Remembering William Friedkin: Directors Eli Roth, Guillermo Del Toro & Scott Derrickson, ‘The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial’ Star Kiefer Sutherland Pay Tribute

Refresh for updates… Horror film director Eli Roth (Hostel, Cabin Fever) is among the colleagues, friends and fans paying tribute to the late William Friedkin, the great director of The Exorcist and The French Connection who died today.

“RIP to the legend William Friedkin,” Roth wrote on Instagram. “One of the most impactful directors of all time and certainly set the course of my life in a different direction with The Exorcist. He was so incredibly nice and supportive the few times I was lucky enough to meet him. Watch Sorcerer if you’ve never seen it. He was one of a kind. Legend.”

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Scott Derrickson, the director of The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Sinister, tweeted, “It was an honor to have numerous lengthy chats via Twitter with William Friedkin. He also sent word through his wife to one of my producers that he watched & loved The Black Phone — a gesture I will always treasure. The Exorcist and Sorcerer are 2 of the greatest films ever made.”

RELATED: ‘The Exorcist’ Star Ellen Burstyn Honors “Smart, Cultured, Fearless And Wildly Talented” William Friedkin

Kiefer Sutherland, who stars in Friedkin’s upcoming The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, said in a statement, “Working with William Friedkin was one of the great honors of my career. My condolences go to Sherry and his family.”

RELATED: Peter Bart Remembers His Friend William Friedkin: Brilliant, Brooding, Cerebral & A Lover Of Film

Actor Elijah Wood called Friedkin “a true cinematic master whose influence will continue to extend forever.”

“Coming up in the world of documentary, Friedkin brought a gritty realism to revolutionary works like The French Connection, The Exorcist, Sorcerer, To Live and Die in L.A. and more,” said The National Board of Review in a statement. “He will be missed.”

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In a statement, Directors Guild of America President Lesli Linka Glatter said, “When it comes to directorial influence, Billy was a titan – both on the screen and behind the scenes for his fellow members of the DGA.  A master of storytelling across multiple genres, his aptitude for creating atmosphere and building tension broke convention and he was one of the key influences in the New Hollywood era of director-driven filmmaking. The French Connection, for which he won the DGA Feature Film Award was the quintessential thriller; and The Exorcist remains the template for horror to this very day.   

“To our good fortune,” Glatter continued, “Billy was as adept at filmmaking as he was dedicated to culturally advancing the role of director – serving multiple terms on our Guild’s National Board as First Vice-President and as Eastern Directors Council Chair.  Billy never kept his talent to himself. Throughout the years, he continually volunteered his time, sharing his expertise with newer generations of filmmakers through the DGA’s Special Projects Committee seminars, panels and events. Our thoughts are with Sherry and his family during this difficult time.”

RELATED: Peter Bart: Critics Heap Honors On ‘70s Movies, Celebrating Moment When Filmmakers Were Hot & Studios Were Broke

See more tributes below. Refresh this page for updates…

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