... Bizarre, I know, but that’s just the way I am…
Bullitt is one such film. The advantages with living in a shared student house you see, is that you’ve got in effect, the combined resources of all the members of the household – CDs, books, and, of course, films. For ... Read review
San Francisco has been the setting of a lot of exciting movie car chases over the years, ... more
but this 1968 police thriller is still the one to beat when it comes to high-octane action on the steep hills of the city by the Bay. The outstanding car chase ear...
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San Francisco has been the setting of a lot of exciting movie car chases over the years, ... more
but this 1968 police thriller is still the one to beat when it comes to high-octane action on the steep hills of the city by the Bay. The outstanding car chase ear...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Detective Frank Bullitt’s new assignment seems routine: Protecting a star witness ... more
for an important trial. But before the night is out the witness lies dying and the cool no-nonsense Bullitt (Steve McQueen) won’t rest until the shooters &...
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Detective Frank Bullitt's new assignment seems routine: protecting a star witness for an ... more
important trial. But before the night is out, the witness lies dying and the cool, no-nonsense Bullitt (Steve McQueen) won't rest until the shooters- and the kingp...
San Francisco has been the setting of a lot of exciting movie car chases over the years, ... more
but this 1968 police thriller is still the one to beat when it comes to high-octane action on the steep hills of the city by the Bay. The outstanding car chase earned an Oscar for best editing, but the rest of the movie is pretty good, too.Bullittis a perfect star vehicle for cool guy Steve McQueen, who stars as a tenacious detective (is there any other kind?) determined to track down the killers of the star witness in an important trial. Director Peter Yates (Breaking Away) approached the story with an emphasis on absolute authenticity, using a variety of San Francisco locations. Jacqueline Bisset and Robert Duvall appear in early roles, and Robert Vaughn plays the criminal kingpin who pulls the deadly strings of the tightly wound plot.--Jeff Shannon
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Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
Action/Adventure - Director: Gore Verbinski - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring:Bill Nighy, Keira Knightley, Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Chow Yun-Fat
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Advantages: Acting is great, car scene is cool, filming is something special Disadvantages: Don't let the important bits pass you by!
...I am…
Bullitt is one such film. The advantages with living in a shared student house you see, is that you’ve got in effect, the combined resources of all the members of the household – CDs, books, and, of course, films. For those of you who know one of my housemates, Mark (yhwman), you may have already seen his review on Bullitt, but now it’s my turn. Let’s just say, I watched the film on DVD with him ... ...on the outside of my Bullitt case ‘Underground Epics’ – and that’s exactly what it is. Bullitt is something of a cult film by now, enjoyed by many, but heard of by few until they’ve actually watched it. It shaped many a film that followed it, and it’s interestingly different style was something that was mimicked in many an American film for decades afterwards.
There are few things more annoying than seeing a film that’s been around for ages, and then realising just what you’ve been missing. There’s still some classic films I haven’t seen that I’m sure I’ll love, but I’ll secretly be cursing myself for not seeing them previously. Bizarre, I know, but that’s just the way I am…
Bullitt is one such film. The advantages with living in a shared student house you see, is that you’ve got in effect, the combined resources of all the members of the household – CDs, books, and, of course, films. For those of you who know one of my housemates, Mark (yhwman), you may have already seen his review on Bullitt, but now it’s my turn. Let’s just say, I watched the film on DVD with him (admitted nearly half asleep, and with a little alcohol in my bloodstream) and I enjoyed it even though I did have a little trouble following the plot. It wasn’t long before I was in a shop buying the VHS copy for my own personal enjoyment, and here’s the result of me watching it while a little more alert!
- The Legacy
It says on the outside of my Bullitt case ‘Underground Epics’ – and that’s exactly what it is. Bullitt is something of a cult film by now, enjoyed by many, but heard of by few until they’ve actually watched it. It shaped many a film that followed it, and it’s interestingly different style was something that was mimicked in many an American film for decades afterwards.
