” Forrest Gump is baby boomers’ love letter to the smell of their own farts.”

What’s your favorite movie from the decade? 

The 1970s were a pivotal decade in the history of cinema, marked by a convergence of factors that resulted in a remarkable era of filmmaking. From the rise of auteur directors to the emergence of the New Hollywood movement, the 1970s saw groundbreaking films that continue to captivate audiences and influence modern cinema.

The era was characterized by social and political relevance, genre innovation, and the talent of visionary filmmakers and actors.

In this article, we will explore why the cinema of the ’70s is heralded as a significant period in film history, examining the key reasons that make it an enduring and celebrated era of filmmaking.

Let’s dive in. 

Table of Contents

Why Do We Herald ’70s Cinema as the Hollywood Heyday?

The ’70s were a groundbreaking era in cinema, marked by a unique confluence of factors that resulted in a diverse and influential body of work. The decade saw the emergence of socially relevant and thought-provoking films that reflected the cultural and political climate of the time. Filmmakers tackled issues such as the Vietnam War, civil rights, gender roles, and the disillusionment with the American Dream. 

Technological advancements also played a significant role in shaping Hollywood in the ’70s. The introduction of new filmmaking techniques, such as the use of handheld cameras, naturalistic lighting, and on-location shooting, added a sense of realism and authenticity to films. Moreover, the development of new sound technologies, such as Dolby Stereo and Dolby Surround, revolutionized the way films were experienced in theaters, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

The 1970s also witnessed a shift in the portrayal of characters and stories on the big screen. Antiheroes and complex, flawed protagonists became prominent, providing a departure from traditional archetypes.

The economic landscape of Hollywood in the 1970s also underwent significant changes. The era saw the decline of the traditional studio system, with independent production companies gaining traction and challenging the dominance of major studios. This gave rise to a more diverse range of voices and stories in Hollywood, providing opportunities for underrepresented filmmakers and actors.

The 1970s were a dynamic and transformative era in Hollywood, marked by artistic freedom, social relevance, technological advancements, and shifting industry dynamics. The films of this decade pushed the boundaries of storytelling and challenged traditional norms, leaving a lasting impact on the trajectory of American cinema.

The legacy of the 1970s can still be seen in the films of today, with its influence continuing to shape the landscape of Hollywood and inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.

Reasons Why the Cinema of the 1970s is Heralded

The ’70s are widely heralded as a golden era for American cinema, producing an exceptional body of films that continue to captivate audiences to this day. During this decade, Hollywood experienced a creative renaissance, marked by groundbreaking storytelling, innovative filmmaking techniques, and bold social commentary.

The ’70s saw the emergence of a new generation of filmmakers who challenged traditional norms and pushed the boundaries of cinema, resulting in a remarkable collection of influential and enduring movies.

Auteur Filmmaking

The ’70s witnessed the rise of the auteur filmmaker, who had significant creative control over their films and used the medium as a form of personal expression. Directors such as Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Steven Spielberg, Stanley Kubrick, and others emerged during this era, creating films that were highly distinctive in terms of their visual style, thematic depth, and storytelling techniques.

These directors were known for their bold and uncompromising visions, and their films were often characterized by complex characters, gritty realism, and an exploration of the human condition. The auteur filmmakers of the ’70s pushed the boundaries of traditional filmmaking, challenging conventions and creating a new wave of cinema that was highly influential and groundbreaking.

The New Hollywood Movement

The ’70s marked a departure from the traditional studio system in Hollywood, with the emergence of the New Hollywood movement. This movement was characterized by a shift towards more unconventional and daring films that were edgier, riskier, and often explored controversial subject matter.

Filmmakers of the New Hollywood era were known for their independent spirit and a desire to break away from the formulaic studio system, resulting in a wave of films that were highly innovative and challenging. These films often dealt with complex themes, such as anti-establishment sentiments, disillusionment, and existentialism, and reflected the changing social landscape of the time. Films like Easy Rider, Five Easy Pieces, Mean Streets, and Chinatown are considered iconic examples of the New Hollywood era, and they continue to be celebrated for their artistic and cultural significance.

