You can tell you’ve left your mark on the world when what you’ve created outlives your existence.
Such is the case with the legendary film director of "The Exorcist" movie, William Friedkin.
Following his recent untimely passing at the age of 87, as news outlets have offered their condolences and shared tributes, one that sticks out is Raymond Arroyo’s.
On a recent episode of his show, The World Over Live, Arroyo provides a tribute to Friedkin, whom he describes as:
“...a true raconteur until the end.”
Highlighting some of his great moments with Friedkin, Arroyo chronicled their friendship from 2015 when they first spoke about “his [Friedkin’s] amazing life and career; first making a name for himself as a documentary filmmaker, and what "The Exorcist" was really about.”
Arroyo adds that Friedkin described "The Exorcist" as “the mystery of faith.”
In response to what he looks for when he goes to watch a movie in the theater, Friedkin responds, "Intensity."
"I don't see a lot of films made now. Most of the films I see that are made today lack any real passion. They're called ‘projects,’” he adds. “Now, in Hollywood, they're not referred to as movies, let alone films. They're all projects."
Friedkin argues that movies nowadays are “designed just to attract the largest number of viewers,” which, he says, “ is a good thing.” Yet, he recalled a time when films could be considered “a work of art” which, he remarks, “I don't see now.”
When asked about his career journey on live television, Friedkin sheds light on some lessons he learned there which, Arroyo comments, "colored his work to the present day."
“The main thing I learned when I started in the mailroom of a television station and worked my way up to live television director,” he explains, “was that it's very much of a team effort and it's all about communication in order to get what you want.”
Arroyo then asks why he thinks "The Exorcist" has maintained staying power and resonance since its 1973 release.
There is a combination of "good actors and great special effects," Friedkin responds.
"It is a film about the constant presence of good and evil in all of our lives."
Friedkin continues, "From the beginning of time, Cain and Abel, the garden of Eden, the serpent; there has always been a powerful demonic force attempting to undermine the work of the Creator throughout all of history."
He adds:
"It has always been the burden of goodness to triumph over the threat of evil."
Referencing his other productions, Arroyo draws a spot-on parallel between reflections from Friedkin's memoir, "The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir," and themes portrayed in his movie, "The Exorcist". One theme explores the coexistence of both good and evil in all of us.
Friedkin notes this theme in all his films, which remained a personal struggle for him.
He emphasizes that having a "loving, devoted wife and two wonderful sons" whom he dearly loves is a great blessing. They both help him suppress what he describes as "the darker impulses in spite of all the gifts God has given me."
When revisiting his description of "The Exorcist" movie as "the mystery of faith,” Friedkin explains that while scientists and philosophers may have explanations for everything, some may likely "debunk it [the movie] or explain it in medical and psychological terms.”
"Yet, what it [the movie] did was show Father Amorth and his lifelong example in helping to liberate people..and he liberated them."
"Father Amorth," Friedkin adds, "liberated many of them but he never believed he did the liberation. They always call upon Jesus to do the exorcism."
Lastly, when Arroyo asks what he hopes people take away from his work, such as directing "The Exorcist," Friedkin responds to Arroyo:
"Just because we don't believe in something or [don’t] know something, doesn't mean it doesn't exist."
What this tribute by Raymond Arroyo on "The World Over Live" reveals to us is that William Friedkin, who left an indelible mark on the world with his masterpiece direction of films such as "The Exorcist," is a model for us of both courage and ingenuity.
May the soul of William Friedkin and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Let us conclude with this prayer by Saint Alphonsus Liguori to Jesus Christ for all the holy souls:
O God, the author of mercy, the lover of the salvation of mankind; we address thy clemency, in behalf of our brethren, relations, and benefactors, who are departed this life, that by the intercession of blessed Mary, ever virgin, and of all the saints, thou wouldst receive them into the enjoyment of eternal happiness; through Christ our Lord. Amen.