Bullitt

Bullitt (1968)

Runtime: 114 minutes

Directed by: Peter Yates

Starring: The Great Steve McQueen, Robert Vaughn, Jacqueline Bisset, Don Gordon

From: Warner Brothers

Here is something I referenced in the past that I’m finally getting around to reviewing here. Way back in April of ’10 I watched a documentary on the Blu-Ray disc of this movie and I reviewed it. I enjoyed that docu., by the way. Well, I figured it was about damn time I watch the main attraction on that disc; sure, I’ve seen the movie before, but that was only on DVD.

Sure, this movie is best known for its all-time classic car chase scene, but it’s more than just that. In particular, knowing the context of that scene makes it all the better. The plot of the movie is that San Francisco police lieutenant Frank Bullitt is asked by an important person (Vaughn) to guard a guy who is being hunted by “The Organization” (i.e. The Mob, let’s be honest here); problems arise when the guy gets attacked anyhow and Bullitt has to try and get to solving this case. There’s some twists and turns which I won’t give away; the overall mystery isn’t too complex but it’s still a lot of fun to watch things unfurl as Bullitt deals with all that along with his fine-looking lady friend (Bisset) gets worried about his job as she’s the complete opposite as an artist.

There’s not only the car chase; many other things are done in a quality fashion, from the groovy score by Lalo Schifrin to the great opening credits to all the nice scenery you get to see of San Francisco, to even the ending sequence that is entertaining, if it isn’t as memorable as Bullitt racing his green Mustang to chase down the Charger R/T.

This movie is just a fun ride (pun both intended and unintended) and it’s not slam-bang ADD-riddled like too many movies are these days. Things are relaxed and the movie takes its time. You get to see police and hospital procedure, for example. Yet I enjoyed all of it and never got bored with the film. As long as you realize that, then you should enjoy your first viewing of this famed film, if you haven't viewed it yet.

I'll be back Thursday night with a new review.