Fritz Lang Interviewed by William Friedkin (1974)

Director:

William Friedkin

Stars:

William Friedkin, Fritz Lang

Cast

Credited cast:
William Friedkin	...	Himself
Fritz Lang	...	Himself

Storyline

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 February 2001 (Germany)

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

140 min 140 min 50 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

User Reviews

Awesome

I didn't know this existed until it appeared on a French DVD edition of Fritz Lang's HOUSE BY THE RIVER as a bonus. From the credits of said DVD, the interview is supposed to have taken place in 1975 (not 1974), one year before Lang's death. On the DVD it's about one hour long, goes from Lang's beginnings up to his escape from Nazi Germany (right after having been offered by Goebbels the arguably dubious job of official director for the Nazi State) to the eraly stages of his reinvention as a Hollywood director. There it ends, leaving the viewer hungry for more. Was there more? Will it appear on another forthcoming DVD? From what I can gather the film once had a length of 140 minutes, which goes to suggest the interview was carried on by Friedkin on Lang's whole career. Or is it the interview I saw that was edited (it is presented as a continuous conversation, but shows signs of editing nonetheless)... Well, if anyone has a clue, please let me know. In any case it is a document of exceptional historical value, allowing cinema lovers to hear the Master in his own words. Friedkin is a fittingly discreet yet searching interviewer, and at the time of this had just shot (or was about to shoot) THE EXORCIST! Fritz Lang is everything you imagine him to be, even this late in his life, elegant and picky with words, with a great memory for detail. The whole thing is shot in gorgeous black and white, with very good quality sound and picture. One only hopes the vaults remain opened for more of this incredible material.