Decades have passed since William Friedkin directed box office hits “The Exorcist” and “The French Connection,” but the 81-year-old filmmaker isn’t exactly pining for a return to the commercial arena. “In America, I would not want to be an active filmmaker now,” he told an audience at the Lumiere Festival in Lyon on Thursday, shortly after delivering a masterclass at the classic film festival. “When I started, there were greater opportunities to make many different films in America. Now, it’s reduced to blockbusters, with very few exceptions.”
Appropriately, he was making that assertion in an introduction to a 4k screening of his under-appreciated 1977 masterpiece “Sorcerer,” a meticulous thriller that famously got buried by “Star Wars” when it hit theaters just one month after George Lucas’ sci-fi phenomenon. Friedkin’s Paramount production — a reimagining of Henri-Georges Clouzot’s 1953 “The Wages of Fear,” adapted from the same novel — involves a...
Appropriately, he was making that assertion in an introduction to a 4k screening of his under-appreciated 1977 masterpiece “Sorcerer,” a meticulous thriller that famously got buried by “Star Wars” when it hit theaters just one month after George Lucas’ sci-fi phenomenon. Friedkin’s Paramount production — a reimagining of Henri-Georges Clouzot’s 1953 “The Wages of Fear,” adapted from the same novel — involves a...
- 10/20/2017
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Iconoclastic director William Friedkin will give the cinema masterclass at this year’s Cannes film festival. The Exorcist director follows in the footsteps of Martin Scorsese, Nanni Moretti, Wong Kar-wai and Quentin Tarantino among others. The masterclass will be hosted by film critic Michel Ciment. Friedkin recently published his memoir The Friedkin Connection, the title a nod to his 1971 classic The French Connection, starring Gene Hackman as NY cop Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle…...
- 4/4/2016
- Deadline
By
Alex Simon
Hollywood, like any place that is more about its lore than the actual sum of its parts, is full of unsung heroes who have given audiences some of their most cherished cinematic moments. Odds are if you’re a movie buff, you’ll remember the car chases in iconic films like Bullitt, The French Connection and The Seven-Ups. Stuntman, stunt driver and later, stunt coordinator Bill Hickman was one of those people who remained virtually anonymous during his lifetime, but is responsible for some of cinema’s most iconic, and hair-raising moments.
The Los Angeles native was born in 1921 and had been working in Hollywood for ten years before landing his first (visible) role in Stanley Kramer’s legendary The Wild One, the 1953 film that cemented star Marlon Brando’s status as an icon of post-war teen rebellion. Hickman can be seen as one of Brando’s...
Alex Simon
Hollywood, like any place that is more about its lore than the actual sum of its parts, is full of unsung heroes who have given audiences some of their most cherished cinematic moments. Odds are if you’re a movie buff, you’ll remember the car chases in iconic films like Bullitt, The French Connection and The Seven-Ups. Stuntman, stunt driver and later, stunt coordinator Bill Hickman was one of those people who remained virtually anonymous during his lifetime, but is responsible for some of cinema’s most iconic, and hair-raising moments.
The Los Angeles native was born in 1921 and had been working in Hollywood for ten years before landing his first (visible) role in Stanley Kramer’s legendary The Wild One, the 1953 film that cemented star Marlon Brando’s status as an icon of post-war teen rebellion. Hickman can be seen as one of Brando’s...
- 3/17/2015
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
For a first time director to attract the attention of an icon of cinema is a heady experience. So imagine the feelings of Jennifer Kent, the Australian director of the new low budget, independent horror film The Babadook, when she saw this tweet from none other than William Friedkin, director of The Exorcist himself: I've never seen a more terrifying film than The Babadook. It will scare the hell out of you as it did me. — William Friedkin (@WilliamFriedkin) December 1, 2014 Since that first tweet, Friedkin has made beating the drums for The Babadook something of a personal cause celebre, continuing to champion it online and introducing a midnight screening last weekend at La’s Vista Theater. We spoke with William Friedkin by phone to find out how this little film had captured his attention. Hitfix: How did you discover The Babadook? William Friedkin: Well (British film critic) Mark Kermode,...
- 12/9/2014
- by Richard Rushfield
- Hitfix
When The Exorcist was first released in 1974, viewers were frightened out of their wits – and literally out of their seats. Now Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (Wbhe) will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Academy Award® winning director William Friedkin’s suspense masterpiece that haunted and intrigued the world, with a new Blu-ray release featuring the Extended Director’s Cut and Theatrical Version with new special features and premiums.
Out now on Blu-ray, just ahead of Halloween, this 40th Anniversary Edition will include two new featurettes: “Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist” and “Talk of the Devil,” as well as an excerpt from Friedkin’s book The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir.
Order on Amazon today: http://amzn.to/1wMy01f
The Exorcist © 1973 Renewed © 2001, The Exorcist Extended Director’s Cut © 2000 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and William Peter Blatty . The Fear of God: The Making of the Exorcist © 1998 BBC. Package Design...
Out now on Blu-ray, just ahead of Halloween, this 40th Anniversary Edition will include two new featurettes: “Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist” and “Talk of the Devil,” as well as an excerpt from Friedkin’s book The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir.
Order on Amazon today: http://amzn.to/1wMy01f
The Exorcist © 1973 Renewed © 2001, The Exorcist Extended Director’s Cut © 2000 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and William Peter Blatty . The Fear of God: The Making of the Exorcist © 1998 BBC. Package Design...
- 10/20/2014
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
eThe whip-smart husband-and-wife team of director William Friedkin ("The French Connection") and Sherry Lansing, the producer ("Fatal Attraction") and first woman studio head at Twentieth Century Fox and Paramount, visited the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in Czech Republic this month, where I sat down with each of them. Here's Lansing, and below is my free-wheeling conversation with Friedkin. The director has been keeping busy not only writing his memoir, The Friedkin Connection, and directing such films as Tracy Lett's adaptation of "Killer Joe," starring Matthew McConaughey, but many operas. He's legendary for his intensity and demands for excellence--but the results speak for themselves. Always have. Friedkin has also painstakingly restored 1977 cult film "Sorcerer" (his Tangerine Dream-scored remake of Henri Clouzot's classic "The Wages of Fear") which is out on Blu-ray and played at Kviff. Due to the...
