschain1]

Billy's autobiography 'The Friedkin Connection' is just wonderful. He keeps his private life out of it but gives awesome, invaluable stories about the making of his movies. And he's very open about how arrogance and hubris ultimately derailed his career. Essential reading for any filmmaker out there. You're not going to learn where to put a camera but you'll learn a lot about dealing with actors and producers.

[@kianucollis3929]

cool. thanks!

[@sahej6939]

French Connection is great b/c of the original Investigative Reporter’s work.

[@jonboz7585]

I’m reading that, now.

[@johnhess9443]

I could listen to him talk for hours. RIP. Awesome filmmaker.

[@wasteland70]

If he's worried about making a film that will be immortal. He can rest easy. The Exorcist is still the scariest, most unnerving film I've ever seen. Great interview.

[@tricko8000]

It's in my top 20 or probably 15 favorite films of all time. An absolute masterpiece.

[@bjones8470]

It truly is the only horror film that came close to moving me the The Exorcist did is Hereditary and it took 50 years for anyone to even come close to The Exorcist. It’s in my top 5 possibly number one of all time

[@GRMNCVS]

I haven't seen all his filmography but I can say without hesitation that Sorcerer is one of the finest pieces of art I've ever seen.

[@madnbad1408]

Please watch the directors cut. You ain’t seen nothing yet.

[@scottodonnell7121]

@@madnbad1408 I got the dvd. It is scarier.

[@nameprivate2194]

When John Carpenter was asked what are his favorite films, one of them was William Friedkin's _Sorcerer_ [1977].

[@robkeaton6143]

His final comment about the state of filmmaking today is actually a perfect summation of the state of society today.

[@dcanmore]

Friedkin is 77 here (now 80), looks a very healthy 60.

[@davidlean1060]

+dcanmore He comes across as being such a cool, intelligent and 'street' guy (that combination ain't easy!) that he deserves to look that good for his age!

[@lucinae8510]

dcanmore my dad 80, and he certainly looks like it.

[@dead0ntime]

Holy shit, he looks great

[@paulnodalo9130]

He looks 25 years younger than his age.

[@matthiastromel6255]

I wondered if he was a teenager when he did The Exorcist...

[@TheGhostOfJohnWicksBeagle]

To live and die in L.A, Thank you Mr friedkin.

[@JackD.Ripper]

...one of my alltime movie-favorites ! greetings from berlin...

[@gilpinsteven]

To Live and Die in L.A. is my favorite Friedkin movie, and one of my favorite films of all time. Cult classic!!

[@adamchafetz2986]

One of my all time favorites...ever!

[@robertjohnson7476]

Yes...

[@AurelienCharpy]

His admirative tone is somewhat moving. One of the most charismatic directors ever !

[@ManCave1972]

It feels like the whole world fell silent to listen to this.

[@erikramaekers63]

The Exorcist is his masterpiece but please don't stop making movies Mr Friedkin.

[@peteraleksandrovich5923]

Just stop talking.

[@buddywilliams5650]

To live and die in LA.

[@chriswest8389]

My best buds friend fave film. Sad. Not for quality considerations but for, what sense of life does this convey?

[@DeanH92]

I wish more directors did this.

[@peteraleksandrovich5923]

You mean defend the KKK?

[@randywhite3947]

@@peteraleksandrovich5923 discuss their favorite films dummy.

[@chrissychaos]

@@peteraleksandrovich5923 You know he is jewish right?

[@2HOURSthemovie]

This guy has such a great voice.

[@InternetSavage]

Yes, he does.

[@gargantuaism]

He sounds a touch like Trump. Really think about it.

[@AdamAdam-mm8iq]

was thinking the exact same thing

[@McBignLargeBJ64]

He sounds like agent cooper from twin peaks

[@eziauditore]

@@gargantuaism 11:33

[@ghostwriter71]

Love what he says about Steve McQueen. He's so right - Steve as an inventor of minimalism. I know you can do that only in film, not on stage. But anyhow - great actor.

