Watch Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist

Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist from 2019 is a documentary directed by Alexandre O. Philippe that explores the making of the iconic horror film The Exorcist, directed by William Friedkin. The documentary is presented as an interview with Friedkin himself, as he recounts his experiences filming the movie and its cultural impact.

The film begins with Friedkin discussing his upbringing and how he got into filmmaking. He then moves on to talk about The Exorcist, its source material, and the process of adapting it for the silver screen. Friedkin discusses how he worked with the author of the book, William Peter Blatty, to create the script, and how he approached the casting process.

The documentary also delves into the more technical aspects of making the film, including the use of practical effects to create the iconic scenes of possession and exorcism. Friedkin explains how he used various techniques to make the film feel more real and immersive, such as using a rotating set to create the illusion of the possessed Regan levitating and the use of hidden reservoirs of blood to make the vomiting scenes more convincing.

Throughout the film, Friedkin reflects on the themes and messages of The Exorcist, particularly the exploration of the battle between good and evil. He discusses the various critiques the film received upon its release, particularly from religious groups who found the subject matter of the film to be offensive or inappropriate. Friedkin shares his own musings on the religious themes of the film, explaining how he sees it as a story of faith and redemption.

But the documentary isn't just a reflection on the making of The Exorcist. Friedkin also talks about his own personal life and how his experiences influenced the film. He discusses his relationship with his mother, who died during the filming of The Exorcist, and how her death impacted the production. He also talks about his own struggles with addiction and how that affected his work.

Throughout the documentary, we are treated to behind-the-scenes footage and photographs from the making of The Exorcist, which add depth and texture to Friedkin's recollections. We see how the cast and crew worked together to create such a groundbreaking film, and how Friedkin's vision shaped every aspect of the movie.

In the end, Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist is a must-see documentary for fans of the horror classic. It offers fascinating insights into the making of the film and the mind of its director, while also exploring the broader themes and cultural impact of The Exorcist itself. Anyone with an interest in filmmaking or horror cinema will find something of value in this thoughtful and engaging documentary.

Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist is a 2020 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 75.