Social and Political Relevance 

The ’70s were a time of great social and political change, and this was reflected in the films of the era. Filmmakers of the time often used their films as a platform to address important social and political issues of the time, such as civil rights, feminism, the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, and the counterculture movement.

These films offered thought-provoking commentaries on the state of society and challenged the status quo, providing a lens through which audiences could engage with the pressing issues of the era.

Films like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which explored the corrupt and dehumanizing mental health system, All the President’s Men, which delved into the investigation of the Watergate scandal, and Network, which critiqued the sensationalism of the media, are considered powerful examples of the social and political relevance of ’70s cinema.

Genre Innovation

The 1970s saw significant innovation in various film genres, with filmmakers pushing the boundaries of traditional genre conventions and introducing fresh storytelling techniques. For instance, crime films like The Godfather and Taxi Driver delved into the dark and gritty underworld of organized crime, presenting complex characters and morally ambiguous narratives.

Horror films like The Exorcist and Halloween redefined the horror genre with their innovative use of suspense, atmosphere, and psychological terror.

Science fiction and fantasy films like Star Wars and A Clockwork Orange challenged conventional notions of genre storytelling with their visionary visions, unconventional narratives, and visual effects. The ’70s saw a renaissance of genre filmmaking. 

Acting and Filmmaking Talent

The ’70s saw the emergence of several talented actors and filmmakers who left a significant mark on cinema. Actors such as Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, and Jack Nicholson rose to prominence during this era, delivering powerful and memorable performances that are still revered today. Additionally, many renowned directors, writers, and cinematographers who had a lasting impact on the art of filmmaking emerged in the ’70s.

The combination of auteur filmmaking, the New Hollywood movement, social and political relevance, genre innovation, and talented actors and filmmakers make the cinema of the 1970s a distinctive and influential period in film history and a reason why it is heralded and remembered by film enthusiasts and critics alike.

Some of the Most Important Movies of the 1970s

The 1970s was a decade that produced several groundbreaking and influential films across various genres. Here are some of the most important movies of the 1970s that left a lasting impact on cinema:

1. The French Connection (1971): Directed by William Friedkin, The French Connection is a gritty crime thriller based on a true story. The film follows two New York City police detectives, played by Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider, as they try to intercept a large heroin shipment from France. Known for its realistic depiction of police work, intense car chase scenes, and Hackman’s electrifying performance, The French Connection won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is considered a landmark film in the crime thriller genre.

2. The Godfather (1972): Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this epic crime film is often considered one of the greatest films in the history of cinema. Based on the novel by Mario Puzo, The Godfather follows the story of the Corleone crime family, and its themes of family, loyalty, and the American Dream resonated with audiences and critics alike. It won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and remains a landmark film in American cinema.

3. The Godfather: Part II (1974): Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The Godfather Part II is a crime film and the sequel to the highly acclaimed The Godfather. The film continues to follow the Corleone crime family as it expands its empire and delves into the backstory of Vito Corleone, played by Robert De Niro, and his rise to power. Known for its complex narrative structure, powerful performances, and masterful direction, The Godfather Part II won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is considered one of the greatest sequels in cinema history.

4. The Exorcist (1973): Directed by William Friedkin, The Exorcist is a horror film based on William Peter Blatty’s novel of the same name. The film follows the demonic possession of a young girl and the attempts of a priest, played by Max von Sydow, to save her. Known for its terrifying visuals, intense performances, and groundbreaking practical effects, The Exorcist is considered one of the scariest films of all time and a milestone in horror cinema.

5. Star Wars (1977): Directed by George Lucas, Star Wars, retroactively titled Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, is a science fiction epic that became a cultural phenomenon and redefined the genre. With its groundbreaking visual effects, memorable characters, and epic space opera storytelling, Star Wars became a global phenomenon and spawned a highly successful franchise that continues to be influential in popular culture.

6. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975): Directed by Milos Forman, this drama film based on the novel by Ken Kesey is a powerful exploration of the oppressive mental health system. Starring Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, a rebellious patient in a mental institution, the film delves into themes of freedom, individuality, and institutionalized oppression. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is considered a classic of American cinema.