- 7/31/2014
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Thirty-seven years ago, director William Friedkin knew who was responsible for the critical and commercial failure of his "Exorcist" follow-up, 1977's allegorical action-adventure "Sorcerer": Darth Vader.
"Sorcerer" opened about a month after "Star Wars," replacing it at Hollywood's Chinese Theatre, for instance, only to be pulled a week later (after slow sales) and replaced by "Star Wars." To Friedkin, George Lucas's blockbuster had displaced not just "Sorcerer" but the entire movement of American director-driven cinema that had flourished in the early 1970s, to be supplanted ever-after by assembly-line franchise and action films designed more to make money than to create art.
These days, the 78-year-old Friedkin is more philosophical about "Sorcerer," acknowledging in his 2013 memoir "The Friedkin Connection" the role his own creative decisions played in the film's negative reception. For one thing, his hubris in remaking a classic (Henri-Georges Clouzot's 1953 adventure "The Wages of Fear") earned...
"Sorcerer" opened about a month after "Star Wars," replacing it at Hollywood's Chinese Theatre, for instance, only to be pulled a week later (after slow sales) and replaced by "Star Wars." To Friedkin, George Lucas's blockbuster had displaced not just "Sorcerer" but the entire movement of American director-driven cinema that had flourished in the early 1970s, to be supplanted ever-after by assembly-line franchise and action films designed more to make money than to create art.
These days, the 78-year-old Friedkin is more philosophical about "Sorcerer," acknowledging in his 2013 memoir "The Friedkin Connection" the role his own creative decisions played in the film's negative reception. For one thing, his hubris in remaking a classic (Henri-Georges Clouzot's 1953 adventure "The Wages of Fear") earned...
- 4/22/2014
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
I interviewed William Friedkin back in 2012 (read part one here and part two here) and asked about the status of Sorcerer back then, knowing of the legal issues it was facing as Paramount and Universal couldn't seem to decide who owned the rights to the film. Friedkin was suing both studios in order to figure that out and hopefully get a remastered version of, what I believe is best called a "cult classic" at this point, the film released. Two years later, it finally arrives courtesy of Warner Home Video in all its tension laden madness. While Friedkin doesn't like the term, Sorcerer is a remake of French director Henri-Georges Clouzot's Wages of Fear (which itself was based on Georges Arnaud's novel), an amazing movie and one I've written about before, including my 2009 review of the Criterion Blu-ray. I can understand Friedkin's aversion to the word "remake" as...
- 4/18/2014
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
This Story Has Been Updated From Our Original Posting Of January 6. The Blu-ray Packaging Art Has Been Added And The Title Is Now Available For Pre-order From Amazon.
Good news for fans of William Friedkin's underrated 1977 classic Sorcerer: after years of false starts, the remastered film will now be available on Blu-ray through Warner Home Video. Check out the press release we've just received from them:
Burbank, Calif., January 6, 2014 – William Friedkin’s Sorcerer, the cult suspense thriller that has been largely overlooked since its 1977 release, has now been acquired and fully restored by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and will make its Blu-ray™ debut on April 22, 2014. The release, also available on DVD, will be packaged as a 40-page Blu-ray book filled with beautiful images from the film and excerpts from the book, “The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir.”
Sorcerer is derived from the same Georges Arnaud novel that inspired Henri-Georges Clouzot's 1953 French classic,...
Good news for fans of William Friedkin's underrated 1977 classic Sorcerer: after years of false starts, the remastered film will now be available on Blu-ray through Warner Home Video. Check out the press release we've just received from them:
Burbank, Calif., January 6, 2014 – William Friedkin’s Sorcerer, the cult suspense thriller that has been largely overlooked since its 1977 release, has now been acquired and fully restored by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and will make its Blu-ray™ debut on April 22, 2014. The release, also available on DVD, will be packaged as a 40-page Blu-ray book filled with beautiful images from the film and excerpts from the book, “The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir.”
Sorcerer is derived from the same Georges Arnaud novel that inspired Henri-Georges Clouzot's 1953 French classic,...
- 1/22/2014
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: April 22, 2014
Price: DVD $12.96, Blu-ray $27.98
Studio: Warner
William Friedkin’s Sorcerer, the 1977 cult suspense thriller will make its Blu-ray debut in a 40-page Blu-ray book filled with images from the film and excerpts from the book Friedkin’s recently published book, The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir.
Sorcerer is derived from the same Georges Arnaud novel that inspired Henri-Georges Clouzot’s 1953 French classic, The Wages of Fear. The film, made following the successes of Friedkin’s The French Connection and The Exorcist, tells the story of four men who end up in a dismal South American town where an American oil company is seeking courageous drivers willing to haul nitroglycerin through 200 miles of treacherous terrain. The four displaced men have nothing to lose so they agree for a small payment of cash.
Roy Scheider (Jaws), Bruno Cremer (Under the Sun), Francisco Rabal (Dagon) and Amidou (Ronin) star in the movie,...
Price: DVD $12.96, Blu-ray $27.98
Studio: Warner
William Friedkin’s Sorcerer, the 1977 cult suspense thriller will make its Blu-ray debut in a 40-page Blu-ray book filled with images from the film and excerpts from the book Friedkin’s recently published book, The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir.
Sorcerer is derived from the same Georges Arnaud novel that inspired Henri-Georges Clouzot’s 1953 French classic, The Wages of Fear. The film, made following the successes of Friedkin’s The French Connection and The Exorcist, tells the story of four men who end up in a dismal South American town where an American oil company is seeking courageous drivers willing to haul nitroglycerin through 200 miles of treacherous terrain. The four displaced men have nothing to lose so they agree for a small payment of cash.
Roy Scheider (Jaws), Bruno Cremer (Under the Sun), Francisco Rabal (Dagon) and Amidou (Ronin) star in the movie,...
- 1/6/2014
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
"I sued Universal and Paramount to determine who owns the rights because both studios, through their legal affairs department, claimed they didn't own the rights and I don't know what's happened, I think it has fallen between the cracks. So I'm suing these guys to save the afterlife of the film," director William Friedkin told us in 2012 about the legal issues surrounding his 1977 film "Sorcerer." And the tactic paid off. Just over a year later, a fully restored "Sorcerer" premiered at the Venice Film Festival, and now, folks will be able to see a crisp and clean cut of the movie from the comfort of their own home. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has announced that "Sorcerer" will hit home video on April 22nd. Extras? Well, there won't be much outside of a 40-page Blu-ray book with images from the movie and excerpts from “The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir.” A...