The most common thing that Bullitt is famed for is the epic car chase it has midway through the film. This is the aspect of the film that influenced it’s successors the most, mainly because Bullitt used new technology that allowed the chase to be filmed live as it happened. It thrilled most people who had never seen such action before, and it has weathered the winds of time well – it still looks brilliant today!
- The Plot
Detective Inspector Frank Bullitt (Steve McQueen) is one of the best officers the police have, although his methods can sometime be a bit 'unorthodox' (naturally!). When Senator Walter Chalmers (Robert Vaughn) gives him the responsibility of protecting a key witness in a huge case to expose 'the Organisation' (the Mob to you and me), he doesn't really realise what he's letting himself in for. Sure enough, barely a day passes, and both his partner and the witness are gunned down, and Bullitt is left with an injured partner, a witness knocking heartily at heaven's door, and a politician who's about as happy as the cat that didn't get out of the bag. Bullitt is off to try and solve this mystery, one way or another, and he's going to have to negotiate corruption, people who want him dead, and a girlfriend who suddenly decides that her bloke isn't the man she thought her was! Poor chap…
- The Film
The way the film is shot gives the impression of a very 'real' scenario – you see Bullitt getting home from work, picking up his food, and going to bed. I'm not sure what it is about the camerawork, but it certainly enhances this 'natural' feel (even if it is sunny all the time!). This was the main aim of the director (Peter Yates), and there's many other ways in which he's tried to incorporate more realism into the film. For example, the car scene was all filmed live, with Steve McQueen actually driving his souped up Mustang GT and doing all the stunts himself! Impressed? You should be.
In addition to this, all the 'services' people save the main actors were actually real professionals – the nurses were really nurses, and the cops were really cops, and this all helped add to the overall realistic effect – everyone reacted in a similar way to the way they would act in a real situation.
The whole plot, while quite rigid, it can be a little vague at times, and things are less 'explained' than just happen, and you're expected to just keep up with it. If you're not used to this type of film style, it can be a bit of a shock to the system, as you try and keep up with the storyline, but as long as you're prepared, you'll be alright. The good thing about the plot is that it has enough turns and twists to keep you interested – you can never quite know who to suspect, or what might happen next – and I like this approach very much, it makes the viewing a lot more satisfying.
- The Car Chase
I couldn't really write a Bullitt review without dedicating a section to the film sequence that became a landmark of filmmaking. The Bullitt car chase isn't just a tacked on addition to an action movie, as with so many other action films, but an integral part of the plot. McQueen's frankly stunning performance in driving the car shocks the audience even more if they know that it is the actor, and not a stunt driver, driving the car that is skidding and doing impressive wheelspins across the San Francisco tarmac. It's a wonder the cars had any rubber left on the tires at all! The camera angles, while subtle, are positioned at just the right places to get you right in with the action, and giving you all the thrills of seeing cars shooting past at speeds of up to 115mph. Superb.
- The Acting
Steve McQueen is fast becoming one of my favourite actors – 'The Great Escape', 'The Towering Inferno', and now Bullitt all owe a debt of gratitude to his acting prowess. He is perfectly suited to the part of Frank Bullitt, and his icy yet gritty performance lends an air to the character than I think would have been hard to attain otherwise. Frank becomes a kind of laid back, self-assured character, holding himself steady in a world of madness, simply by not letting it get too near to him.
Robert Vaughn was the perfect choice for the smarmy and pompous Chalmers, he plays the part with easy, giving orders where he has no right to, and generally coming across as the kind of slimy politician we all love to hate.
Jacqueline Bisset, as well as being stunningly attractive in her screen role as Cathy, Frank's girlfriend, gives a touch of class to Bullitt's otherwise dark and foreboding atmosphere. Her acting is up there with the other two leads, and, for what little screen time she is allowed, performs beautifully.
The rest of the cast (those that aren't professional nurses and the like!) stand up well against the stars, and while some of the acting is more wooden than it should be, this is hardly noticeable unless you're really looking for it.