7. Taxi Driver (1976): Directed by Martin Scorsese, Taxi Driver is a gritty and dark portrayal of a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran, played by Robert De Niro, who becomes a taxi driver in New York City. The film explores themes of alienation, violence, and the decay of society, and is known for its powerful performances, atmospheric cinematography, and Scorsese’s distinctive directorial style.

8. A Clockwork Orange (1971): Directed by Stanley Kubrick, this dystopian crime film based on the novel by Anthony Burgess is a controversial and thought-provoking exploration of human nature, morality, and free will. The film follows the story of a violent and sociopathic young man named Alex, played by Malcolm McDowell, and his journey through a futuristic and oppressive society. A Clockwork Orange is known for its bold and provocative themes, unique visual style, and Kubrick’s meticulous direction.

9. Jaws (1975): Directed by Steven Spielberg, Jaws is a landmark film that defined the modern blockbuster. The film follows the story of a great white shark that terrorizes a small beach town, and its suspenseful storytelling, iconic score, and groundbreaking visual effects set a new standard for the thriller genre and established Spielberg as a master filmmaker.

10. Rocky (1976): Directed by John G. Avildsen, Rocky is a sports drama film that tells the story of an underdog boxer, played by Sylvester Stallone, who gets a chance to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world. The film’s rags-to-riches narrative, memorable characters, and inspirational themes of perseverance and determination resonated with audiences, and it became a successful franchise that continues to be influential in the sports genre.

11. Apocalypse Now (1979): Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Apocalypse Now is a war film loosely based on Joseph Conrad’s novella, Heart of Darkness. The film depicts the horrors of the Vietnam War and explores the madness and darkness of human nature. Known for its visually stunning and immersive storytelling, Apocalypse Now is considered a masterpiece of American cinema.

12. Chinatown (1974): Directed by Roman Polanski, Chinatown is a neo-noir mystery film that follows a private investigator, played by Jack Nicholson, as he uncovers a conspiracy involving water rights in Los Angeles. The film is known for its complex plot, memorable performances, and Polanski’s skillful direction, and it is considered one of the greatest films of the 1970s.

13. Annie Hall (1977): Directed by Woody Allen, Annie Hall is a romantic comedy-drama that broke new ground with its unconventional storytelling and innovative structure. The film follows the ups and downs of a neurotic comedian, played by Woody Allen, and his tumultuous relationship with a quirky aspiring singer, played by Diane Keaton. Annie Hall won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is regarded as a landmark film in American cinema.

14. Network (1976): Directed by Sidney Lumet, Network is a satirical dark comedy-drama that depicts the ruthless world of television news media. The film follows a disillusioned news anchor, played by Peter Finch, who goes on a rant on live television, leading to unexpected consequences. Network is known for its biting social commentary, sharp writing, and outstanding performances, and it won four Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Peter Finch.

15. Alien (1979): Directed by Ridley Scott, Alien is a groundbreaking science fiction horror film that redefined the genre. The film follows a crew of astronauts who encounter a deadly extraterrestrial creature on a distant planet. Alien is known for its innovative visual effects, intense atmosphere, and strong female protagonist, played by Sigourney Weaver, and it spawned a successful franchise that continues to be influential in the science fiction genre.

16. Dog Day Afternoon (1975): Directed by Sidney Lumet, Dog Day Afternoon is a crime drama film based on a true story. The film follows a bank robbery gone awry and the ensuing hostage situation in Brooklyn, New York. Starring Al Pacino and John Cazale, the film is known for its raw and intense performances, realistic depiction of urban life, and Lumet’s masterful direction. Dog Day Afternoon received critical acclaim and is considered a classic of American cinema.

17. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977): Directed by Steven Spielberg, Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a science fiction film that explores the idea of human contact with extraterrestrial beings. The film follows a group of people who experience a close encounter with a UFO and become obsessed with understanding the phenomenon. Known for its awe-inspiring visuals, memorable score, and Spielberg’s masterful storytelling, Close Encounters of the Third Kind is considered a classic in the science fiction genre.

