William Friedkin

Directing

William Friedkin

Born August 29, 1935 · Chicago, Illinois, USA

Died August 7, 2023 · aged 87

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 …

Known For

The ExorcistThe Exorcist · 1973
The Exorcist
7.71973
MovieHorror
When a mysterious entity possesses a young girl, her mother seeks the help of two Catholic priests to save her life.
The French ConnectionThe French Connection · 1971
The French Connection
7.51971
MovieActionCrime
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.
To Live and Die in L.A.To Live and Die in L.A. · 1985
To Live and Die in L.A.
7.11985
MovieCrimeThriller
When his longtime partner on the force is killed, reckless U.S. Secret Service agent Richard Chance vows revenge, setting out to nab dangerous counterfeit artist Eric Masters.
Rules of EngagementRules of Engagement · 2000
Rules of Engagement
6.22000
MovieWarDrama
A Marine Colonel is brought to court-martial after ordering his men to fire on demonstrators surrounding the American embassy in Yemen.
The HuntedThe Hunted · 2003
The Hunted
6.22003
MovieDramaAction
In the wilderness of British Columbia, two hunters are tracked and viciously murdered by Aaron Hallam. A former Special Operations instructor is approached and asked to apprehend Hallam—his former student—who has 'gone rogue' after suffering severe battle stress from his time in Kosovo.
SorcererSorcerer · 1977
Sorcerer
7.51977
MovieThrillerAdventure
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 several cases of dynamite (which is so old that it is dripping unstable nitroglycerin) across dangerous jungle terrain.
12 Angry Men12 Angry Men · 1997
12 Angry Men
7.71997
MovieDramaTV Movie
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 of their preconceptions and prejudices.
Killer JoeKiller Joe · 2012
Killer Joe
6.52012
MovieCrimeThriller
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 sister.

Filmography

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Verdi AidaVerdi Aida · 2015
Verdi Aida
2015
MovieMusic
Originally commissioned to celebrate the completion of the Suez Canal and the opening of Cairos new opera house, Verdis Egyptian epic Aida is here seen in a spectacular new staging in the Teatro Regio Torino by the Oscar-winning American film director William Friedkin, creator of such famous movies as The Exorcist and The French Connection. The cast features American soprano Kristin Lewis who has been heralded for her remarkable voice, which she uses with powerful dramatic instinct, and Georgian mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili, whose Amneris dominates the stage with her dark, rounded, irresistible voice and extraordinary stage presence. Gianandrea Noseda leading the Orchestra and Chorus Teatro Regio Torino received accolaides from all: he controls everything- orchestra, singers, chorus, dancers, acrobats- with an all-encompassing overview. He knows exactly when its time to linger over a timbre, a color, an expressive chord.

Stage Director