- The End
Overall, Bullitt is one of those classic films you really should have sitting on your shelf along with all your other favourite cult film, maybe right alongside 'The Great Escape' if it takes your fancy! The point with Bullitt is that it is quite different from most films you will have seen, both in the arrangement of filming, and in the general feel of the film. The car chase scene is something special, and the acting is superb. I urge you to keep on your toes though, or something important in the film might pass you by. Altogether – a cracking film.
...mannered yet maverick cop, Frank Bullitt (Steve McQueen) is chosen by the ambitious Senator Walter Chalmers (Robert Vaughn – The Man From Uncle no less!) to guard a witness in a mob trial. Only this witness has incurred the wrath of ‘the organisation’ by stealing money from them whilst working for them. Yet after only a short while two men burst into the hotel room where they are hiding the witness… From here on the plot twists ... ...yet they seem to respect Bullitt enough to let him get on with it.
The extras are also worth a mention, because in general – they are not actors. When filming on location in a hospital, they used real doctors and nurses for example! Now that’s realism for you!
* The Music and the Chase *
This really does deserve a mention. Lalo Schifrin’s hard edged Jazz soundtrack is stunning, sufficiently good for me to order the soundtrack! ...
yhwman 25.06.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Bullitt (DVD)
Advantages: Once unique, gritty realistic, crime thriller still dazzles. Disadvantages: It's much more subtle than what today's audiences are used to.
Bullitt is a no-nonsense police procedural crime drama from 1968. It's a very 70's kind of film arriving to screens shortly after and probably because of Bonnie and Clyde. If you're familiar with films like Point Blank or the original Get Carter, you'll get that same kind of raw uncompromising tone from this film. Perhaps you've heard of the famous car chase through the streets of San Francisco… a car chase that isn't based on pyro-technics, explosions ... ...of him. But Frank Bullitt is just a cop doing his job. He's seen a little too much, and has a developed a thick skin. The plot is a little difficult to follow because it's presented almost entirely from Bullitt's perspective. Therefore some of the major plot points are not emphasized and might slide by you un-noticed if you aren't playing Detective along with Bullitt. And if you are… well there are clues that he misses so you will too.
The film ...
ChrisJarmick 02.11.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Bullitt (DVD)
Bullitt is the perfect example of a 70s cop movie for a number of reasons. OK, so the plot is nothing special, basically Steve McQueen plays the title character of Bullit - a good but unorthodox cop whose task it is to protect a Mafia informant from hoodlums before the court case comes up. What is special about this movie though is the breathless chase scenes which are still yet to be bettered in any movie to have followed despite many trying to ... ...down the streets, hills and sidealleys of San Francisco, all screaming tyres, near misses and perfectly placed stacks of cardboard boxes - superb. All the chase scenes were filmed using handheld cameras, without technical trickery which lends an enormous sense of realism and urgency to the proceedings - none of this film for 5 seconds and then cut malarkey here, these are real perfectly choreographed scenes, pumped full of adrenaline and trust me, ...
wampyrii 28.06.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Bullitt (DVD)
Advantages: THE VERY BEST CAR CHASE SEEN ON EARTH Disadvantages: THE GREEN BEETLE
Bullitt is the film, the Mustang for me is the show, when you talk about Car Chase's theres only one that really stands out for me yes I Know about Ronin, The Italian Job, French Connection, Taxi ect, all had great in car moments but Steve Mcqueen in a Mustang 68'gt on the streets of San Francisco in the 60's chasing the baddies is for me complete and utter octane. Steve Mcqueen plays Frank Bullitt who is a detective protecting a witness for a seedy ... ...Duvall everything looks right. Bullitt did win an Oscar but sadly not for the Car chase action but for best Film Editing which brings me back to the Great Chase, if you have watched it i.e the chase scene as much as me (probably over 500 times and wearing out VHS's and DVD players) you will notice a green VW Beetle Steve passes several times. Now if that films won an Oscar for best Editing (the green VW beetle) surely theres been a mistake just look ...
donovan74 28.08.2006 (31.08.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Bullitt (DVD)
Advantages: Steve Mcqueen, the classic score, one of the best car chases in movie history Disadvantages: Yet again, Warner Bros fail to Deliver any extras.
