ResistedNormalcy

I recently had the pleasure of meeting William Friedkin at a pre-screening of his new film Bug. He’s quite the character to say the least, it was interesting to note he carried himself with the confidence of a director with 31 films behind him.

Friedkin is the mind behind The Exorcist. Now, I’m too young to remember when The Exorcistcame out, or the impact it had upon society — but from what I read, and from a direct dialogue from Friedkin — it clearly had a significant impact. It may not have changed lives, by any means, but it’s cultural effect still persists today.

What’s the point of all this blather?

Friedkin stated that he felt music had a direct impact upon society. Moreover, he felt that rap music specifically had the power to influence individuals in a negative way.

This claim didn’t shock me, I think it has merit.

Friedkin also happened to mention he felt movies had no real impact on people’s lives; that they weren’t capable of influencing individuals.

This from the director of the film that had people vomiting and running out of theatres? While I wasn’t directly affected by his film, I have a hard time imagining that it was perceived by everyone who viewed it as mere entertainment.

I’ve been impacted by films to a degree that has warranted change in my own life. I know others that have, as well. It’s difficult for me to understand how he could be so naive to the impact of his trade.

On a side note, if you’ve ever wondered what the “schizophrenic experience” would be like. Go catch his new flick, Bug. It’s a mind fuck’n a half.

Filed under: Blather on May 17th, 2007