[@ashleyalexander913]

ghostwriter71 Actors like Gary Cooper, Spencer Tracy and Robert Mitchum were "underplaying" long before McQueen.

[@waynej2608]

Exactly. He's also terrific in Love with the Proper Stranger and The Cincinnati Kid.

[@johnrunion5357]

@@ashleyalexander913 yes. they were, but that doesn't take away McQ's own greatness.

[@dzanier]

@@waynej2608 I really liked Love with the Proper Stranger. Excellent film that tackled some edgy subject matter for that time.

[@renlo6793]

Papillion should have one an Oscar and he wasn't even nominated

[@razvedka9979]

RIP Billy. You will be missed. We love you deeply ❤️ god bless you

[@Nonpop23]

He is approaching 80 and looks not much older than 50....????

[@juicyi3ig]

Him and Michael Mann.. Greats

[@moonontheman1657]

Nonpop23 Yup aging well.

[@jasonhurd4379]

A guy at my office is 64 and looks 40. Some people are just lucky. An old college friend of mine, whom I haven't seen face-to-face since he was 23 in 1986, regularly posts photos on Facebook. He doesn't look a day older. *sigh*

[@tarcisiodeoliveira1140]

Cold bath, little Sun, still heart, low carb, two sleeps day, posture.

[@ootaviooo]

RIP

[@marcosdoniseti2981]

William Friedkin is another great master of cinema who has left us, but his work remains. Thank you for the fantastic films he made, Master!

[@111highgh]

The Exorcist and The French Connection are two of my favourite movies. Sorcerer, I watched for the first time in 2014, and I thought it was excellent.

[@noizetrauma242]

Watch The Wages of Fear. it is the original movie that inspired Sorcerer.

[@ainslie187]

Crimes & Misdemeanors is truly outstanding, I'm glad he mentioned it. I have never seen a film that encompasses morality, philosophy, theology, sexuality, marriage, suicide, lying, affairs, success, loneliness, social class, psychology, war, religion, family, and fantasy vs. reality. The movie not only touches on these themes but stares them directly in the face! Seriously, see it if you haven't already.

[@ranchokitty1]

I loved how Alan Alda played the big A**hole but gets the girl in the end.

[@jeanclaude4]

​@@ranchokitty1great film. One of my all time favorites. Jerry Orbach brilliant portrayal of street smart brother

[@patricknicholson9407]

I agree. Among Woody Allen’s astonishing run from Annie Hall, Hannah & Her Sisters via Zelig etc etc, Crimes & Misdemeanours rings like a heavy bell. I’m pleased he picked it out and (what I know but) there’s some monumental painful reality in it which is also in The French Connection and The Exorcist (and L’Avventura!). I also love that he loved Singin In The Rain and Gigi which are the opposite of all the above: pure joy, but equally intense and immaculate.

[@jonboz7585]

William Friedkin has made some excellent films, but has maintained his humility, with an amazing appreciation of the cinematic works of others. His ability to recall details, and conjure up scenes with his lucid vocabulary, makes his talks always packed with information . I could listen to him all day, just as he did with the viewing of Citizen Kane. Thanks Mr. Friedkin and Fade in Magazine. Much appreciated.

[@cooperarthur3]

The actual video starts at 2:04

[@jackofhearts1056]

I could listen to this guy for hours. Smart, insightful, truthful, and one of the most brilliant filmmakers of all time. To me, he's on the Mt Rushmore of directors along with Hitchcock, Spielberg, and De Palma.

[@Redmenace96]

John Huston? Stanley Kubrick? Scorsese before De Palma? You are a nut.

[@isaachaze1]

i would loved to have seen a William Friedkin Michael Mann collaboration. Some epic crime drama

[@jorgearielortiz8327]

Si Amigo!! Que genial idea la tuya! de esos dos genios tiene que salir una Obra Maestra. Saludos desde Argentina

[@space.midnight.cowboy]

Collaboration? Gtfo...

[@FrancoisDressler]

You'll find that Mann has been heavily influenced by Friedkin throughout his career.