18. The Deer Hunter (1978): Directed by Michael Cimino, The Deer Hunter is a war drama film that depicts the psychological effects of the Vietnam War on a group of friends from a small Pennsylvania town. Starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep, the film is known for its powerful performances, realistic depiction of the horrors of war, and Cimino’s bold direction. The Deer Hunter won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is considered a landmark film that explores the human toll of war.

19. Halloween (1978): This classic horror film is widely considered one of the most influential and iconic movies of its genre. Directed by John Carpenter, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Debra Hill, Halloween tells the story of Michael Myers, a deranged killer who escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown to terrorize a group of babysitters on Halloween night.

20. Nashville (1975): A critically acclaimed satirical musical comedy-drama film directed by Robert Altman. It is widely regarded as one of the most significant films of the 1970s and a hallmark of Altman’s distinctive style. Nashville is known for its complex narrative structure, sprawling ensemble cast, and innovative use of overlapping dialogue, which became a trademark of Altman’s filmmaking

These are just a few examples of the many important movies of the ’70s that had a significant impact on cinema and continue to be celebrated for their artistic merits and cultural significance. The films of the ’70s pushed the boundaries of traditional storytelling, challenged conventions, and reflected the changing social and political landscape of the time, leaving a lasting legacy in cinema history. 

Summing Up Why We Herald ’70s Cinema as the Hollywood Heyday

The cinema of the ’70s remains a cherished period in film history, renowned for its bold and innovative approach to storytelling, its reflection of social and political issues, and the immense talent of its filmmakers and actors.

The auteur directors, the New Hollywood movement, the genre-defining films, and the powerful performances continue to inspire and influence contemporary cinema.

The legacy of ’70s cinema lives on, as these films continue to captivate audiences and be celebrated for their artistic merits and cultural impact. From crime dramas to sci-fi epics, the cinema of the 1970s has left an indelible mark on the history of cinema, and its significance and reverence among film enthusiasts and critics endure to this day.

Let me know what you think of this era in Hollywood in the comments.      

The 2023 Tribeca Festival has announced its lineup of world premieres of new and returning television, including the world premieres of Steven Soderbergh’s Max series Full Circle about a botched kidnapping that reveals long-held secrets in present-day New York City, Prime Video’s Sweeney Todd-inspired The Horror of Dolores Roach and BET+’s Diarra From Detroit, a dark comedy executive produced by Kenya Barris that centers on a divorcing school teacher.

The fest, which runs June 7-18, announced its film slate earlier this week.

The eight series premieres and two first looks also include The Golden Boy, a documentary about Oscar De La Hoya, Disney+’s Choir, the story behind America’s Got Talent finalists the Detroit Youth Choir, A&E’s Exposing Parchman, an investigative documentary about the efforts to reform the Mississippi correctional system and Paramount+’s De La Calle, a docu-series that delves into the Latino diaspora.

Also on tap: AMC’s The Walking Dead: Dead City, a return to The Walking Dead universe that follows Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) as they travel into a post-apocalyptic Manhattan; the season seven premiere of Starz’s Outlander, starring Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan; and the season two premiere of Apple TV+’s Swagger, inspired by NBA superstar Kevin Durant’s experience on the youth basketball circuit. 

The Fest’s Now program will feature The Long, Long Night, a comedy starring Mark Duplass and Barrett O’Brien; Hey, Joe, an absurdist cooking show with Philly-based pizza chef Joe Beddia, executive produced by Eric Wareheim; and Honeycomb, a dark comedy starring Baron Vaughn.

“There’s genuinely something for everyone in our Tribeca Festival TV selection. From romance in the 18th Century to a hilarious mystery in modern day Detroit; from a sports legend in the ring to hip-hop heroes in the Bronx; from zombies in post-apocalyptic Manhattan to cannibalism in Washington Heights,” says Tribeca Senior Programmer Liza Domnitz. “Similarly, a fantastic variety of projects commemorate the 10th anniversary of indie episodic at Tribeca, offering attendees the chance to see the next generation of provocative and unique stories.”

