‘Everything has to do with the mystery of faith or fate…’
The Exorcist is not only one of the finest horror films ever made, it’s also one of the most analysed. Mark Kermode has returned to it endlessly in print and onscreen and he is one of several critics, filmmakers and cineastes that can’t shake William Friedkin’s classic. Alexandre O. Philippe’s feature-length video essay allows Friedkin the opportunity to wax lyrical and philosophical about his most beloved film, and it is fascinating…
Combining archive footage with a series of new interviews with Friedkin, Leap of Faith is a deep dive into every aspect of the film. Whilst I had heard much of this before across various mediums, nothing can beat hearing it from Friedkin himself. The man is utterly fascinating and a great orator. His honest appraisal of the experience of making The Exorcist is essential viewing for anyone with even a passing interest in filmmaking. I found it both absorbing and inspiring and in my role as a film studies teacher, I will be recommending that all my students watch this excellent documentary (available for free on Amazon’s horror streaming service Shudder).
Phillippe has also turned his hand to documentaries on Hitchcock, Lucas and… William Shatner, and it is clear that he understands cinema. Leap of Faith is a passionate and powerful plunge into The Exorcist. Wonderful.
Rest in peace, Billy.