William Friedkin talks Killer Joe: interview

News
By published

The legendary auteur on his new thriller

[brightcove]1645223034001[/brightcove]

Killer Joe , the twisted new thriller from director William Friedkin ( The Exorcist , The French Connection ), hits cinemas in the UK this week.

It tells the story of ‘Killer’ Joe Cooper, a Dallas detective who earns cash on the side as a hitman. His services are procured by Chris (Emile Hirsch), a lower-than-low-level drug dealer wanting to off his mother in order to cash in on her life insurance possibility.

Trouble is, Joe demands advance payment, which Chris can’t afford. In steps Chris’ young, damaged, virginal sister Dottie (Juno Temple), who’s offered as a retainer in a bargain with Joe. Needless to say, things don't quite go to plan…

Guaranteed to stir violently animated post-viewing debates, the film is at turns sadistic and brutal, and gasp-out-loud funny, with Friedkin ratcheting up the tension towards an unbelievable climax.

The smart, talkative Chicago native spoke warmly about the movie in his captivating trademark drawl, covering everything from filmmaking inspiration, movie censorship, working with McConaughey and Temple, and the controversy that frequently surrounds his work.

Read the full William Friedkin interview below.

Matt Maytum
Matt Maytum
Former Editor of Total Film magazine

Matt Maytum is the former Editor of Total Film magazine. Over the past decade, Matt has worked in various roles for TF online and in print, including at GamesRadar+. Bucket-list-ticking career highlights have included reporting from the set of Tenet and Avengers: Infinity War, as well as covering Comic-Con, TIFF and the Sundance Film Festival.