William Friedkin (1935-2023) was an influential American director, a key figure of New Hollywood. He achieved international renown with two masterpieces that redefined their genres: *The French Connection* (1971) and *The Exorcist* (1973). The former earned him the Academy Award for Best Director and Best Picture.

His style is characterized by raw realism, visceral storytelling, and an intense exploration of the darker sides of the human psyche. He excelled in action thrillers and horror, often tackling themes of ambiguous morality and characters on the edge. Other notable films include *Sorcerer* (1977) and *To Live and Die in L.A.* (1985), solidifying his reputation as a master of tense and provocative cinema.