- 1/6/2014
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
"The Exorcist," released 40 years ago this week (on December 26, 1973), is widely regarded as the scariest movie ever made, but after four decades, two sequels, two prequels, and countless spoofs, is there anything about the tale of demon-possessed Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair) and the priests who try to save her (Max von Sydow and Jason Miller) left to jolt and shock us?
Maybe there is. "Exorcist" director William Friedkin's 2013 memoir, "The Friedkin Connection," has three chapters full of dish on the making of the film, including which characters were based on famous people, how some of the famous special effects were accomplished, how he came to slap a Jesuit priest, and whether or not the production was cursed. Here are 25 things you may not know about "The Exorcist," many of them from Friedkin's recent book.
1. The real case that inspired William Peter Blatty's novel and screenplay was the 1949 exorcism of a 14-year-old boy,...
Maybe there is. "Exorcist" director William Friedkin's 2013 memoir, "The Friedkin Connection," has three chapters full of dish on the making of the film, including which characters were based on famous people, how some of the famous special effects were accomplished, how he came to slap a Jesuit priest, and whether or not the production was cursed. Here are 25 things you may not know about "The Exorcist," many of them from Friedkin's recent book.
1. The real case that inspired William Peter Blatty's novel and screenplay was the 1949 exorcism of a 14-year-old boy,...
- 12/26/2013
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
Happy Thursday! Today is day four of Daily Dead’s 2013 Holiday Gift Guide and for today’s picks, we have more slasher goodies, some kicks that would make Pinhead proud, a couple of one-of-a-kind Walking Dead nutcrackers and a recent board game that looks to be perfect for almost any age (even if it is for kids).
For the next few weeks in December, we’re going to be bringing you some of our very favorite gift ideas perfect for any horror or sci-fi fan, so read on to check out more killer genre-themed gift choices below and be sure to head back to Daily Dead tomorrow for more awesome stuff in our 2013 Holiday Gift Guide. We’ve found tons of badass gifts, picked with you guys in mind, so you’ll definitely want to keep checking back each day for all sorts of nifty items sure to tickle any horror fans’ fancy.
For the next few weeks in December, we’re going to be bringing you some of our very favorite gift ideas perfect for any horror or sci-fi fan, so read on to check out more killer genre-themed gift choices below and be sure to head back to Daily Dead tomorrow for more awesome stuff in our 2013 Holiday Gift Guide. We’ve found tons of badass gifts, picked with you guys in mind, so you’ll definitely want to keep checking back each day for all sorts of nifty items sure to tickle any horror fans’ fancy.
- 12/5/2013
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
By Todd Garbarini
William Friedkin's The Exorcist (1973), based upon the novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty, is one of the greatest and most powerful American motion pictures ever made. With an impressive cast that includes Ellen Burstyn, Max Von Sydow, Jason Miller, Lee J. Cobb, Jack MacGowran and newcomer Linda Blair, The Exorcist had its origins in a 1949 case involving the purported demonic possession of a young Evangelical Lutheran boy in Cottage City, MD who is still alive to this day, is retired from Nasa, and claims to have no memory of the events that he experienced. Mr. Blatty, who read about the events at the time, thought about the story for years until he wrote the book circa 1969, some 20 years later, in the house of his ex-wife in Encino, CA.
Coming on the heels of my all-time favorite film, 1971’s Oscar-winning The French Connection, Mr.
William Friedkin's The Exorcist (1973), based upon the novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty, is one of the greatest and most powerful American motion pictures ever made. With an impressive cast that includes Ellen Burstyn, Max Von Sydow, Jason Miller, Lee J. Cobb, Jack MacGowran and newcomer Linda Blair, The Exorcist had its origins in a 1949 case involving the purported demonic possession of a young Evangelical Lutheran boy in Cottage City, MD who is still alive to this day, is retired from Nasa, and claims to have no memory of the events that he experienced. Mr. Blatty, who read about the events at the time, thought about the story for years until he wrote the book circa 1969, some 20 years later, in the house of his ex-wife in Encino, CA.
Coming on the heels of my all-time favorite film, 1971’s Oscar-winning The French Connection, Mr.
- 12/4/2013
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Chicago – William Friedkin graced Chicago with his presence at a special event during the 2013 Chicago Critics Film Festival and it’s an evening that I’ll never forget. Not only is the director of classics like “The French Connection” and “The Exorcist,” recently released in a lavish 40th anniversary Blu-ray edition, one of the most important filmmakers of his era but he’s also incredibly funny, smart, and well-spoken. Fans of film owe it to themselves to read “The Friedkin Connection,” released earlier this year and even sampled in this release. And his heavy involvement in this release, including interviews, featurettes, and a commentary, make it a must-own for classic movie fans. That and it’s still one of the scariest movies ever made.
Rating: 5.0/5.0
There are many, many things to love about “The Exorcist” but my most recent viewing of the original theatrical edition (the superior to the director’s cut,...
Rating: 5.0/5.0
There are many, many things to love about “The Exorcist” but my most recent viewing of the original theatrical edition (the superior to the director’s cut,...
- 10/22/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
The Exorcist – William Friedkin’s religious horror juggernaut that wrote the book on exorcism horror, with no other genre specific film coming close to achieving the critical accolades this spectacularly horrifying film did back in 1973. Yes, a film without the technological advances of today is still making most horror films look like child’s play, both in the effects department, and concerning true, pants-wetting horror. Friedkin and writer William Peter Blatty created a timeless classic that has been terrifying audiences for years, as I still couldn’t help but leave a light on while re-watching this magnificent special edition Blu-Ray re-release.
Where can you even begin with his masterpiece, though? If you want to pin down the true source of horror, we have to analyze Linda Blair’s groundbreaking childhood performance. While so much had to do with settings, atmosphere, framing, and all the technical jargon, without Linda’s convincingly disturbing performance,...