The full lineup follows below:

2023 TRIBECA FESTIVAL TV SELECTION 

Choir (Disney+) – New Series World Premiere.For the Detroit Youth Choir, everything changed when they entered the spotlight on America’s Got Talent. They’d come a long way from rehearsing in a church basement with a handful of kids, but now their past achievements are old news and the new kids need to step up. With new talent and auditions underway, can the DYC stay relevant both in their hometown and on the national stage?Executive produced by Jason Blum, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Justin Wilkes, Sara Bernstein, Michael Seitzman, Chris McCumber, Jeremy Gold, Gretchen Palek, Ryan Miller, Rudy Valdez, and Ross Dinerstein. 

After the Screening: A conversation with the artistic director of the Detroit Youth Choir Anthony White, director Rudy Valdez, executive producer Sara Bernstein, and members of the choir, plus a special performance by the Detroit Youth Choir.

De La Calle (Paramount+) – New Series, Episode World Premiere. De La Calle is a docu-series that takes a journey into the Latino diaspora to explore the evolution of Urbano music and cultures that ignited the musical revolution of rap, reggaeton, bachata, Latin trap, cumbia, and other sounds that are influencing music and culture worldwide. Hosted by Nick Barili, featuring Fat Joe, Juelz Santana, and other artists. Executive produced by Nick Barili, Picky Talarico, Lydia Tenaglia, Christopher Collins, Jared Andrukanis, Amanda Culkowski, Bruce Gillmer, and Craig H. Shepherd.

After the Screening: A conversation with series host Nick Barili and special guests.

Diarra From Detroit (BET+) -New Series World Premiere. Diarra From Detroit is a dark comedy that follows a divorcing school teacher who refuses to believe she’s been ghosted by her rebound Tinder date. Her search for the missing man pulls her into a decades-old mystery involving the Detroit underworld. As the case unfolds, her co-workers, friends, and lovers become unlikely allies as she falls down a dangerous rabbit hole. Executive produced by Kenya Barris, Diarra Kilpatrick, and Miles Orion Feldsott. 

After the Screening: A conversation with Diarra Kilpatrick and castmates.

Exposing Parchman (A&E) – Limited Series World Premiere. Exposing Parchman is an investigative documentary that explores the efforts to reform the Mississippi correctional system led by a team of attorneys on behalf of the inmates of Parchman Prison. The film tells the inside stories of the families, the legal team, and Roc Nation across three years of legal battles to end the deadly conditions for those incarcerated at Parchman. Executive produced by Jordana Hochman, Jeanmarie Condon, Desiree Perez, Lori York, Rahman Ali Bugg, Elaine Fontaine, Shelly Tatro, and Brad Abramason.

After the Screening: A conversation with the subjects, legal team, and Roc Nation executives behind Exposing Parchman.

Full Circle (Max) – New Series World Premiere. Full Circle is a limited series about an investigation into a botched kidnapping that uncovers long-held secrets connecting multiple characters and cultures in present day New York City. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, starring Dennis Quaid, Claire Danes, Timothy Olyphant, Zazie Beetz, and Jharrel Jerome.

After the Screening: A conversation with director and executive producer Steven Soderbergh, writer and executive producers Ed Solomon and Casey Silver, and cast. 

The Golden Boy (HBO Sports Documentaries) – New Series World Premiere. The Golden Boy is the definitive documentary unpacking the spectacular myths and painful truths behind the life of Mexican-American boxing legend, business magnate, and cultural icon Oscar De La Hoya. The two-part documentary tells the story of a young, Mexican-American boy from East LA with a gentle soul whose boxing talent, charismatic good looks, and heartwarming story of winning an Olympic gold medal for his dying mother combined to create the mythic character of “The Golden Boy.” Directed by Fernando Villena and executive produced by Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, Archie Gips, Mario Lopez, Jeffrey Stearns, and David Wendell. 

After the Screening: A conversation with director Fernando Villena, executive producers Mario Lopez, and Oscar De La Hoya.

