Biography
William David Friedkin (August 29, 1935 – August 7, 2023) was an American film, television and opera director, producer, and screenwriter who was closely identified with the "New Hollywood" movement of the 1970s. Beginning his career in documentaries in the early 1960s, he is best known for his crime thriller film The French Connection (1971), which won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and the horror film The Exorcist (1973), which earned him another Academy Award n...
Known For
Complete Filmography
Peter Lorre : Derrière le masque du maudit
2024
as Self (archive footage)
Fear and Love: The Story of The Exorcist
2024
as Self
A intimate reflection at the making of and cultural phenomenon of one of the most popular and profitable horror films ever made, The Exorcist (1973).
The Exorcist Untold
2023
as Self (archive footage)
An insight into one of the most groundbreaking horror films of all time; the infamous The Exorcist (1973).
Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist
2023
as Self
A lyrical and spiritual cinematic essay on The Exorcist, the last film of Alexandre O. Philippe explores the uncharted depths of William Friedkin’s mi...
The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
2023
Teleplay, Director
Barney Greenwald, a skeptical lawyer, reluctantly defends an officer of the navy who took control of the Caine from its captain, Lt. Philip Francis Qu...
The Lost Print: The Making of Orson Welles’ The Magnificent Ambersons
2022
as Self
A documentary film detailing the hunt for the holy grail of cinema: the legendary lost director's cut of Orson Welles' The Magnificent Ambersons.
Algren
2021
as Self
Algren will spotlight the hard-knock life and authentic creative legacy of one of the most underrated writers of the twentieth century, Nelson Algren....
I Am Alfred Hitchcock
2021
as Self
Interviews and archival footage weave together to tell the story of the Master of Suspense, one of the most influential and studied filmmakers in the ...
Fellini of the Spirits
2020
as Self
2020 marks 100 years since the birth of Federico Fellini, the most prominent Italian director and one of the symbols of the insuperable cinematic heyd...
Friedkin Uncut
2018
as Self
An introspective insight into the life and artistic journey of William Friedkin, an extraordinary and offbeat director of cult films such as The Frenc...
The Devil and Father Amorth
2018
as Self
William Friedkin attends an exorcism with Father Gabriele Amorth, as he treats an Italian woman named Cristina for the ninth time. Prior to filming, C...
The Devil and Father Amorth
2018
Director, Writer
William Friedkin attends an exorcism with Father Gabriele Amorth, as he treats an Italian woman named Cristina for the ninth time. Prior to filming, C...
Return to the Genre
2016
An nnterview with director William Friedkin about The Guardian (1990)
Sorcerers: A Conversation with William Friedkin and Nicolas Winding Refn
2015
William Friedkin and Nicolas Winding Refn discuss the production and the reception of Friedkin's movie 'Sorcerer'
Verdi Aida
2015
Stage Director
Originally commissioned to celebrate the completion of the Suez Canal and the opening of Cairos new opera house, Verdis Egyptian epic Aida is here see...
Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles
2014
as Self - Filmmaker (archive footage)
The extraordinary life of Orson Welles (1915-85), an enigma of Hollywood, an irreducible independent creator: a musical prodigy, an excellent painter,...
Henri Langlois vu par...
2014
as Self
Thirteen filmmakers talk about Henri Langlois and their relationship with him.
Henri Langlois vu par...
2014
Director
Thirteen filmmakers talk about Henri Langlois and their relationship with him.
The Making of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz
2013
as Self
Actor Martin Sheen narrates this newly produced, feature-length high definition documentary, touching on the film's timelessness and legacy before div...
A Fuller Life
2013
as Self - Reader (segment "My Ballsy Yarns")
Friends and admirers of iconoclastic film director Sam Fuller read from his memoirs in this unconventional documentary directed by Fuller's only child...
Don't Say No Until I Finish Talking: The Story of Richard D. Zanuck
2013
as Self
A look at the life and work of legendary film producer Richard D. Zanuck.
Tales from the Warner Bros. Lot
2013
as Self
Actors, crew and executives who worked at Warner Bros. Pictures recall their days at the studio.
Stanley Kubrick in Focus
2012
as Self
Spielberg, Soderbergh, Stone, Friedkin, Scorsese and others tell how Kubrick's directorial style influenced them and how his unique style was develope...
