William Friedkin
Director · American

William Friedkin

1935–2023

One of the defining figures of the New Hollywood era. Friedkin understood that careful construction still looked too safe — and for the principal run of The French Connection chase, he removed the controls entirely. He rode in the car himself because his camera operators would not.

Also known for: The Exorcist (1973), Sorcerer (1977), To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)

Films in the archive

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