Bullitt (1968)

What makes it different from others?

This Movie Can Only Be Described With One Word.

Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

This classic '60s cop film is set in San Francisco where Lt Frank Bullitt has been asked to guard Johnny Ross. Ross was previously in 'The Organisation' in Chicago but is now planning to give evidence to a senate committee. Things go wrong very quickly; a hitman strikes leaving Ross and a policeman critically injured. Walter Chalmers, the ambitious local politician who saw the committee meeting as a way to launch himself of a national stage is furious that his key witness may be unavailable, makes it clear that Bullitt will take the fall if Ross doesn't testify. Bullitt sets about trying to find those behind the attack.'Bullitt' is best remembered for the iconic car chase through the streets of San Francisco... it wasn't the first film to feature a car chase but for a while afterwards it seemed that every cop film had to include a chase scene... and this one remains one of the best with Bullitt's Ford Mustang growling as he pursues the villains Dodge Charger. The film may be known for that one scene but it is just a small part of a fine film. It may not be as action packed as films made these days but the details feel real which keep it gripping. Steve McQueen is on top form as Frank Bullitt and Robert Vaughn is solid as Chalmers. When we learn the identity of the person behind the attack it proved to be quite a surprise... all I'll say about it is; I didn't see it coming until just before the big reveal... by which time we'd been shown plenty of clues. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of the genre; it is still fresh fifty years on.

Old school suspense filled thriller. Loved the slow-paced patient feel to the film of course interspersed with some moments of action. Different filming to nowadays. The camera really focuses on Mcqueen's and some other character's faces. Mcqueen is able to show us his thoughts with his piercing blue eyes. The score is jazzy cool and the environs are often mysteriously dark. The roar of the engines was one of the great film moments. 8/10

I will begin with the films faults number 1 Steve McQueen's performance it's not one of his best he's dull but still rather good. number 2 the plot it's too complicated. Now for the positive's number one Robert Vaughan's performance captivating. number 2 the music cool and thrilling .Number 3 peter Yates's direction tense gripping and exiting. Number 4 the action scenes heart pounding. This is a not starsky and hutch type frill fest but a gritty down to earth realistic study of police and hospital practices and procedure's which still manages to entertain and excite. A thriller that you'll thrill to. A flawed but great movie. The car chase will leave you breathless .But then so will the whole film.

Terrific film. What I like about it is that it takes its time telling you the story, and is slow moving, with exception, of course, of the car chase. The film can be confusing, but I feel that was intended. The pace at which the story unfolds is the pace in which Bullitt is thinking to try to capture the killer. I take exception that we don't know why the witness was killed. It is spelled out towards the end. As to the criticisms regarding more info was needed about the hows and whys of the mob, I find that silly. Its the mafia, there was someone stealing from within, and they wanted him rubbed out. Also some critique Jacquline Bisset's dialogue. We need to remember that this film was made in 1969, with a very different collective conscience of peace and non-violence than exists today. The film was reflecting the values of the time with her character, and trying to appeal to a younger audience.