Killer Joe
2012
Director
A cop who moonlights as a hit man agrees to kill the hated mother of a desperate drug dealer in exchange for a tumble with the young man's virginal si...
Casablanca: An Unlikely Classic
2012
as Self
The behind-the-scenes story of how "Casablanca" became an American film classic.
Michael Curtiz: The Greatest Director You Never Heard Of
2012
as Self
Documentary about the work of film director Michael Curtiz.
Making the Boys
2011
as Self
Before Prop 8, Milk or Will & Grace, before the AIDS epidemic, gay pride parades or the Stonewall uprising, "The Boys in the Band" changed everything....
Miller's Tale
2011
as Self
Miller's Tale is a personal journey into the life of playwright and actor Jason Miller and his relationship with his hometown, Scranton, Pennsylvania....
Godard Made in USA
2010
as Self
Documentary by Luc Lagier exploring Godard's career as a filmmaker, the production of Breathless and his influence and his relationship with American ...
The Exorcist Locations: Georgetown Then and Now
2010
as Self
Friedkin and Roizman talk about the film's Georgetown locales, and side-by-side comparisons between the 1973 locations and their modern 2010 counterpa...
Raising Hell: Filming the Exorcist
2010
as Self
2010 documentary on William Friedkin's 1973 horror classic, featuring the never before seen on set footage of cinematographer Owen Roizman.
Fasten Your Seatbelt: The Thrilling Art of Alfred Hitchcock
2009
as Self
A short Universal promo regarding the works of Alfred Hitchcock.
The Master's Touch: Hitchcock's Signature Style
2009
as Self
Documentary that features interviews with Martin Scorsese, Curtis Hanson, Francis Lawrence, William Friedkin, Guillermo Del Toro, John Carpenter and o...
North by Northwest: One for the Ages
2009
as Self
A discussion of "North by Northwest" and its influence.
Victor Fleming: Master Craftsman
2009
as Self
A documentary on the life and career of Victor Fleming, director of such iconic movies as The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind.
Anatomy of a Chase
2009
as Self
Thirty-five years after it was made, the climatic car chase scene in The French Connection is still jaw-dropping in its suspense and execution. Direct...
Pure Cinema: Through the Eyes of Hitchcock
2008
as Self
Alfred Hitchcock often referred to his style of film making as "pure cinema" — using camera movement, editing, music and sound to tell stories that wo...
Breaking Barriers: The Sound of Hitchcock
2008
as Self
The cry of gulls. The ticking of a clock. The clatter of a shower curtain, torn from its rod. In this workshop-like documentary, Academy Award-winning...
In the Master's Shadow: Hitchcock's Legacy
2008
as Self
Films beget films. Filmmakers influence other filmmakers constantly. But the most influential filmmaker of all time is Alfred Hitchcock.
The Masterpiece That Almost Wasn't
2008
as Self
On the 35th anniversary of the release of the landmark film "The Godfather," (March 15, 1972) we look back at the time and place of the film's concept...
Great Bolshy Yarblockos!: Making 'A Clockwork Orange'
2007
as Self
In this documentary, we follow Stanley Kubrick as he creates one of the most controversial films of all time, one that retains its power to shock audi...
View from the Overlook: Crafting 'The Shining'
2007
as Self
An overview of the making of, and a look at the continuing popularity of, Stanley Kubrick's The Shining.
The Visions of Stanley Kubrick
2007
as Self
A look at the visual design of the film The Shining (1980).
Vision of a Future Passed: The Prophecy of 2001
2007
as Self
This documentary about "2001: A Space Odyssey" looks at some of the things that seemed fanciful in 1968, which don't seem quite as much anymore.
The History of 'Cruising'
2007
as Self
Part one of the making of William Friedkin’s 1980 thriller "Cruising" and the controversies it created.
Exorcising 'Cruising'
2007
as Self
Part two of the making of William Friedkin's 1980 thriller "Cruising" and the controversies it created.
The History of 'Cruising'
2007
as Self
A documentary on the making of William Friedkin's Cruising.
Tatort Oper - Wie Filmemacher Oper machen
2007
as Self
What happens when famous directors stage an opera? Eckhart Schmidt shows successful and failed attempts.