Where can you even begin with his masterpiece, though? If you want to pin down the true source of horror, we have to analyze Linda Blair’s groundbreaking childhood performance. While so much had to do with settings, atmosphere, framing, and all the technical jargon, without Linda’s convincingly disturbing performance,...
- 10/16/2013
- by Matt Donato
- We Got This Covered
Happy Hump Day, kids, and listen up as right now we have your chance to score a copy of Warner Bros.' 40th Anniversary Exorcist Blu-ray on us! That should make you pretty damned happy, no?
To enter for your chance to win, just send us an E-mail Here including your Full Name And Mailing Address. We’ll take care of the rest.
From the Press Release
When The Exorcist was first released in 1973, viewers were frightened out of their wits - and literally out of their seats. Now Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (Wbhe) will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Academy Award® winning director William Friedkin’s suspense masterpiece that haunted and intrigued the world with a new Blu-ray release featuring the Extended Director’s Cut and Theatrical Version with new special features and premiums ($49.99 Srp). Available October 8, just ahead of Halloween, this 40th Anniversary Edition will include two new...
To enter for your chance to win, just send us an E-mail Here including your Full Name And Mailing Address. We’ll take care of the rest.
From the Press Release
When The Exorcist was first released in 1973, viewers were frightened out of their wits - and literally out of their seats. Now Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (Wbhe) will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Academy Award® winning director William Friedkin’s suspense masterpiece that haunted and intrigued the world with a new Blu-ray release featuring the Extended Director’s Cut and Theatrical Version with new special features and premiums ($49.99 Srp). Available October 8, just ahead of Halloween, this 40th Anniversary Edition will include two new...
- 10/9/2013
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
On tap right now is an exclusive clip from Warner Bros.' 40th Anniversary Exorcist Blu-ray, and with it we go a little bit behind the scenes. Check it out, and look for more on this badass home video package soon!
From the Press Release
When The Exorcist was first released in 1973, viewers were frightened out of their wits - and literally out of their seats. Now Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (Wbhe) will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Academy Award® winning director William Friedkin’s suspense masterpiece that haunted and intrigued the world with a new Blu-ray release featuring the Extended Director’s Cut and Theatrical Version with new special features and premiums ($49.99 Srp). Available October 8, just ahead of Halloween, this 40th Anniversary Edition will include two new featurettes: “Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist” and “Talk of the Devil,” as well as an excerpt from Friedkin’s book...
From the Press Release
When The Exorcist was first released in 1973, viewers were frightened out of their wits - and literally out of their seats. Now Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (Wbhe) will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Academy Award® winning director William Friedkin’s suspense masterpiece that haunted and intrigued the world with a new Blu-ray release featuring the Extended Director’s Cut and Theatrical Version with new special features and premiums ($49.99 Srp). Available October 8, just ahead of Halloween, this 40th Anniversary Edition will include two new featurettes: “Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist” and “Talk of the Devil,” as well as an excerpt from Friedkin’s book...
- 10/8/2013
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Last year, we reported that a limited TV series based on The Exorcist was in the early stages of development. That project evolved into a new drama series that Morgan Creek is shopping to TV networks. According to Deadline, Jeremy Slater (Fantastic Four reboot) is writing the series that is said to be a brand new take on the material.
The Exorcist TV series is still in the early stages of development, with the project being pitched to both cable and broadcast networks. With the popularity of horror TV series on the rise, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a number of networks fighting for this.
Morgan Creek owns the rights to The Exorcist and they are spearheading the project, with Roy Lee (The Departed, The Ring) on board as an executive producer. We’ll be sure to let readers know as soon as more details are available.
In...
The Exorcist TV series is still in the early stages of development, with the project being pitched to both cable and broadcast networks. With the popularity of horror TV series on the rise, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a number of networks fighting for this.
Morgan Creek owns the rights to The Exorcist and they are spearheading the project, with Roy Lee (The Departed, The Ring) on board as an executive producer. We’ll be sure to let readers know as soon as more details are available.
In...
- 8/7/2013
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
There is no denying that The Exorcist is a powerful film among many horror & non-horror fans. It is also important to the genre considering how revered it is among critics and film analysists that tend to shy away from genre filmmaking. The film is a classic and while I prefer Exorcist III more, this is still a film that I have to get on Blu-Ray. Warner Brothers will be releasing a 40th Anniversary Blu-Ray set on October 8th, just in time for Halloween. Read below for the special features and what the set looks like!
From the Press Release
The Exorcist tells the now-famous story of a girl’s demonic possession, and a gripping fight between good and evil. Linda Blair, in a breakout role, plays Regan, a young girl who starts to exhibit strange, arcane behavior. Her mother (Burstyn) calls upon a priest, Father Karras (Miller) to investigate. But Karras,...
From the Press Release
The Exorcist tells the now-famous story of a girl’s demonic possession, and a gripping fight between good and evil. Linda Blair, in a breakout role, plays Regan, a young girl who starts to exhibit strange, arcane behavior. Her mother (Burstyn) calls upon a priest, Father Karras (Miller) to investigate. But Karras,...
- 8/1/2013
- by Andy Triefenbach
- Destroy the Brain
Back in June, Warner Bros. revealed the new Blu-ray edition of The Exorcist in celebration of its 40th anniversary. New images of the set have now been released and we have them for you to check out. Warner Bros. previously made this official announcement:
“When The Exorcist was first released in 1973, viewers were frightened out of their wits – and literally out of their seats. Now Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (Wbhe) will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Academy Award® winning director William Friedkin’s suspense masterpiece that haunted and intrigued the world, with a new Blu-ray release featuring the Extended Director’s Cut and Theatrical Version with new special features and premiums ($49.99 Srp). Available October 8, just ahead of Halloween, this 40th Anniversary Edition will include two new featurettes: “Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist” and “Talk of the Devil,” as well as an excerpt from Friedkin’s book The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir.
“When The Exorcist was first released in 1973, viewers were frightened out of their wits – and literally out of their seats. Now Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (Wbhe) will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Academy Award® winning director William Friedkin’s suspense masterpiece that haunted and intrigued the world, with a new Blu-ray release featuring the Extended Director’s Cut and Theatrical Version with new special features and premiums ($49.99 Srp). Available October 8, just ahead of Halloween, this 40th Anniversary Edition will include two new featurettes: “Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist” and “Talk of the Devil,” as well as an excerpt from Friedkin’s book The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir.
