The Exorcist Director's Unforgettable Legacy: A Brilliant & Fearless Force in Filmmaking
Ellen Burstyn fondly reminisces about working with the late director William Friedkin on the iconic horror film The Exorcist released in 1973 Burstyn describes Friedkin as a smart, fearless, and wildly talented filmmaker, whose collaboration was not only memorable but also physically demanding for her
Summary
Ellen Burstyn pays tribute to the late director William Friedkin, describing him as an original genius.
As the star of The Exorcist, Burstyn recalls Friedkin as smart, cultured, fearless, and wildly talented.
Friedkin was known for his determination to achieve his vision on set.
The late director William Friedkin is remembered by Ellen Burstyn, star of The Exorcist, as "smart, fearless, and wildly talented." Released in 1973 and based on William Peter Blatty's novel, The Exorcist shocked and captivated audiences, becoming a blockbuster hit and setting a high standard for horror movies in Hollywood that has yet to be surpassed. Burstyn's powerful portrayal of Chris MacNeil in the film earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. After decades, Burstyn returns to the Exorcist franchise, reprising her role as MacNeil in David Gordon Green's upcoming film, The Exorcist: Believer. As the franchise prepares to make its comeback, the sad news of Friedkin's passing at the age of 87 is announced. Burstyn pays tribute to the late director, expressing her thoughts on his exceptional talent and sharing her words of remembrance.
Working With Friedkin Was Literally Painful For Burstyn
Bill Friedkin, my dear friend, was truly extraordinary. His intellect, refinement, fearlessness, and immense talent set him apart. When it came to directing, he possessed an unwavering determination to achieve his vision, relenting only if a superior opportunity emerged. There is no doubt that he was a true genius.
The Exorcist is renowned for its terrifying portrayal of demonic possession, and director Friedkin was relentless in his pursuit of creating truly horrifying scenes. He demonstrated his commitment to realism by subjecting the actress Burstyn to physical harm. During a pivotal moment in the film, her possessed character, Regan, slaps Burstyn's character with such force that she is propelled across the room. Unfortunately, Burstyn sustained a severe back injury when she was forcefully pulled back by a harness. In 2014, Burstyn revealed to The Huffington Post that Friedkin may have collaborated with the visual effects artist to intensify her ordeal, following her complaints about the discomfort caused by the harness.
"When she knocked me to the floor, I landed on my back and director William Friedkin immediately called for a second take. I told him, 'Billy, he's pulling me too hard,' referring to the wire that was causing me to fall. Friedkin responded, 'Well, it has to look real.' I understood the need for authenticity, but I expressed my concerns about potential injury. He agreed to take it easier, but I suspect he may have disregarded my request, as the stuntman still forcefully slammed me into the floor."
Burstyn disclosed that the back injury she sustained had permanent effects, but she chose not to criticize Friedkin, explaining that he was a director who prioritized achieving the perfect shot, sometimes at the expense of other factors. Friedkin's film sets were known to be hazardous for actors, as highlighted by stories from the making of The French Connection, where safety precautions were often disregarded in order to capture the film's iconic car chase scenes (Friedkin later expressed remorse for shooting those scenes illegally). Despite the pain she endured while working with Friedkin on The Exorcist, Burstyn now joins the Hollywood community in honoring a true master of film.
Source: Deadline