The Painter's Voice
2007
Director
Paintings conservators at the Getty Center reveal details of their craft as they restore two large paintings by French master Jean-Baptiste Oudry.
Bug
2007
Director
In Oklahoma, Agnes, a lonely waitress living in an isolated and dilapidated roadside motel, meets Peter, a quiet and mysterious man with whom she esta...
The Man Who Shot Chinatown: The Life and Work of John A. Alonzo
2007
as Self
Cinematographer John A. Alonzo was one of the driving creative forces in the resurgence of expressionistic American movies of the late 1960s and '70s....
Shadows of Suspense
2006
as Self
A documentary featuring film historians, directors and authors discussing the making of Billy Wilder's "Double Indemnity."
Shadows in the Dark: The Val Lewton Legacy
2005
Documentary about the great 1940s horror movie producer Val Lewton, featured on the 2005 DVD release "The Val Lewton Horror Collection."
A Little Solitaire
2004
as Self
William Friedkin on The Manchurian Candidate
Counterfeit World: Making 'To Live and Die in L.A.'
2003
as Self
The magic and creation behind the making of William Friedkin's classic action film To Live and Die in L.A. (1985). It follows cast, crew and the direc...
Pursuing “The Hunted”
2003
as Self
Behind the scenes of The Hunted.
The Cutting Edge
2003
as Self
Behind the scenes of The Hunted.
Filming “The Hunted”
2003
as Self
Behind the scenes of The Hunted.
Narc: The Friedkin Connection
2003
as Self
Documentary on the connections between Narc (2002) and William Friedkin's filmography.
A Decade Under the Influence
2003
as Self
A documentary examining the decade of the 1970s as a turning point in American cinema. Some of today's best filmmakers interview the influential direc...
The Hunted
2003
Director
In the wilderness of British Columbia, two hunters are tracked and viciously murdered by Aaron Hallam. A former Special Operations instructor is appro...
Making the Connection: Untold Stories of The French Connection
2001
as Self
The exciting story of the making of William Friedkin's The French Connection (1971), hosted by former NYPD detective Sony Grosso, who inspired the cha...
Rules of Engagement
2000
Director
A Marine Colonel is brought to court-martial after ordering his men to fire on demonstrators surrounding the American embassy in Yemen.
The Poughkeepsie Shuffle: Tracing 'The French Connection'
2000
as Self
A documentary on the production of The French Connection (1971).
Without Limits
1998
as TV Director
The life of renowned runner Steve Prefontaine and his relationship with legendary coach Bill Bowerman.
The Fear of God: 25 Years of The Exorcist
1998
as Self - Director
A behind-the-scenes retrospective made for the twenty-fifth anniversary of the classic horror film, The Exorcist. Includes interviews with Linda Blair...
The Fear of God: 25 Years of The Exorcist
1998
Thanks
A behind-the-scenes retrospective made for the twenty-fifth anniversary of the classic horror film, The Exorcist. Includes interviews with Linda Blair...
Billy Wilder: The Human Comedy
1998
as Self
A profile of writer-director Billy Wilder
12 Angry Men
1997
Director
During the trial of a man accused of his father's murder, a lone juror takes a stand against the guilty verdict handed down by the others as a result ...
Howard Hawks: American Artist
1997
as Self
A tribute of Howard Hawks by the British Film Institute.
Hollywood Halloween
1997
as Self
Horror documentary with interviews to William Friedkin, Stan Winston, John McNaughton, Tom Holland and Ridley Scott.
Jade
1995
Director
When a prominent art dealer is found murdered, the man's death leads to an intriguing investigation steeped in sex, corruption and crime. District Att...
Jailbreakers
1994
Director
A 1950s high school cheerleader meets a leather clad rebel biker and goes out on the town with him. When he steals an item of jewellery he gets thrown...
Blue Chips
1994
Director
Pete Bell, a college basketball coach is under a lot of pressure. His team isn't winning and he cannot attract new players. The stars of the future ar...
Fear in the Dark
1991
as Self
A short documentary on the history of the horror film narrated by Christopher Lee.
The Guardian
1990
Director, Screenplay
Phil and Kate select the winsome young Camilla as a live-in nanny for their newborn child, but the seemingly lovely Camilla is not what she appears to...