- 8/1/2013
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Following news that William Friedkin's classic horror 'The Exorcist' would be getting a special 40th Anniversary Extended Edition which would be landing on Blu-ray from 8 October we can now finally take a look at the boxart and get a complete break down of what great new things we can expect. The Blu-ray release features new featurettes 'Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist' and 'Talk of the Devil,' and also an excerpt from director Friedkin's book 'The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir'. You can check out the new artwork plus a full listing of all the great features that'll be included in the release....
- 8/1/2013
- Horror Asylum
Yesterday, Warner Bros. officially announced a new Blu-ray edition of The Exorcist to celebrate the movie’s 40th anniversary and we now have a look at the official cover art:
“When The Exorcist was first released in 1973, viewers were frightened out of their wits – and literally out of their seats. Now Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (Wbhe) will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Academy Award® winning director William Friedkin’s suspense masterpiece that haunted and intrigued the world, with a new Blu-ray release featuring the Extended Director’s Cut and Theatrical Version with new special features and premiums ($49.99 Srp). Available October 8, just ahead of Halloween, this 40th Anniversary Edition will include two new featurettes: “Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist” and “Talk of the Devil,” as well as an excerpt from Friedkin’s book The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir.
A true cinema landmark, the theological thriller is one...
“When The Exorcist was first released in 1973, viewers were frightened out of their wits – and literally out of their seats. Now Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (Wbhe) will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Academy Award® winning director William Friedkin’s suspense masterpiece that haunted and intrigued the world, with a new Blu-ray release featuring the Extended Director’s Cut and Theatrical Version with new special features and premiums ($49.99 Srp). Available October 8, just ahead of Halloween, this 40th Anniversary Edition will include two new featurettes: “Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist” and “Talk of the Devil,” as well as an excerpt from Friedkin’s book The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir.
A true cinema landmark, the theological thriller is one...
- 6/21/2013
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Warner Bros. just sent over the new artwork for their upcoming 40th Anniversary Exorcist Blu-ray, and we're pretty jazzed by it! Changing artwork for classic films can be risky, but they definitely got this one right!
From the Press Release
When The Exorcist was first released in 1973, viewers were frightened out of their wits - and literally out of their seats. Now Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (Wbhe) will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Academy Award® winning director William Friedkin’s suspense masterpiece that haunted and intrigued the world with a new Blu-ray release featuring the Extended Director’s Cut and Theatrical Version with new special features and premiums ($49.99 Srp). Available October 8, just ahead of Halloween, this 40th Anniversary Edition will include two new featurettes: “Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist” and “Talk of the Devil,” as well as an excerpt from Friedkin’s book The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir.
From the Press Release
When The Exorcist was first released in 1973, viewers were frightened out of their wits - and literally out of their seats. Now Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (Wbhe) will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Academy Award® winning director William Friedkin’s suspense masterpiece that haunted and intrigued the world with a new Blu-ray release featuring the Extended Director’s Cut and Theatrical Version with new special features and premiums ($49.99 Srp). Available October 8, just ahead of Halloween, this 40th Anniversary Edition will include two new featurettes: “Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist” and “Talk of the Devil,” as well as an excerpt from Friedkin’s book The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir.
- 6/21/2013
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Come October 8th, it will come time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Exorcist, arguably the greatest film ever made, not just the greatest horror film. The movie is getting a new edition featuring the Extended Director’s Cut, the theatrical version and all new featurettes and special features, all for $49.99. Check out the press release below for more details and a run down of all the esteemed goodies.
Update: The cover art for the Blu-Ray set has been revealed!
Burbank, Calif. June 20, 2013 – When The Exorcist was first released in 1973, viewers were frightened out of their wits – and literally out of their seats. Now Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (Wbhe) will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Academy Award® winning director William Friedkin’s suspense masterpiece that haunted and intrigued the world, with a new Blu-ray release featuring the Extended Director’s Cut and Theatrical Version with new special features and...
Update: The cover art for the Blu-Ray set has been revealed!
Burbank, Calif. June 20, 2013 – When The Exorcist was first released in 1973, viewers were frightened out of their wits – and literally out of their seats. Now Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (Wbhe) will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Academy Award® winning director William Friedkin’s suspense masterpiece that haunted and intrigued the world, with a new Blu-ray release featuring the Extended Director’s Cut and Theatrical Version with new special features and...
- 6/21/2013
- by Andy Greene
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
Another film getting ready to celebrate its 40th anniversary is The Exorcist, and to celebrate the occasion, Warner Bros. is releasing what is nothing short of a be-all/end-all Blu-ray edition. Check out the details right here!
From the Press Release
When The Exorcist was first released in 1973, viewers were frightened out of their wits - and literally out of their seats. Now Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (Wbhe) will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Academy Award® winning director William Friedkin’s suspense masterpiece that haunted and intrigued the world with a new Blu-ray release featuring the Extended Director’s Cut and Theatrical Version with new special features and premiums ($49.99 Srp). Available October 8, just ahead of Halloween, this 40th Anniversary Edition will include two new featurettes: “Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist” and “Talk of the Devil,” as well as an excerpt from Friedkin’s book The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir.
From the Press Release
When The Exorcist was first released in 1973, viewers were frightened out of their wits - and literally out of their seats. Now Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (Wbhe) will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Academy Award® winning director William Friedkin’s suspense masterpiece that haunted and intrigued the world with a new Blu-ray release featuring the Extended Director’s Cut and Theatrical Version with new special features and premiums ($49.99 Srp). Available October 8, just ahead of Halloween, this 40th Anniversary Edition will include two new featurettes: “Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist” and “Talk of the Devil,” as well as an excerpt from Friedkin’s book The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir.
- 6/20/2013
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Late last year, it was revealed that Warner Bros. was preparing a new Blu-ray release of The Exorcist in time for its 40th anniversary. It has now been officially announced, along with the release date and a list of bonus features:
“When The Exorcist was first released in 1973, viewers were frightened out of their wits – and literally out of their seats. Now Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (Wbhe) will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Academy Award® winning director William Friedkin’s suspense masterpiece that haunted and intrigued the world, with a new Blu-ray release featuring the Extended Director’s Cut and Theatrical Version with new special features and premiums ($49.99 Srp). Available October 8, just ahead of Halloween, this 40th Anniversary Edition will include two new featurettes: “Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist” and “Talk of the Devil,” as well as an excerpt from Friedkin’s book The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir.
