William Friedkin was perhaps the most distinguished American director to grace Hollywood. Friedkin was a revolutionary filmmaker who successfully helmed dozens of fascinating projects that have achieved iconic status in the industry.
The Exorcist movie director died on 7 August 2023 from heart failure and pneumonia at his home in Los Angeles. He was known for his witty and intellectual character. Nevertheless, Friedkin was super controversial and often made surprisingly bold and strong remarks that have infuriated many talents like director Nicolas Winding Refn.
During a candid interview, Winding Refn discussed his films and work in showbiz. He told the celebrated auteur that his film: Only God Forgives and Drive starring Ryan Gosling, were both masterpieces. The late screenwriter disagreed with his remarks and then trashed his opinions.
William Friedkin Trashed Drive Movie Director
William Friedkin was arguably the most talented and extraordinary director who ranked on the list of top directing pantheons in the entertainment industry. His directing genius earned him several critically acclaimed awards and enough celebrities had collaborated and worked on his passion projects. Friedkin once joined director Nicolas Winding Refn to discuss some of the best Hollywood films.
However, things turned topsy-turvy when Winding Refn brought up the subject of his own-directed movies. He claimed that his 2011 American action drama Drive and 2013 thriller Only God Forgives, starring Ryan Gosling, were masterpieces. The director said: “I have no regrets about Only God Forgives. I think it is a masterpiece,” to this, the late director replied,
“Is there a doctor in the house? We need to get a medic in here. If you think that’s a masterpiece, then what is ‘Citizen Kane?’”
Refn told Friedkin that he forgot to mention his film Drive while praising 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Citizen Kane, saying, “You were mentioning 2001, Citizen Kane. You forgot to add Drive. We’ll let that slip.” After hearing his remarks, William Friedkin said,
“We won’t know about Drive in another 30 years, whether it lives or dies… 2001 was made in 1968.
At the time of this interview, the Gosling-helmed movie Drive was only four years old. Hence Williams Friedkin claimed,
“Four years is a zip, it’s not even a blip. It’s not a pimple on the a–hole of humanity. 2001 was made in 1968 and holds up… better than all this similar cr-p. Citizen Kane was made in 1941 and it lives.”
Directors often expressed candid opinions and views on movies and projects that have become popular with time. However, differences of opinion occurred when these two celebrated directors joined to debate the best films of American cinema.
Also Read: ‘The Exorcist’ Director William Friedkin, Oscar Winner, Passes Away at 87
A Brief Note on William Friedkin’s legendary career
William Friedkin was one of the most celebrated and highly-regarded filmmakers who has made several iconic films and is easily one of the best filmmakers in the entertainment industry. His exceptional storytelling craftwork won him millions of fans worldwide.
Several of his movies undoubtedly dominated the box office numbers, making him one of the most in-demand creative visionaries. His beloved wife, Sherry Lansing, announced that he died on Monday, August 7, 2023, after heart failure and pneumonia.
Throughout his storied career, Friedkin directed many thought-provoking, mind-bending movies like The Exorcist, The Boys in the Band, Sorcerer, The Brink’s Job, and Cruising.
Also Read: Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism ‘Overlook Film Fest’ Review – A Scary Good Time
Source: Farout magazine
