‘The world has lost one of the gods of cinema’: Tributes hail William Friedkin

The world of cinema is in mourning and has just lost one of its most famous filmmakers. William Friedkin died on Monday at the age of 87. Rising to prominence after the French connection, the filmmaker left his mark on 70s and 80s cinema by, among other things, bringing horror to the Oscars den with his legendary The Exorcist. His latest work, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, will be presented at the upcoming Venice Film Festival.

After the announcement of his death, a shower of tributes has greeted the memory of this mischievous and deliberately provocative director. selected pieces.

Leslie Linka, President Directors Guild of AmericaA press release was published on the website of the organization: “When it comes to directorial influence, Bill was a titan – both on screen and behind the scenes for his fellow DGA members. A master of multiple genres of storytelling, his ability to create atmosphere and build tension defied convention, and he was one of the key figures in the new Hollywood era of director-led cinema. Influence The French Connection, for which he won the DGA Feature Film Award, is a terrific thriller, and The Exorcist remains the epitome of horror to this day.

Ellen Boorstyn, who starred in “The Exorcist” and earned her second Oscar citation, responded to the announcement of her death. “My friend Bill Friedkin was an original; intelligent, cultured, fearless and extremely talented.” The actor said in a statement. “On the set, he knew what he wanted, he did everything to get it, and he could let it go if he saw something better. He was definitely a genius.”

Warner Group, which produced The Exorcist, the year’s biggest box office hit in 1973, is paying tribute to the late filmmaker.

Francis Ford Coppola also spoke. He knew Friedkin well, especially with him and Peter Bogdanovich Company of Directors In the early 1970s; A production company that would ultimately be short-lived and produce only three films, including Secret Conversations, which would win Coppola a Palme d’Or.

“William Friedkin was my first friend among the filmmakers of my generation, and I mourn the loss of a dear companion. His achievements in cinema are extraordinary and unique. He is the only colleague I know whose work has truly saved a life.” Coppola wrote.

An allusion to The People vs. Paul Crump, which Friedkin would realize in 1962, leading to the story of Paul Crump, who was executed for killing a security guard during an armed robbery. After watching the documentary, the then governor of Illinois commuted the man’s death sentence to 199 years in prison.

“His lovable and irascible personality was the cover of a beautiful, brilliant, and deep giant. It’s hard to accept that I’ll never enjoy his company again, but his work will at least change that.” Coppola continues.

Guillermo del Toro also shared a tribute on his Twitter. “The world has lost one of the gods of cinema” he writes “Cinema has lost a true scholar and I have lost a dear, loyal and true friend. William Friedkin has left us. We were blessed to have him.”

While Elijah Wood Salute the memory “A master of cinema whose influence will live on”Stephen King invokes the indelible memory of Column of Fear.

“Rap legend William Friedkin. One of the most influential directors of all time and certainly changed the course of my life with The Exorcist.” Eli Roth writes on his Instagram account. “He was incredibly kind and supportive the few times I had the chance to meet him. Watch Fear and Cruising Convoy if you’ve never seen them. He was one of the standouts. Image caption.”

Kiefer Sutherland, one of the main characters in his latest feature film, Kane’s mutiny court-martialHe also cautiously expressed in the press release: “Working with Friedkin has been one of the greatest honors of my career. My condolences go out to Sherry and her children.”