“When The Exorcist was first released in 1973, viewers were frightened out of their wits – and literally out of their seats. Now Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (Wbhe) will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Academy Award® winning director William Friedkin’s suspense masterpiece that haunted and intrigued the world, with a new Blu-ray release featuring the Extended Director’s Cut and Theatrical Version with new special features and premiums ($49.99 Srp). Available October 8, just ahead of Halloween, this 40th Anniversary Edition will include two new featurettes: “Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist” and “Talk of the Devil,” as well as an excerpt from Friedkin’s book The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir.
- 6/20/2013
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
It's kind of hard to believe, but the horror classic, The Exorcist, is turning forty years old. To commemorate the film's anniversary Warner Bros. is releasing a special 40th Anniversary Edition blu-ray with all new special features. Come on in to check out all the details on the new set and when you can get your hands on it.
One of the reasons I love the film medium is that the truly great films (no matter the genre) can last a lifetime. Take The Exorcist for example. It's been a staple and standard in the horror genre since before I was even born, yet people still enjoy it as much today as they did back then.
If you're a fan of the classic film, you may want to pick up this new anniversary edition on October 8th, as it has brand new special features and includes the extended director's cut of the film.
One of the reasons I love the film medium is that the truly great films (no matter the genre) can last a lifetime. Take The Exorcist for example. It's been a staple and standard in the horror genre since before I was even born, yet people still enjoy it as much today as they did back then.
If you're a fan of the classic film, you may want to pick up this new anniversary edition on October 8th, as it has brand new special features and includes the extended director's cut of the film.
- 6/20/2013
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Jordan Maison)
- Cinelinx
One of the foremost cinematic raconteurs who continues to create compelling works for discussion, director William Friedkin most recently scored a modest hit and showcase for Matthew McConaughey with “Killer Joe,” and also oversaw a restoration of his 1977 suspense drama “Sorcerer.” Friedkin compiled many anecdotes from within and outside the film world for his memoir, “The Friedkin Connection,” and in a radio discussion with Elvis Mitchell, he hinted at some of the contents. The conversation took place on Mitchell's show “The Treatment,” and suitably zig-zagged across Friedkin's history, with the director recounting such events as his encounter with Jean-Michel Basquiat, and his split from composer Bernard Herrmann after they clashed on “The Exorcist” (“Thank you for letting me meet an interesting person,” Friedkin said to him). He also describes his thoughts when Eddie Egan and Sonny Gross, the real-life inspirations...
- 6/12/2013
- by Charlie Schmidlin
- The Playlist
Legendary filmmaker William Friedkin joined HuffPost Live on Thursday to discuss the release of his new memoir, "The Friedkin Connection," and his career as a director of classics such as "The Exorcist" and "The French Connection."
When host Ricky Camilleri asked about one of Friedkin's more shocking films, "Cruising," a murder mystery set against the backdrop of the hardcore gay S&M scene in New York City, Friedkin revealed he wasn't the first director chosen for the story. It was actually Steven Spielberg. Look at the trailer below and try to imagine Steven Spielberg directing this film.
Friedkin tried to imagine how the film would be different, saying "there might have been a shark running around in the damn club!"
"Cruising" was released in 1980 and immediately met with protests from both the gay community, which felt it would promote old stereotypes, as well as conservatives offended by the film's frank depiction of S&M culture.
When host Ricky Camilleri asked about one of Friedkin's more shocking films, "Cruising," a murder mystery set against the backdrop of the hardcore gay S&M scene in New York City, Friedkin revealed he wasn't the first director chosen for the story. It was actually Steven Spielberg. Look at the trailer below and try to imagine Steven Spielberg directing this film.
Friedkin tried to imagine how the film would be different, saying "there might have been a shark running around in the damn club!"
"Cruising" was released in 1980 and immediately met with protests from both the gay community, which felt it would promote old stereotypes, as well as conservatives offended by the film's frank depiction of S&M culture.
- 5/3/2013
- by Ricky Camilleri
- Huffington Post
William Friedkin
American director William Friedkin will receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 70th Venice International Film Festival (28 August – 7 September 2013).
In presenting his recommendation for the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement to the Board of Directors, Alberto Barbera wrote that William Friedkin “has contributed in a prominent way – the revolutionary impact of which has not always been recognized – to the profound renewal of American cinema regarded as ‘the New Hollywood’.”
Friedkin’s prominent films are The French Connection (1971, which won five Oscars, including Best Film and Best Director), The Exorcist (1973), Sorcerer (1977),Cruising (1980), To Live and Die in L.A. (1985) and Jade (1995, presented at the Venice Film Festival). Most recently, he presented Killer Joe in competition at Venice film festival 2011.
“Venice, especially during the Film Festival, is a spiritual home to me,” said William Friedkin. “The Golden Lion is something I never expected but am proud to accept with...
American director William Friedkin will receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 70th Venice International Film Festival (28 August – 7 September 2013).
In presenting his recommendation for the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement to the Board of Directors, Alberto Barbera wrote that William Friedkin “has contributed in a prominent way – the revolutionary impact of which has not always been recognized – to the profound renewal of American cinema regarded as ‘the New Hollywood’.”
Friedkin’s prominent films are The French Connection (1971, which won five Oscars, including Best Film and Best Director), The Exorcist (1973), Sorcerer (1977),Cruising (1980), To Live and Die in L.A. (1985) and Jade (1995, presented at the Venice Film Festival). Most recently, he presented Killer Joe in competition at Venice film festival 2011.
“Venice, especially during the Film Festival, is a spiritual home to me,” said William Friedkin. “The Golden Lion is something I never expected but am proud to accept with...
- 5/3/2013
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
There are few cinematic ranconteurs as engaging as William Friedkin. Candid and filled with a career's worth of stories from the perspective of a filmmaker who has seen the industry change from the freewheeling '70s to the belt-tightening, tentpole focus of today, Friedkin's perspective is unique. And with his new memoir “The Friedkin Connection,” he's put down a lifetime of wisdom into one must-read volume, but of course, there's always more, and the director recently chatted with The New York Times and shared a few more fascinating morsels, reflecting on his own ego, stories from shooting "The French Connection," "The Exorcist," and more. While for most, winning an Oscar means a step up into bigger and better projects, Friedkin freely admits it went to his head. "I had no perspective back then. After I won the Oscar, I thought I was bulletproof. And I wasn’t. But I thought I was.
