Bullitt

Media:	DVD
Directed by:	Peter Yates
Starring:	Steve McQueen, Jacqueline Bisset
Release date:	15 September, 1998
List price:	~~$19.98~~
Our price:	$14.99 that is 25% off!

Bullitt

Average rating: Stars

Um...

After watching "Bullitt" for the first time a few eeks ago, I could see how it is seen as a precursor to, and something of an inspiration for such subsequent cop-action blockbusters as "Dirty Harry", and "The French Connection". And I must admit, the signature car chase scene, complete with those beautifully overdone engine-revving sound effects, was a true spectacle to behold. I was even more impressed by it when I watched the "" mini-doc and discovered that Steve McQueen himself did the chase scene, rather than a stunt man.

However... well, I didn't find the whole affair all that exciting or gripping. It didn't help that McQueen emoted even less than Clint Eastwood did in the "Dirty Harry" movies. I did, however, take notice of the moments that would become clichÃ©-yet were usually done much better-- in subsequent cop-action movies, like...

- The star of the show who doesn't exactly play by the rules... but, d@mm!+, he gets results!

- The aforementioned car chase and/or foot chase scene.

- The scene where the star is directly confronted by a close friend or lover about his increasing insensitivity to the death and violence around him, and the friend's/lover's fears of losing the man he/she knew in the past.

On the upside, I've always found Robert Vaughn a bit slimy and more than a tad unlikeable in just about every role I've seen him play. And his turn here as a wheeler-dealer Senator looking to gain a little more political power was no exception. Yessirree, Vaughn's definitely got his "method" down. And if you doubt it, check out his work in "Superman III", "Baseketball", and the final season of "The A-Team". Yeesh, talk about oily little power-mongers...

Bottom line: while "Bullitt" might be the most notable progenitor of such over-the-top cop flicks as "Dirty Harry", "Shaft", and the "Lethal Weapon" series, I'm much more fond of the descendants than I am of the ancestor. I have to admit, however, that the car chase scene is a pretty tough act to follow...

`Late

Bullitt - Steve McQueen, Jacqueline Bisset

Number One With a Bullitt

The selling point of "Bullitt" has always been the car chase through the streets of San Francisco. It is indeed thrilling and tops most latter day CGI enhanced action sequences by a thousand miles. To me, though, there is a throwaway scene in the film that defines Steve McQueen's Frank Bullitt. It takes place in a corner market that Bullitt enters after pulling an all-nighter. Bullitt goes to the freezer section and indiscriminately scoops up a stack of TV dinners. This is the essence of Bullitt, a cop so dedicated to his job that he pays little mind to his basic sustainance. As a policer, this film is top-notch. I rank this film in the pantheon of "The French Connection" and "Heat" for police dramas. The film concerns itself with the murder of a prosecution witness and Bullitt's efforts to apprehend his killers. Bullitt, a complete straight-shooter, has to not only deal with hitmen during the course of his investigation but also a meddling district attorney played by a slimy Robert Vaughn in top form here. There is a good supporting cast here that includes Jacqueline Bisset as Bullitt's girlfriend. This part could have been mere window dressing but Bissett has a scene where she confronts Bullitt about his choice of occupation and it's effect on his psyche that is quite effective. The inimitable Simon Oakland("Psycho", "The Sand Pebbles", TV's "The Night Stalker) gives a solid account as Bullitt's no bull superior. This is not just essential McQueen but essential viewing as well.

Steve McQueen, Jacqueline Bisset - Bullitt

Mad Mary & Dirty Harry

Very good film,I saw film when it first came out.Best ever.