Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist
A lyrical and spiritual cinematic essay on The Exorcist, the last film of Alexandre O. Philippe explores the uncharted depths of William Friedkin’s mind’s eye, the nuances of his filmmaking process, and the mysteries of faith and fate that have shaped his life and filmography.
Why it matters
A rare deep dive into the mind behind one of horror’s most iconic films, blending cinematic insight with spiritual inquiry.
- William Friedkin opens up beyond the set, revealing how faith and fate shaped *The Exorcist* and his career.
- More than a making-of: a poetic essay that illuminates the film’s lasting power and cultural resonance.
- Essential for fans of horror history and auteur study—this is Friedkin unfiltered, not just the legend.
- A thoughtful meditation on belief, fear, and filmmaking that adds new layers to a familiar nightmare.
Director
2 horror films in catalog
Cast
Horror DNA
⚠ Limited data — scores are approximate
Gore
0
Slow Burn
50
Psychological
0
Supernatural
40
Creature
0
Disturbing
0
Fun Factor
33
Cerebral
28
Survival
0
