Bullitt (1968). Cert 15. Director - Peter Yates Writer - Alan Trustman Starring - Steve McQueen, Robert Vaughn & Jaqueline
Bisset.
Premise - Starring Steve McQueen, as the titular Frank Bullitt, Bullitt
is the tale of a renegade cop (McQueen) whom is given the assignment of
babysitting a member of 'The Organisation' who is turning states
evidence. I'm not usually a fan of 'older' movies, but every now and again I will
put forth the effort to see an older movie it I believe it will be worth
it.
Bullitt is one movie that is defiantly worth the
effort.
There are many reasons why I like Bullitt, Steve McQueen
being the main one. He is just so damn cool that he just has to be on
screen to hold my attention. The cop he plays takes no BS, but doesn't run
around shooting his gun at the drop of a hat a-la Dirty Harry. He's far
more reserved, in-fact I believe he only draws his gun once during the
entire movie.
For my money Bullitt also contains one of the best
car chase's ever committed to celluloid. The chase through the streets of
San Francisco set the standard for all movies to follow (and in some cases
blatantly copy).
The third reason I like Bullitt is the excellent
Jazz soundtrack by Lalo Schifrin. Now, I'm no fan off jazz, but I know
what I like and I like that. The title sequence is so cool I could watch
it over and over again. The perfect marriage of sound and
pictures.
The story itself has been ripped off ruthlessly ever
since in a myriad of other lesser movies. Based on the novel 'Mute
Witness' by Robert L Pike it still manages to feel fresh and held a couple
of surprises in spite of the clones that have followed since.
The
movie though, does have a few problems. The direction at times leaves a
little to be desired, too many long shots without dialogue and the final
third could have used some trimming to keep the viewer
interested.
Small gripes aside though Bullitt has lasted the test
of time admirably and I recommend it
highly.
|
7/10 for Bullitt. |