- 4/30/2013
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Harper has made available a generous excerpt from William Friedkin’s newly published autobiography, The Friedkin Connection. Anyone familiar with Sidney Lumet’s memoir Making Movies will find their rat-a-tat-tat no-time-for-bullshit prose style quite similar.
- 4/29/2013
- by Ryan Adams
- AwardsDaily.com
"I'll see you in another life when we are both cats." –Tom Cruise, 'Vanilla Sky'
Greetings from the apocalypse! You might think that this particular Mad Max would enjoy watching Tom Cruise fight evil robots in a future nuclear-blasted wasteland, but Nope! "Oblivion" is a dud, though that doesn't mean we can't make it through the next few days as long as we stick together and don't cross the Dmz. Smoke 'em if ya got 'em, troops, we're goin' in …
Friday, April 19
Pow! In Theaters
Xenu's own Tom Cruise returns to comfortable sci-fi territory this week with "Oblivion," which I will henceforth refer to as "The Matrix Redressed." Cruise is the only living boy in post-apocalyptic New York, where he and a stuffy British chick (Andrea Riseborough, natch) maintain giant water vacuums when they're not having PG-13 swimming pool sex … that is, until the mysterious Olga Kurylenko arrives from outer space.
Greetings from the apocalypse! You might think that this particular Mad Max would enjoy watching Tom Cruise fight evil robots in a future nuclear-blasted wasteland, but Nope! "Oblivion" is a dud, though that doesn't mean we can't make it through the next few days as long as we stick together and don't cross the Dmz. Smoke 'em if ya got 'em, troops, we're goin' in …
Friday, April 19
Pow! In Theaters
Xenu's own Tom Cruise returns to comfortable sci-fi territory this week with "Oblivion," which I will henceforth refer to as "The Matrix Redressed." Cruise is the only living boy in post-apocalyptic New York, where he and a stuffy British chick (Andrea Riseborough, natch) maintain giant water vacuums when they're not having PG-13 swimming pool sex … that is, until the mysterious Olga Kurylenko arrives from outer space.
- 4/19/2013
- by Max Evry
- NextMovie
Actors' memoirs come and go, but when a filmmaker tries his hand at writing a book, the results can be enlightening indeed. William Friedkin, the director best known for "The French Connection" and "The Exorcist," didn't even bother hiring a ghostwriter. Instead, he filled one Moleskine notebook after another with long-hand recollections, then sent off the pages to his publisher. "The Friedkin Connection," out April 16 from HarperCollins, is jam-packed with colorful anecdotes (who knew Gene Hackman was such a pain in the ass?), but the real joy is sharing brain space with this ballsy, unconventional force of nature as he plays career Chutes and Ladders in the company of Hollywood's A-list.
Last month, Friedkin, who is married to former Paramount Pictures chief Sherry Lansing, visited HuffPost Live and talked about the complicated legacies of his gay-themed films "The Boys in the Band" and "Cruisin'." Last week, I had the chance...
Last month, Friedkin, who is married to former Paramount Pictures chief Sherry Lansing, visited HuffPost Live and talked about the complicated legacies of his gay-themed films "The Boys in the Band" and "Cruisin'." Last week, I had the chance...
- 4/15/2013
- by Michael Hogan
- Huffington Post
"The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir" (Harper), by William Friedkin
A self-made, scrappy professional reaches the top only to be brought down by conflicting desires and his own hubris. Amid the wreckage, he reconsiders what's important to him and begins anew, success attainable once again but not at all certain.
That sounds like the outline of a movie directed by William Friedkin, the Oscar winner behind "The French Connection" (1971), "The Exorcist" (1973) and more than a dozen other films plus plays and even operas. It's also the theme of a page-turning memoir in which Friedkin revisits his victories and defeats while taking the blame for dropping the brass ring.
If measured by ticket sales alone, Friedkin's filmmaking career peaked in the early 1970s. His first nondocumentary, the Sonny and Cher oddity "Good Times," was released in 1967. His most recent movie was 2011's love-it-or-hate-it shocker "Killer Joe." That's four years to reach the...
A self-made, scrappy professional reaches the top only to be brought down by conflicting desires and his own hubris. Amid the wreckage, he reconsiders what's important to him and begins anew, success attainable once again but not at all certain.
That sounds like the outline of a movie directed by William Friedkin, the Oscar winner behind "The French Connection" (1971), "The Exorcist" (1973) and more than a dozen other films plus plays and even operas. It's also the theme of a page-turning memoir in which Friedkin revisits his victories and defeats while taking the blame for dropping the brass ring.
If measured by ticket sales alone, Friedkin's filmmaking career peaked in the early 1970s. His first nondocumentary, the Sonny and Cher oddity "Good Times," was released in 1967. His most recent movie was 2011's love-it-or-hate-it shocker "Killer Joe." That's four years to reach the...
- 4/15/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
We start the Top 7. You finish the Top 10.
This weekend (April 12-14) is the first annual Chicago Critics Film Festival (Ccff), an amazing time for moviegoers to catch screenings of unreleased favorites from earlier festivals Cannes, Sundance, and SXSW. The event is organized by the Chicago Film Critics Association (Cfca, of which I am a proud member), and will take place at the Muvico Rosemont 18 theater right by Chicago’s O’Hare airport.
Click here for Free Passes to the screening of “Leave Me Like You Found Me” and Q&A with Adele Romanski – Saturday 4:30 p.m.
The festival begins this Friday night (April 12) with a screening of Stories We Tell, by Take This Waltz writer/director Sarah Polley. Continuing into Sunday night, with William Friedkin’s Sorcerer, the Ccff will feature screenings of numerous new Cfca favorites.
Included in this year’s lineup are: The Spectacular Now, directed...
This weekend (April 12-14) is the first annual Chicago Critics Film Festival (Ccff), an amazing time for moviegoers to catch screenings of unreleased favorites from earlier festivals Cannes, Sundance, and SXSW. The event is organized by the Chicago Film Critics Association (Cfca, of which I am a proud member), and will take place at the Muvico Rosemont 18 theater right by Chicago’s O’Hare airport.
