Bullitt (1968)

What makes it different from others?

Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

Steve McQueen led a short life. He did, during that time, make some significant movies. "Bullitt" is one of them. Here he plays a cop who has had enough of rules and regulations. Perhaps he would be considered a bad cop. He chases the worst of the worst. He is a prototype for Dirty Harry in all those Eastwood films. This film has two elements. Really bad guys and a politician who is at the center of much of the drama. Not only must Bullitt apprehend these killers; he must look out for himself. If this seems clichéd, it's because this movie put it out there first. I hadn't seen Peckinpaugh yet, so this was the first movie where I saw graphic special effects of the damage done by a weapon. Of course, to most, the car chase through the hills of San Francisco is the most memorable part of this film.

In addition to the brilliant car chase that this film is most well known for, it also has a brilliant soundtrack, nail biting suspense and a likable lead character. I think what sets Frank Bullitt apart from other action heroes is how he doesn't spit out witty one liners like Dirty Harry or John McLean from 'Die Hard' He is instead a realistic man who you could meet anywhere. This is a film you should definitely watch if you haven't done so already. It has stood the test of time and is as exciting today as it was back in 1968. It can be slow moving at times but it makes up for it with it's brilliant action scenes, made better by the fact there is no pretentious CGI. Highly recommended...

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.

This movie had all the elements involved in any great film, although nothing quite fit properly for the entire run time. It is comparable to a head chef buying all the top ingredients to make an amazing dish, then he calls in sick and someone has to fill in for him who doesn't know how to cook and ruins everything.That is what I thought of through the last half of Bullitt. The acting is great, the cops do not show many emotions but that is fine, that is how a cop should be. The bad guys are mysterious and violent. Tthe female love interest is believable. Tthe story is moving along nicely...then the movie drags out another hour, without anything happening and then without anything resolved...it ends.You do not find out who the bad guys were, you do not know why they were after the key witness, you do not know enough about the main characters love interest or what part she plays in the movie, the Senator character is not really explained. The crime organization is not explained at all. It is perhaps the most open ended movie I have ever seen.No part of the story is resolved or even concludes, and then when the main character finally finds this important key witness character, he shoots him to death and then the credits roll. What the hell happened????