The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir

Ever want to know how they shot that amazing subway/car chase scene in The French Connection, or how Linda Blair won the part of Regan, the possessed young woman in The Exorcist? This memoir by the director of both films reveals all of this and much more. There's enough in those two chapters alone to keep film buffs happy for a long time, and Friedkin's account of his early days as a floor manager at a Chicago television station who rose to prominence in Hollywood in the late 1960's is worth a read, as well. Friedkin writes briskly and remains focused on his work%E2%80%94there's no mention of his four wives nor much else that's personal. Later chapters focus on other projects such as Cruising and then dwindle down to his account of directing the television version of Twelve Angry Men, which just can't compete with The Exorcist. But Friedkin's memory for the process of filmmaking elevates this book above the usual score-settling Hollywood memoir; film buffs will be pleased with what he offers here. (Apr.)