Damien Chazelle paid tribute to the deceased William Friedkins in a touching speech at the Venice Film Festival, where Friedkin’s latest film was presented. Kane Mutiny Trialpremiered out of competition to warm applause.
Friedkin, who died Aug. 7 in Los Angeles at the age of 87, has completed work on a film that tells Kiefer Sutherland as Lieutenant Commander, Queeg is tried for mutiny for usurping command of a ship after the rightful commander’s actions were deemed dangerous to the ship and its crew.
“When I first heard the name Billy Friedkin, I was a child, and the very name filled me with fear,” said Chazelle, chairman of the judging panel. Venice 80. “I guess I meant The Exorcist. I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I’ve seen the letters written in this font, and the sound of the word “Free-Kin” seemed to suggest the darkest and most forbidden corners of the imagination. The kind of stuff that gives you nightmares for the rest of your life.” Chazelle added.
“So for me, William Friedkin meant fear. But today I think about his name and love. I think about the love of cinema, the love of all art, and how the arts can intersect and communicate with each other. A vision of cinema that is not separated from music, literature and painting, but is inextricably linked with them. Obviously at work.”Chazelle noted. “I think of the kindness and generosity he showed me when I started directing.” continued Damien Chazelle remembering that when he had just made his 2014 film, WhiplashFriedkin invited him to his home.
“And I will never forget the experience when I learned that the person responsible for the films that hit me so mercilessly in the stomach, such as The Sorcerer, The French Connection, Cruise and Killer Joe, was personally so warm, so hospitable, so sweet, humble, loving. Getting to know Billy and spending time with him and Sherry (Lansing) has been one of the greatest honors of my life.” the director continued.
“He was fearless in every sense of the word. There is a sense in his films that the director and his characters are pushing the boundaries of what is possible and eventually overcoming them.“
Last film from William Friedkins produced by Republic Pictures, based on the writer’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Hermon Wouk. This story was previously adapted for the screen in a 1954 film. Edward Dmytryk With Humphrey Bogart as Quig and in the 1988 TV movie directed by Robert Altman.
Kane Mutiny Tribunaldistributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution will be released on Paramount+ This fall, in all international markets where the streaming service operates, it will air on Showtime in the United States. It won’t be shown in theaters.