Bullitt is one of those classic films. Everyone remembers something about it, from the cool film score to the first defining car chase through the hills of San Fransisco in the movies. Everyone remembers 'the' car chase (Mcqueen and his green Mustang against the hitmen and their black Interceptor), though sometimes this does distract people from the rest of the film, which is a shame as it's all top notch.
The film is about Frank Bullitt (Mcqueen) ... ...who was held in protective custody by the police. He's on a deadline and the District Attorney (Robert Vaughn) is getting in the way and trying to lay the blame for the victims death on Bullitt.
The picture transfer is good considering the film's age and the audio The DVD is totally devoid of extras (tssk tssk, Mr Warner) and is the only thing that spoils the enjoyment of this must have . ...
robbroome 14.08.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Bullitt (DVD)
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Advantages: A solid late 1960's movie. That totally incredible car chase sequence Disadvantages: Very poor storyline. Now a little dated.
mindedness of McQueen and a large increase in his fee.
The director, Peter Yates, was a virtual virgin in making full length movies when he took on Bullitt, with TV shows like Danger Man and The Saint making up the bulk of his CV. But he does a terrific job with Bullitt.
Bullitt will never be a classic cop movie in the traditional sense. It's simply too weak on plot and dialogue, although both McQueen and Vaughn give a virtual master class in "method" acting, letting their facial expressions and body language do most of the talking.
The movie is currently doing the rounds on Sky (January 2008), so keep your eyes skinned if you fancy catching it. Alternatively you can buy various versions of the DVD at the likes of Amazon or eBay at very low prices. (From £3.45 at Amazon) I must get around to buying the DVD myself now I've been reminded ...
Advantages: Some classic moments, good acting Disadvantages: Doesn't make the most of the format
*
Are mainly quite sick to be honest. Moving between gross behaviour, mock horror slapstick and just simply mocking horror you can’t help but at least smile at them even if you feel a bit guilty for doing so. Personally I find it really funny but the humour isn’t going to be to everyone’s taste.
* DVD Extras *
One thing that I really like about this DVD, is that one side is widescreen while another is normal TV width. This means when I finally get some cash and get a big old TV I can see this DVD in all it’s glory, whilst still getting a nice big picture on my computer. A very nice touch, one I’d like to see more often!
For a while I was labouring under the impression that old films on DVD were going to be somewhat lacking in extras, however the great extras on Bullitt which was made in 1968 changed my ...
yhwman 18.06.2001 (22.06.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Beetlejuice (DVD)
Considered to be one of the best action films of the 1960s and featuring one of the greatest car chases ever committed to celluloid, BULLITT is depicts a battle of wills between a detective (Steve McQueen) and a district attorney over the possession of a key witness.
Interactive Menus, Production Notes, Scene Access, Trailer, Special Behind-The-Scenes Featurette, Interactive menu
Aspect Ratio
Full Screen
Sound
Dolby Surround Stereo, Dolby Digital
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Surround Stereo English
DVD Description
The legendary Steve McQueen (THE TOWERING INFERNO, THE GREAT ESCAPE) stars as hard-as-nails San Francisco cop Frank Bullitt in one of his most memorable roles. Bullitt has just received what sounds like a routine assignment: keep a star witness out of sight and out of danger for 48 hours, then deliver him to the courtroom on Monday morning. But before the night is out, the witness will lie dying of shotgun wounds and Bullitt won't rest until he nabs the gunmen and the elusive underworld kingpin who hired them. From opening shot to closing shootout, fresh from his recent success with the British film, ROBBERY, director Peter Yates's edge-of-the seat thriller is packed with authentic touches--on-location San Francisco filming, crisp dialogue, and uncompromising to-the-letter police, hospital, and morgue procedures. But most realistic of all is BULLITT's celebrated car chase. McQueen, an expert automobile and motorcycle racer, does his own stunt driving as he propels his high-performance Mustang GT around and over San Francisco's fabled hills at speeds up to 115 miles an hour. The film was based on Robert L. Pike's book MUTE WITNESS.
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