LOS ANGELES — William Friedkin, the creative genius behind 1970s cinematic gems like "The French Connection" and the bone-chilling classic "The Exorcist," has left us, his wife Sherry Lansing, a powerhouse in her own right as the former CEO of Paramount Pictures, revealed to The Hollywood Reporter earlier today.
At the age of 87, Friedkin bid us adieu, leaving an indelible mark on the world of film. He grabbed the Oscar for the "French Connection" in 1972, a flick that had us all at the edge of our seats. And two years later, he earned a nomination for the same golden trophy for his devilishly scary "Exorcist." The film, known for its hair-raising moments and dark sense of humor, collected a whopping ten nominations and brought home two shiny statuettes.
Friedkin's directorial journey commenced in 1965 with the TV movie "The Bold Men," but it was his 1970 masterpiece "The Boys in the Band" that catapulted him into a golden era of filmmaking. This flick, ahead of its time in bravely exploring gay themes, still holds its ground as a true cinematic treasure.
While this talented director had a host of notable films under his belt, including 1980's "Cruising" with Al Pacino and the intense "To Live and Die in L.A." featuring Willem Dafoe in 1985, it was his knack for blending fear with finesse that truly set him apart. Let's not forget his quirky 2006 venture "Bug," starring Ashley Judd and the unforgettable Michael Shannon, or his gripping "Rules of Engagement" in 2000, where Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson showed us that courtroom dramas could be as gripping as an action flick.
Even as recently as 2017, Friedkin proved he still had the magic with "The Devil and Father Amort." And guess what? He had one more trick up his sleeve with the yet-to-be-released "The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial," a movie boasting a star-studded cast including Kiefer Sutherland, Jason Clarke, and Jake Lacy.
In a world where Hollywood's talents come and go, Friedkin's legacy will stand tall. He might have left us, but his movies will continue to spook and surprise, keeping us glued to the screen with bated breath.
Rest in peace, Mr. Friedkin. Your cinematic magic will live on.
