Tributes have multiplied on the networks since the death of William Friedkin, American director of The Exorcist in 1973. The master of horror, Oscar winner for his film French Connection in 1971, is hailed by personalities from the world of cinema.
“Cinema has lost a true expert and I have lost a dear, loyal, true friend,” said director Guillermo del Toro, on social networks, hailing the work of “one of the gods of cinema” .
William Friedkin is “one of the most impactful filmmakers of all time”, assured Eli Roth, actor and director of horror films, assuring on Instagram that the filmmaker had “changed the course of (s) his life. »
American producer Jason Blum, who is preparing a sequel to The Exorcist, said he was “personally indebted” to William Friedkin. “More than other filmmakers, he changed both the way directors approach horror films, and the perception of these films in general culture,” he said in a statement, welcoming “the body of work he leaves behind”.
“Very sad to hear of the death of William Friedkin, a profoundly talented filmmaker,” reacted best-selling novelist Stephen King, declaring: “The Exorcist is great, but for me the real classic is Sorcerer (The Convoy of Fear, Ed)”, another film by the master.
“A true master of cinema. I was extremely lucky to have met the legend. He had a profound influence on my life and career. Thank you William Friedkin,” said X (formerly Twitter) Sean Baker, director of The Florida Project and Red Rocket.
“A master of cinema has left,” added Mark Hamill, the interpreter of Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars saga. “His legacy will last forever. Thank you Mr. Friedkin,” he continued.
William Friedkin leaves a wife, former producer Sherry Lansing, and two sons.