[@sick0spherean]

If Mann is a bank robber, then Friedkin is his getaway driver.

[@timothykangethe7700]

Michael Mann, a Mann in his Own League 🎇💐

[@mikeycapp1]

Such a great interview, William Friedkin is a brilliant speaker as well as director. I could listen to him and learn all day.

[@lewiskeyes9683]

He mentions "Z" from 1969. Saw it on television the first time and finally in a revival.Powerful film for its day- may still hold up-but something definitely worth seeing.

[@HoldenNY22]

I thougth that "Z" was based on a true story. I thought it was based on the MIliary Coup against an Elected Greek Government.

[@lewismiller6567]

@@HoldenNY22 You are right it was. My sister who was older knew about the truth behind the film. Its been a while since I have seen it. I should watch it again!

[@lewismiller6567]

@@HoldenNY22 There was an assassination in it though...

[@HoldenNY22]

@@lewismiller6567- I haven't seen it in a While either.

[@basehead617]

Crimes and Misdemeanors is truly incredible.

[@waynej2608]

Agree. The acting of Martin Landau, Jerry Orbach, Angelica Huston and Robert Alda, is freaking off the charts!

[@lukess.s]

@@waynej2608 *Alan

[@Cygnus75]

You'll be missed, Friedkin. Dammit, you will be😢

[@DylanCarverFilm]

Rest in peace legend

[@davidjatt3251]

His appearance here is his greatest masterpiece. Leather jacket, weirdo glasses, full head of grey hair. Nice.

[@Rahoorkhuitable]

Antonioni -movies are absolute treasures.Especially the wind blowing through the trees in "Blow up" and the things that you feel when you´re in an empty city, great space and...silence around the midday and the woman walks around:You push the Stop-button anywhere you like and you´ll see where you want to be...! I ask you :Whoever did such things? This is art at its Finest!

[@officialPrighozin]

I guess de chirico did it but your comment is on point 🙌

[@riccardoalcaro8483]

Well said man

[@CasperLCat]

Finally someone, who REALLY knows film, calls attention to the greatness of Crimes and Misdemeanors. Woody Allen seamlessly combines his usual witty humor with a riveting, dark moral drama, which asks if there is a God who will ultimately punish those who knowingly choose to do evil. It’s like 2 completely different movies in one, but the characters and scenes from each are intertwined in a way that conveys how real life is full of comedy, farce, tragedy and horror all at once.

[@stjudeprayer7]

really the icing on the cake, he likes and praises Woody Allen. It comes at the end of the whole hour and it surprised me.

[@stjudeprayer7]

@Paul Hill 🥰mmmm yum -- I like me some frosting ...er,um: "icing" yes I do. (thank you🙂)

[@ulfingvar1]

@@stjudeprayer7 Anyone who likes cinema must love Allen.

[@nope5445]

You cannot be an American film maker and not pay homage to the genius of Woody Allen. Annie Hall was shot like a documentary. Not at all unexpected that Billy would love Allen's films.

[@CipherSerpico]

Literally everyone I’ve ever talked to about films, has said that they thought “No Country For Old Men” was a masterpiece. I think it’s gotten to the point where we can say it’s truly one of the greatest films ever. And I think we can say that the Coen Brothers are the greatest filmmakers of our generation. I just saw “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” and I thought it was fantastic. Check it out if you haven’t yet.

[@FrancoisDressler]

If not the greatest, definitely the most consistent (with Scorsese).

[@Mr.Goodkat]

No country sucked and the Coen Brothers suck.

[@jamesmurphy1389]

NC for OM is depressing and gratuitously violent - not unlike America.

[@CipherSerpico]

@@jamesmurphy1389 Try living in _Afghanistan, North Korea, Somalia, Ukraine, Brazil, Pakistan, Iraq, Yemen…_ Then, come back and tell me how “depressing” America is.

