Throughout his illustrious career, acclaimed director William Friedkin honed his craft with iconic films like The French Connection and The Exorcist. His taste in cinema was equally discerning, and in a revealing Look into his library, he shared a curated list of films he deemed masterful.
Among Friedkin’s picks was **Belle de jour**, a haunting masterpiece by the master of the absurd, Luis Buñuel. He called it “a thriller wrapped inside an mystery,” praising its surrealist elements and blurring of reality.
Another favorite was **Last Year at Marienbad**, an mysterytic French New Wave gem. The haunting atmosphere and elusive narrative leave viewers with a sense of existential unease. Friedkin saw it as a paradigm shift in cinematic storytelling.
Friedkin also championed **Paths of Glory**, highlighting its proto-Kubrickian qualities and masterful use of camerawork. He found parallels between the film’s surreal sequences and his own work on The Exorcist.
William Friedkin (Via IMDB)
The gritty prison drama **Brute Force** held a special place in Friedkin’s heart. He marveled at its stark visuals and powerful social commentary. Similarly, **All That Money Can Buy**, with its chilling mix of biblical allegory and human despair, left a lasting impression.
Friedkin also lauded **Sunday Bloody Sunday**, praising its nuanced characters and sensitive direction. He found parallels with the film and his own iconic exorcism story, citing its exploration of faith and human desperation.
Other notable recommendations included **Pickpocket**, a minimalist drama that explores existential alienation through the lens of petty crime, and **Vampyr**, an atmospheric horror film that challenged traditional genre conventions.
Ultimately, Friedkin’s list offers a fascinating Look into the mind of a visionary director who constantly pushed the boundaries of storytelling and admired cinematic brilliance across genres and eras.
