Watch Friedkin Uncut

Friedkin Uncut is a 2018 documentary film that explores the life and career of legendary filmmaker William Friedkin. Directed by Francesco Zippel, the film features interviews with a variety of notable people in the film industry, including Wes Anderson, Quentin Tarantino, Francis Ford Coppola, and Dario Argento. The film begins by examining Friedkin's childhood and early career, including his time as a television director in the 1960s. The documentary then delves into Friedkin's groundbreaking work in film, including his films The French Connection and The Exorcist.

Throughout the film, Friedkin reflects on his experiences and shares behind-the-scenes stories from his many films. He discusses his unique approach to filmmaking and his dedication to achieving authenticity in his films. Many of his collaborators, including actors and crew members, also share their experiences working with the acclaimed director.

Interspersed throughout the interviews are clips from Friedkin's films, as well as archival footage and home videos from his personal archive. These clips help to illustrate the points being made in the interviews and also give viewers a sense of the director's style and vision.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the discussion of Friedkin's personal life and how it has influenced his filmmaking. The documentary explores his marriages and relationships, as well as his struggles with addiction.

The film also touches on Friedkin's later work, including his documentaries and stage productions. This section of the film highlights Friedkin's continued dedication to his craft and his willingness to explore new mediums and styles of storytelling.

Throughout the documentary, it is clear that Friedkin is a complex and multifaceted individual. His passion for filmmaking and dedication to authenticity have made him one of the most respected directors in the industry. However, his often combative and uncompromising personality has also made him a polarizing figure.

The interviews with other filmmakers help to place Friedkin in a broader context and give viewers a sense of his impact on the film industry. Wes Anderson, for example, discusses how Friedkin's films influenced his own work and how important it is to "push the boundaries" of filmmaking.

Similarly, Dario Argento talks about his admiration for Friedkin's work and the influence that Friedkin had on the horror genre. Francis Ford Coppola also shares his thoughts on Friedkin's career, highlighting the director's dedication to his vision and his willingness to take risks.

Overall, Friedkin Uncut is a fascinating look at the life and career of one of the most influential directors of the past 50 years. The film provides a glimpse into the mind of a visionary filmmaker, exploring his creative process and the impact he has had on the film industry. Anyone with an interest in filmmaking or the history of cinema will find plenty to enjoy in this documentary.

Friedkin Uncut is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 68.