Hey, it’s #ThrowbackThursday and in the spirit of trying out something new, we thought we’d try out a new franchise where we look to the past and highlight something in cinema history that’s fascinating, amusing, perhaps something you never knew or have seen, you name it.
Today, we’d like to showcase a behind the scenes conversation that happened between legendary director William Friedkin and “Drive” filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn for the making of the 40th Anniversary Collector’s Edition Blu-ray release of Friedkin’s underappreciated 1977 gem, “Sorcerer,” which arguably stands as probably the highlight of the whole disc.
READ MORE: Sorcerer & 10 Great Overlooked Films From The 1970s
In the clip we’re presenting, Refn and Friedkin are deep in a conversation about some of the best films of all time. Films like “Citizen Kane” and “2001: A Space Odyssey” are mentioned. That’s when things start to go downhill. You see, Refn brings up his film “Only God Forgives,” and tells Friedkin that it’s a masterpiece.
“I have no regrets about ‘Only God Forgives.’ I think it’s a masterpiece and it is,” says Refn.
“Is there a doctor in the house? We need to get a medic in here…if you think that’s a masterpiece then what is ‘Citizen Kane?’ Friedkin replied incredulously. Refn begins to explain that “Only God Forgives” was made on a very small budget, but Friedkin quickly interrupts with, “Who gives a shit?!”
Seeing two filmmakers, with very strong opinions, discuss film is a treat all by itself. But the fact that Nicolas Winding Refn, who is either trying to troll Friedkin or is actually this delusional, keeps poking at the filmmaker who brought us “The Exorcist” is priceless. Refn also brings up “Drive” which he also claims it was a stone cold classic even if it was only released (at that time), four years ago.
“Four years is a zip, it’s not even a blip!” Friedkin says becoming more and more riled up. “It’s not even a pimple on the asshole of humanity, four years!” The whole exchange is hilarious and easily worth the almost 2-minutes it takes to watch. If anything, you can now add “that’s not even a pimple on the asshole of humanity” to your list of comebacks when you debate movies with your friends.