3) Sorcerer
The Production:
Shot over an extended ten months, William Friedkin’s Sorcerer was beset by problems, starting with the crew. After Friedkin let original DoP Dick Bush go, the director clashed with teamsters, dismissed several production managers, had to replace multiple crew members who were found in possession of drugs, while around 50 people had to leave the film for medical reasons. This was because Sorcerer shot deep in the South American jungle, which posed all kinds of logistical problems, ramping up the cost of the film and dragging production on much longer than anticipated.
The Film:
Friedkin’s personal favorite of his own films, Sorcerer may just be the New Hollywood auteur’s greatest work. Going up against the mighty Star Wars on release, Sorcerer originally died a box office death. Time has been kind, however – Sorcerer is not only at least on a par with The Wages of Fear, the film it’s a remake of, but it looks like one of the great masterpieces of 70s Hollywood cinema.