Academy Award-winning director William Friedkin has made some violent and frightening films in the past, most notably The Exorcist. His new offering, Killer Joe, does not stray from that formula.

Yet Friedkin, who won an Oscar for 1971's The French Connection, insists he is not drawn to violence and says he tries to ensure he does not use it gratuitously — even though it's become a staple of blockbuster cinema.

Friedkin spoke to CBC about his new film and his feelings towards violence.