The Horror of Dolores Roach (Prime Video) – New Series World Premiere. Based on the hit Spotify Studios podcast series of the same name The Horror of Dolores Roach is a contemporary Sweeney Todd-inspired urban legend of love, betrayal, weed, cannibalism, and survival of the fittest. Dolores Roach (Justina Machado) is released from prison after 16 years and returns to a gentrified Washington Heights. She reunites with an old stoner friend, Luis (Alejandro Hernandez), who lets her live and work as a masseuse in the basement under his empanada shop. When the promise of her newfound stability is quickly threatened, “Magic Hands” Dolores is driven to shocking extremes to survive. Created by co-showrunner, writer,  and executive producer Aaron Mark. Executive produced by Dara Resnik, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Jason Blum, Chris McCumber, Jeremy Gold, Chris Dickie, Dawn Ostroff, Mimi O’Donnell, Justin McGoldrick, Gloria Calderón Kellett, and Roxann Dawson.  

After the Screening: A conversation with cast members Justina Machado, Alejandro Hernandez, Kita Updike, and K. Todd Freeman, plus creator, co-Showrunner, executive producer Aaron Mark, co-showrunner and executive producer Dara Resnik, and executive producer Gloria Calderón Kellett.

Outlander (Starz) – Season Seven World Premiere. In the seventh season of Outlander, the land the Frasers call home is changing – and they must change with it. In order to protect what they’ve built, the Frasers have to navigate the perils of the Revolutionary War. They learn that sometimes to defend what you love, you have to leave it behind. As the conflict draws them out of North Carolina and into the heart of this fight for independence, Jamie (Sam Heughan), Claire (Caitriona Balfe), Brianna (Sophie Skelton), and Roger (Richard Rankin) are faced with impossible decisions that have the potential to tear their family apart. Executive produced by Matthew B. Roberts, Ronald D. Moore, Maril Davis, Toni Graphia, Luke Schelhaas, Andy Harries, Jim Kohlberg, Caitríona Balfe, and Sam Heughan.

After the Screening: A conversation with cast members Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Sophie Skelton, and Richard Rankin.

Swagger (Apple TV+) – Season Two World Premiere. Inspired by NBA superstar Kevin Durant’s experiences, Swagger explores the world of youth basketball, and the players, their families, and coaches who walk the fine line between dreams and ambition, and opportunism and corruption. Off the court, the show reveals what it’s like to grow up in America.

After the Screening: A conversation with creator and executive producer Reggie Rock Bythewood and cast.

The Walking Dead: Dead City (AMC) – New Series World Premiere. A new series set in The Walking Dead Universe, starring Lauren Cohan and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, The Walking Dead: Dead City follows the popular Maggie and Negan characters traveling into a post-apocalyptic Manhattan long ago cut off from the mainland. The crumbling city is filled with the dead and denizens who have made New York City their own world full of anarchy, danger, beauty, and terror. The series also stars Gaius Charles and Željko Ivanek, amongst others. Eli Jorné serves as the showrunner of the series. Executive produced by Scott M. Gimple, Eli Jorné, Lauren Cohan, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Brian Bockrath. 

After the Screening: A conversation with executive producer and cast members Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Lauren Cohan, cast members Gaius Charles and Zeljko Ivanek, along with the chief content officer of The Walking Dead Universe and executive producer Scott M. Gimple, and showrunner and executive producer Eli Jorné. 

2023 TRIBECA FESTIVAL NOW SELECTION

NOW Showcase A (Narrative)

Hey, Joe, (United States) – Episode One World Premiere. A humorously deadpan show about the joys of everyday home cooking, hosted by Philadelphia chef Joe Beddia. In this pilot episode, Joe visits an oyster farm and his local grocer to make dinner for his friend Khoran Horn, a fellow chef. Created by Joe Beddia and Scott J. Ross.

I Hate People, People Hate Me, (Canada) – Episodes One and Two World Premieres. Perpetually disturbed by the world around them, two twenty-somethings navigate their lives as underdogs in Toronto’s queer community. Created by Bobbi Summers.