[@jamesmurphy1389]

But surely the point is that America is, as we speak, in the process of becoming as benighted as the beleaguered countries you mention. Try living in downtown LA and tell me how uplifting America is. @@CipherSerpico

[@charleswrightman205]

I always thought that with Crimes and Misdemeanors Woody Allen came closest to achieving what he most admired in other directors. The final scene in which Martin Landau talks about his "friends" guilt and how it faded over time is as true as anything I've ever seen.

[@chriswest8389]

Once you get the first one under your belt....

[@uforagain]

Is there an allusion here in the title to Crime and Punishment

[@alexchiasson322]

I really loved many of the movies that you directed. Recently, I became enamoured with Sorcerer. Thanks William for the greatness you brought to the art!!!

[@jayr7965]

Sorcerer is such a great movie. It's weird to think that that movie was a massive bomb when it came out. It came out right at the peak of Star Wars' popularity.

[@bjones8470]

I just saw a video on that yesterday. I’ll be watching some time this weekend

[@Fry3000]

Friedkin is always captivating.

[@randomkanaal7232]

RIP mr. Friedkin

[@chrisgjohnson134]

HE IS AN INCREDIBLE HUMAN BEING ....NOT JUST A DIRECTOR ....AMAZING MAN ......

[@javiersalinas5642]

Crimes and Misdemeanors. Absolutely!! What a great summary of knowledge from a director who is relatively unmentioned nowadays. "Very little truth to be found"

[@codyhooks7410]

So he hasn’t made a Citizen Kane? He has made The French Connection, The Exorcist, and Sorcerer. Maybe they’re not on the historical level of some that he mentioned but they’re incredible achievements nonetheless. Love how he takes a jab at CGI while praising silent films. Sadly people like him, the unimpressed with modern films are few and far between.

[@plasticweapon]

exactly. thank you.

[@gamble777888]

I think almost every serious filmmaker is pretty unimpressed with modern films. If we define modern as anything made after the 90s.

[@talesfromtheclassroom]

The Exorcist is the greatest film ever made

[@jameslacey5474]

And I would add "To Live and Die in L.A." as another of one of his great films.

[@muaykaliente4386]

Excorcist is a masterpiece and the best horror of all time

[@dzanier]

Only someone with a true passion for cinema would mention Michelangelo Antonioni's films. He was brilliant.

[@peteraleksandrovich5923]

Antonioni is a well-known director.

[@markparkinson6947]

Depends on what your passion for cinema entails.

[@randywhite3947]

Not everyone likes Antonioni films.

[@dzanier]

@@randywhite3947 That's true.

[@mauricioduron3193]

​@@randywhite3947 Not everyone likes every filmmakers' movies.

[@delona6485]

The man is still making masterpieces!!

[@Kornknealious]

I love The Exorcist because he does not reveal everything.. just layer by layer the story as it unfolds . He took all the best bits of filmmakers before him and put them to excellent use

[@signjoey]

Friedkin is a great observer of film, for sure.

[@Lengstrom]

Did I miss any?: Onibaba Rosemary's Baby Z Alien Blade Runner Blood Simple No Country for Old Men Bullitt The Great Escape Blow-Up La Notte L'Eclisse L'Avventura Eight and a Half American in Paris Band Wagon Gigi Singin' in the Rain All About Eve The Treasure of the Sierra Madre Birth of a Nation Citizen Kane Breathless (1960) Rashomon Bourne Ultimatum Vertigo Psycho North by Northwest The Wrong Man Notorious Crimes and Misdemeanours

[@DeanH92]

The General & Steamboat Bill Jr. (Buster Keaton)

[@ThatGirlAafia]

No Kubrick

[@naaji5606]

You missed 8 1/2

[@johnrogstad1278]

That's a pretty damn good starter list for a budding film fan, right there.

[@christopherthomason]

@@johnrogstad1278 Got that right.

[@bunkbed643]

just saw his movie SORCEROR last week and I was amazed, on the edge of my seat and sweating and smiling at the same time. Awesome experience

[@HenrickVartanian]

Such an intuitive, clever actor, Matthew McConaughey. KILLER JOE was a wild ride. I hope him and Friedkin do another film together. Great ensemble cast, veterans and newcomers. William Friedkin is the master of drama.

