Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist

Alexandre O. Philippe | US, 2019 | English | Documentary | 104m | DCP | IMDB | Distributor/Sales: SC Films International | Festival marketing sample: Venice 2019

Description: Seated in an elegant living room, William Friedkin discusses his inspirations, technique and creative decisions relating to his 1973 film, The Exorcist. The film features many clips from his film and from others that inspired him, such as Dreyer’s Ordet.

Merits: Familiarity with The Exorcist is essential to appreciating this film. Although Friedkin is Jewish and talks about the religious aspects of his film, nothing discussed is explicitly Jewish. Friedkin notes that he rejected score proposals by two Jewish composers, Bernard Herman and Lalo Schifrin.

Rating: Gore (in the clips from The Exorcist.)