Click here for Free Passes to the screening of “Leave Me Like You Found Me” and Q&A with Adele Romanski – Saturday 4:30 p.m.
The festival begins this Friday night (April 12) with a screening of Stories We Tell, by Take This Waltz writer/director Sarah Polley. Continuing into Sunday night, with William Friedkin’s Sorcerer, the Ccff will feature screenings of numerous new Cfca favorites.
Included in this year’s lineup are: The Spectacular Now, directed...
- 4/10/2013
- by Nick Allen
- The Scorecard Review
Chicago – Exclusive massive Hookup! Nearly $1,500 in free tickets! In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film with our unique social giveaway technology, we have 100+ movie passes valued at $1,500 up for grabs to the Chicago Critics Film Festival, which runs from April 12 to 14, 2013!
Featuring more than 20 Chicago premieres of award-winning films from Sundance, Cannes and Swsw specifically chosen by the Windy City’s own Chicago Film Critics Association, the 2013 Chicago Critics Film Festival features guest of honor and Oscar winner William Friedkin (“The Exorcist”) and Oscar nominee Sarah Polley (“Take This Waltz”). Nowhere else can you win these tickets! Our lucky HollywoodChicago.com winners will be treated to…
One grand prize: Full weekend pass: All movies and parties! ($100 value)
One second prize: Sunday pass: William Friedkin screening and Q&A, “The Spectacular Now” and more! ($80 value)
One third prize: Saturday pass: “Sparks” with guests, “The Kings of Summer,” “Black Rock” and more!
Featuring more than 20 Chicago premieres of award-winning films from Sundance, Cannes and Swsw specifically chosen by the Windy City’s own Chicago Film Critics Association, the 2013 Chicago Critics Film Festival features guest of honor and Oscar winner William Friedkin (“The Exorcist”) and Oscar nominee Sarah Polley (“Take This Waltz”). Nowhere else can you win these tickets! Our lucky HollywoodChicago.com winners will be treated to…
One grand prize: Full weekend pass: All movies and parties! ($100 value)
One second prize: Sunday pass: William Friedkin screening and Q&A, “The Spectacular Now” and more! ($80 value)
One third prize: Saturday pass: “Sparks” with guests, “The Kings of Summer,” “Black Rock” and more!
- 4/9/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Friedkin '70s
May 2–7
The decade between 1970s Boys in the Band and 1980s Cruising was an undeniably fertile, thrilling, canonical period in the still-edgy career of William Friedkin, and Bam will celebrate it with a live appearance by the 77-year-old Oscar-winning auteur on May 2. The series, which also includes The Exorcist, The French Connection, Sorcerer, and the underrated caper comedy The Brink's Job, is tied to Friedkin's upcoming memoir, The Friedkin Connection, written in longhand over three years. "Hopefully, it's readable," he half-jests, dismissibly so after you've heard the reminisces of his middle-to-late 1950s start in live television and rookie mistakes on his first documentary: "By the time I ...
May 2–7
The decade between 1970s Boys in the Band and 1980s Cruising was an undeniably fertile, thrilling, canonical period in the still-edgy career of William Friedkin, and Bam will celebrate it with a live appearance by the 77-year-old Oscar-winning auteur on May 2. The series, which also includes The Exorcist, The French Connection, Sorcerer, and the underrated caper comedy The Brink's Job, is tied to Friedkin's upcoming memoir, The Friedkin Connection, written in longhand over three years. "Hopefully, it's readable," he half-jests, dismissibly so after you've heard the reminisces of his middle-to-late 1950s start in live television and rookie mistakes on his first documentary: "By the time I ...
- 3/27/2013
- Village Voice
Chicago – The full schedule has been announced for the 2013 Chicago Critics Film Festival, featuring appearances by Sarah Polley, William Friedkin, William Katt (“The Greatest American Hero”), Ashley Bell (“The Last Exorcism”), James Ponsoldt (“Smashed”), and much more! Check out the schedule below and get your tickets now right here!
The festival takes place at the Muvico Rosemont 18 from April 12-14, 2013. Oscar-nominated actress/filmmaker Sarah Polley (“Away From Her,” “Take This Waltz”) will introduce the festival on opening night with her powerful and deeply personal documentary “Stories We Tell.” Twenty-year-old wunderkind filmmaker Emily Hagins will follow by introducing her fourth directorial effort, the coming-of-age comedy “Grow Up, Tony Phillips.” On closing night, the Sundance Film Festival hit “The Spectacular Now,” a comedy-drama starring Golden Globe nominee Shailene Woodley (“The Descendants”), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (“Smashed”), Kyle Chandler (“Zero Dark Thirty”) and Miles Teller (“21 & Overwill be presented with director James Ponsoldt scheduled to attend.
The festival takes place at the Muvico Rosemont 18 from April 12-14, 2013. Oscar-nominated actress/filmmaker Sarah Polley (“Away From Her,” “Take This Waltz”) will introduce the festival on opening night with her powerful and deeply personal documentary “Stories We Tell.” Twenty-year-old wunderkind filmmaker Emily Hagins will follow by introducing her fourth directorial effort, the coming-of-age comedy “Grow Up, Tony Phillips.” On closing night, the Sundance Film Festival hit “The Spectacular Now,” a comedy-drama starring Golden Globe nominee Shailene Woodley (“The Descendants”), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (“Smashed”), Kyle Chandler (“Zero Dark Thirty”) and Miles Teller (“21 & Overwill be presented with director James Ponsoldt scheduled to attend.
- 3/26/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Exclusive William Friedkin's "Sorcerer" -- a film that fell victim to shifting tastes when it opened more than three decades ago -- will be remastered and released in theaters and for the first time on Blu-ray, the director told TheWrap. The film, a remake of Henri-Georges Clouzot's "The Wages of Fear," nearly sank Friedkin's career when it hit theaters in 1977. He was riding high on the success of "The Exorcist" and "The French Connection," but as he recounts in his upcoming memoir "The Friedkin Connection," the release of "Star Wars" that same...
- 3/21/2013
- by Brent Lang
- The Wrap
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