[@tinaprivitera6669]

He is a class act BECAUSE he is honest. He can swear up a storm and be a bit unhinged, I’m sure, a little rough around the edges maybe, but he tells it like it is.

[@agustindelavega6177]

I haven't seen any of his films, but I've seen many interviews and I truly admire him. He's taught me a lot.

[@kengruz669]

...............

[@no-oneman.4140]

When you listen to truly intelligent people the words just flow and flow and draw you in. No thinking time pauses. He makes you want to watch every film he mentions. He looks incredibly good for his age and not in a botox way.

[@axisandallies79]

I met Bill when he put out "The Hunted". He was amazed that I recognized him in public. Gracious and amazing man.

[@erichaynes7502]

I have to give Friedkin credit, the French Connection and the Exorcist changed two genres's of movies forevermore.

[@ryan12101954]

I could listen to him discuss films all day (and night).

[@louisdavies8050]

Onibaba, Rosemary's baby, Z ., Alien, Blade Runner, No country for Old men, Bullitt, Blow-up, L'aventura, L'eclisse, La notte, 8 1/2, The Band Wagon, Singin in the Rain, Birth of Nation, Citizen Kane, Breathless, Rashoman, Buster Keaton, Hitchcock, vertigo and psycho are my two favourites. Great list of films.

[@Kakki82]

Louis Davies one more, An American in Paris

[@amitrajak2324]

where is all about eve louis davies

[@abele7009]

Louis Davies crimes and misdemeanors

[@benjijack22]

R.I.P What a film maker!! 29/8/35 - 7/8/25

[@Radentstwo]

25? 23 you mean

[@douglascarvalho5428]

Amazing speech by an amazing filmmaker. He could have included The Exorcist among the scariest ones he's mentioned.

[@DerMoerpler]

I guess he's probably one of the few people in the world that The Exorcist can't have any effect on. It's hard to get scared of your own work, because everything reminds you of the process behind it. I think when we see shots of Reagan, we're engrossed in the movie and it's story, but when Friedkin sees the same shot, he's probably reminded of all the times they had to redo it because something went wrong, or how he didn't manage to get it quite like he wanted it, or something that had to be changed last minute because of time/budget/higher powers. He also probably saw it hundreds of times in the editing process, out of context with the rest of the movie. There's nothing easier to ruin magic for you than making it, and artists are usually their own worst critic.

[@Dracsius]

"He wasn't out of focus like you guys" 😃

[@olderloverxx]

Man... I forgot about Killer Joe. That was fantastic. Gonna watch that again today.

[@Weird-City]

I absolutely loved Killer Joe. One of those movies that I just didn't want to end. I have yet to watch Sorcerer but it's on my list of must sees. This director seems to have a very unique and consitent way of building a foreboding sense of anxiety and dread. Things just seem to escalate downhill at an ever increasing speed.

[@davidlean1060]

I love Killer Joe. I wasn't sure what to make of the movie the first time...until the line at the very end! Then it hit me, the movie is a black as night comedic farce! Crazy to think Billy was in his 70s making it.

[@Mooseman327]

Sorcerer is great and so is the film it was a remake of...The Wages of Fear. See both.

[@pward3338]

Sorcerer is his best film, in my opinion. I know a lot of people will completely disagree, but I’ve seen everything he did, and of all my favorites, I loved it the most.

[@samfrito]

God yes! See Sorceror. Excellent Tangerine Dream soundtrack and Roy Schieder has the best perspiration. Epic off beat film.

[@carpballet]

“Escalate downhill” Lol

[@russellcampbell9198]

I saw "Z" at uni and remember loving it. Thanks for reminding me. And, yes, Bogie's Fred C. Dobbs is probably the best performance ever put on film.

[@dbnovaro]

the only film school that i know is Watching a lot of good films, it is the path to educated yourself in highest visual literacy.

[@markparkinson6947]

Also, StudioBinder is extremely helpful also.