C.A.T. Squad: Python Wolf
1988
Director, Story, Executive Producer
The Counter Assault Tactical (C.A.T.) Squad investigates a spy who is supplying plutonium to the Sjambok, a racist South African paramilitary group th...
Rampage
1987
Director, Writer, Producer
Liberal district attorney decides to seek the death penalty for a man who slaughtered a family at Christmastime, then drank their blood. He escapes, t...
C.A.T. Squad
1986
Director, Executive Producer
When terrorists start killing scientists who are working on NATO's laser defense program, an elite team, the Counter Assault Tactical (C.A.T.) Squad, ...
Putting It Together: The Making of the Broadway Album
1986
In 1985, Barbra Streisand released "The Broadway Album," which remains one of her most popular records. Barbra's first television special on HBO debut...
Putting It Together: The Making of the Broadway Album
1986
Director
In 1985, Barbra Streisand released "The Broadway Album," which remains one of her most popular records. Barbra's first television special on HBO debut...
To Live and Die in L.A.
1985
Director, Screenplay
When his longtime partner on the force is killed, reckless U.S. Secret Service agent Richard Chance vows revenge, setting out to nab dangerous counter...
Self Control
1984
Director
The video depicts Branigan, sitting in her bedroom while her lover sleeps. Tempted by the allure of the city at night, she gets dressed up and goes ou...
Deal of the Century
1983
Director
Arms dealers from several companies vie to sell the most expensive and highest tech weapons to a South American dictator. There are complications; und...
Cruising
1980
Writer, Director
When New York is caught in the grip of a sadistic serial killer who preys on patrons of the city's underground bars, young rookie Steve Burns infiltra...
The Brink's Job
1978
Director
In 1950, a group of unlikely criminal masterminds commits the robbery of the century. Led by Tony Pino, a petty thief fresh out of prison, and Joe McG...
Sorcerer
1977
Director, Screenplay, Producer
Four men from different parts of the globe, all hiding from their pasts in the same remote South American town, agree to risk their lives transporting...
Conversation with Fritz Lang
1975
as Self
American director William Friedkin interviewed Austrian director Fritz Lang on February 21st and 24th, 1975. Lang died August 2nd, 1976.
Conversation with Fritz Lang
1975
Director
American director William Friedkin interviewed Austrian director Fritz Lang on February 21st and 24th, 1975. Lang died August 2nd, 1976.
The Exorcist
1973
Director
When a charming 12-year-old girl takes on the characteristics and voices of others, doctors say there is nothing they can do. As people begin to die, ...
The French Connection
1971
Director, Screenplay
Tough narcotics detective 'Popeye' Doyle is in hot pursuit of a suave French drug dealer who may be the key to a huge heroin-smuggling operation.
The Boys in the Band
1970
Director
A witty, perceptive and devastating look at the personal agendas and suppressed revelations swirling among a group of gay men in Manhattan. Harold is ...
The Night They Raided Minsky's
1968
Director
Rachel arrives in New York from her Amish community intent on becoming a dancer. Unfortunately Billy Minsky's Burlesque is hardly the place for her Da...
The Birthday Party
1968
Director
Based on Harold Pinter's enigmatic play about a boarder in a British seaside dwelling who is visited by two strangers. They torment him verbally, ask ...
Good Times
1967
Director, Screenplay
Given the opportunity to headline their own feature film by studio executive Mr. Mordicus, Sonny and Cher have three days to come up with an idea for ...
The Pickle Brothers
1967
Director
The Pickle Brothers were a three-man comedy act which enjoyed considerable success during the late 1960s.
Muggins
1967
Producer
A UCLA student film by Steve Wax. A poetic mood piece dealing with the death of an old man's spirit of romance and self-esteem. Award winner: 1967 San...
The Thin Blue Line
1966
Producer, Director, Story
The work of the US police force and the problem of fighting rising crime across the country.
Pro Football: Mayhem on a Sunday Afternoon
1965
Director
Mayhem on a Sunday Afternoon was the last of three documentaries William Friedkin made for producer David Wolper. It concerned the world of pro footba...
The Bold Men
1965
Director
A documentary about men who are courageous enough to risk their lives undertaking challenges, sports-related and not, that are at the limit of human c...
The People vs. Paul Crump
1962
Director, Producer
An impassioned plea for the release of a young man sentenced to die in an Illinois prison.