Synopsis
A lyrical and spiritual cinematic essay on The Exorcist, the last film of Alexandre O. Philippe explores the uncharted depths of William Friedkin’s mind’s eye, the nuances of his filmmaking process, and the mysteries of faith and fate that have shaped his life and filmography.
Your Movie Library
Cast
- William FriedkinSelf
- Ellen BurstynSelf (archive footage)
- Linda BlairSelf (archive footage)
- Jason MillerSelf (archive footage)
- Max von SydowSelf (archive footage)
- Lee J. CobbSelf (archive footage)
- Jack MacGowranSelf (archive footage)
- William O'MalleySelf (archive footage)
- William Peter BlattySelf (archive footage)
- Vasiliki MaliarosSelf (archive footage)
Recommendations
- 90
Film Threat
Friedkin gives us a master class on the creative process of film and a set of expertly told war stories that thrill and inform. It just doesn’t get better than this. - 83
The Playlist
While talking-heady and occasionally self-aggrandizing, Leap Of Faith, still inspires deep respect for Friedkin as the bright and brilliant artist he is. Flaws and all, the filmmaker is a person who commands your attention whether he is sitting in front of, or behind, the camera. - 80
Slashfilm
Alexandre O. Philippe continues to impress by challenging what we knew of making-of documentaries with a poetic and lyrical film that’s as entertaining as its subject is eloquent, and a fascinating and thought-provoking as the horror classic that the documentary explores. - 78
Austin Chronicle
At some levels, there is nothing new here: Everyone knows about the casting clashes, the abandoned score, and even Friedkin's take on it all. But it's the immediacy that comes from Alexandre O. Philippe's decision to leave everything to Friedkin that makes its so important. - 75
The Film Stage
The director’s charms and gamely energy make foreknowledge something of a moot point here. The passion has clearly remained, most keenly pronounced in the moments when the octogenarian reveals his own influences. - 75
Movie Nation
On celluloid or in person, Billy Friedkin’s still a great storyteller. - 75
RogerEbert.com
This is Friedkin on the movie. And what he does have to say, after all this time and so many articles and movies touching on “The Exorcist,” is still engaging, fascinating, and entertaining. - 70
The Hollywood Reporter
Leap of Faith is an easy, entertaining watch, but it feels like a smaller film than its two predecessors, chiefly because it features just a single long interview with Friedkin rather than a rich chorus of insider insights.