[@paulofhoplite4087]

Naming Breathless as the last super influential film classic is bold and to the point. Not sure everyone would agree with that assessment (2001 Space Odyssey, Taxi Driver, Jaws, Star Wars, Godfather, Silence of the Lambs, Trainspotting + Mr. Friedkin's own masterworks), but Breathless is a beautiful film. Can watch it over and over. It's immediate ancestor, Elevator to the Gallows (plot lines and general style are so similar, I often confuse them when referencing them - even after having seen each well over a dozen times lol. Or maybe Im just dense), is also awesome, with more of a classic cinema feel than New Wave feel.

[@christopherthomason]

Awesome selections Friedkin has in "favorite films", I can tell some had a huge influence on his great works as director.

[@philipgior3312]

Hard to argue with his favorite films, and he himself has made a few of my faves

[@akajkyt]

RIP to one of the GREATS

[@purplemascara99]

RIP Genius, Legend!

[@shanelepono4482]

Found his audio commentaries in French Connection and The Exorcist very informative. Legend this guy.

[@Stereostupid]

I actually think the exorcist or Sorcerer the French connection masterpiece cinema you're already there William

[@alanosterman7130]

Thank you so much for this wonderful footage. Such a great film person. Love his commentaries on DVDs. On his films and also on Val Lewton's "The Leopard Man" too. Love to hear him talk. At the end here, he was so right. Thanks to all the greed of the industry, today we are all being SPUN, to the point of turning so dumb to all the realities our parents experienced in their lives.

[@iangrant3615]

wow I didn't know he did a commentary on The Leopard Man. Will have to look that up, as I have an old French DVD of that movie and the other Jacques Tourner/Val Lewton ones.

[@alanosterman7130]

@@iangrant3615 Thanks. Should mention that this version of "The Leopard Man" is the one included in the Val Lewton box set. That came out about 15 years ago. Maybe a local library can get it for you on loan.

[@kailuakidd1512]

Great interview, and wonderful analysis of film history. Thank you

[@buttersguy]

True legend of the game, thanks for the insight Billy

[@tonyd7601]

Mr Friedkin and I have something in common we both love old movies. Love to watch him talk about movies.

[@MrDannyArroyo]

William Friedkin is a film encyclopedia. RIP

[@CalebThornhill]

Such an amazing man I have been watching a ton of his interviews lately, and I want to hear more of his thoughts, he was a very insightful man

[@Igrozavisimy]

Great interview!

[@bread_n_butter8614]

Alien and Blade Runner yesss!

[@raymondrose6596]

Top 10

[@colderbeer]

Mr. Friedkin, your film THE EXORCIST is indeed just as great and just as special as all those classic films you talked about....

[@Alexander-tj2dn]

Yesss

[@amadan34]

I could listen to this guy all day

[@MrCarpen7er]

Rest in peace Mr. Friedkin! You were my second favorite movie director. You know Everything now Billy!

[@crazyralph6386]

A genius and true artist. RIP William.

[@buggle432]

He is an encyclopedia of all film knowledge!

[@deckofcards87]

RIP Billy Friedkin. 1935 - 2023.

[@Nintensonsoft]

This is one of the few lists by actual filmmakers where I can say I've seen almost, if not, all of them. He has a very "repertoire" kind of list here. Not too many curve balls, but since when do we need those to make a list of great films? Z and Onibaba were two films he listed that are criminally underwatched by non-cinephiles. Check those out. Highly recommended!

[@littleghostfilms3012]

Onibaba is off the rails disturbing and brilliant! Friedkin is a master of film directing and of cinema knowledge.

[@albertoamoruso7711]

Love how he talks about Z by Costa-Gravas

[@garydelaney6841]

Great interview ☘👍

[@chrisevans5259]

He directed two of my favorite movies EVER , they are The Exorcist and The French Connection two of the Greatest movies EVER made.

[@lorenzoVitra.06]

And Cruising, Sorcerer and To live and die in L.A.

[@vrz07]

very sharp minded for a 79 year old. bless him.