The Long, Long Night, (United States) – Episodes One and Two World Premieres. It’s been 6 months since that disastrous night in the motel and these two guys (Mark Duplass and Barrett O’Brien) are nowhere near over it. Created by Barrett O’Brien and Mark Duplass.

NOW Showcase B (Documentary)

The Fourth Wall, (United States) – Episode One World Premiere. The Fourth Wall is an intimate documentary series in which the son of cult leaders investigates the transgressive group in which he was raised. This is the story of the Sullivanians, New York’s secretive “psychotherapy cult,” which was hidden in plain sight on Manhattan’s Upper West Side in the 1970s and ’80s. Created by Luke Meyer and Keith Newton.

Taking Root: Southeast Asian Stories of Resettlement in Philadelphia, (United States) – Episode One World Premiere. Taking Root amplifies the stories of Southeast Asians who resettled in Philadelphia after the Wars in Southeast Asia. It highlights the intergenerational impact of structural violence and demonstrates the power of Southeast Asians in resisting and rebuilding in America. Created by Oanh-Nhi Nguyen.

NOW Showcase C (Narrative)

Do It To Me If You Want, (United States) – Episode One World Premiere. After an unexpected run-in on the lawn of a Halloween frat party, Kent and Alexandra try…and try again to communicate. Do It To Me If You Want is a pitch-black dramedy series exploring the gray area of desire – all the sh*t we don’t have language for that nevertheless dictates everyone’s relationship to everybody – as experienced by a group of state college students over the course of a school year. Created by Elise Kibler, and developed and co-directed by James Udom.

Driven, (United States) – Episode One World Premiere. Driven tells the story of Teddy Fischer (Rebecca Henderson), an Uber driver and failed novelist who is living in her brother’s laundry room. While contemplating suicide, Teddy gets a ride request from Yari Alvarez (Krissy Lemon), an overly confident, deaf yodeler, who insists that Teddy drive her to her parents’ (Liza Colón, Gary Perez) McMansion to defend her as a fellow artist. Created by David Shane.

Honeycomb, (United States) – Episode One New York Premiere. After a has-been musician (Baron Vaughn) live-streams his suicide attempt, his band’s single goes viral. For the first time in their life, they have a chance at fame and fortune — as long as the world continues to believe he’s dead. Created by Sam Roden, Joseph L. Roberts, and Elisha Yaffe.

No one speaks their mind like Friedkin. 

William Friedkin is a name synonymous with bold and groundbreaking cinema. As a renowned American film director, Friedkin has left an indelible mark on the history of filmmaking with his influential works such as The French Connection and The Exorcist.

However, despite his remarkable career, Friedkin has often expressed his desire to make a movie “for himself,” free from the constraints of the film industry and fully aligned with his artistic vision. And not worried about the ultimate critic, the audience. 

Check out this video from Turner Classic Movies and let’s talk after. 

William Friedkin Opens Up About the Kinds of Films He Never Got To Make

Throughout his career, Friedkin has faced various challenges and constraints that have impacted his creative freedom. Like many filmmakers, Friedkin has often had to work within the constraints of studio systems, budget limitations, and artistic compromises to secure funding for his projects. He has also faced criticism and controversy over some of his films.

But no matter what he was making, he wasn’t making it for himself. His reaction was implicit. Friedkin made films for the audience. He wanted them to enjoy, react, and ultimately have an emotional experience with his work. 

Additionally, Friedkin’s uncompromising and daring filmmaking style has sometimes clashed with the expectations and demands of the mainstream film industry. He has been known for pushing boundaries and taking risks, which has not always been met with commercial success or critical acclaim.

It’s worth noting that Friedkin has made many successful and critically acclaimed films throughout his career, and his body of work has left an indelible mark on the history of cinema. His biggest hits all accomplished his main goal of capturing the hearts and minds of viewers. 

Despite the challenges he has encountered, William Friedkin’s contribution to cinema remains undeniable. Friedkin has made an indelible mark on the world of cinema, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire and influence aspiring filmmakers and audiences. 

Let me know what you think in the comments.