Japanese poster for Bullitt
KNOW YOUR OGs. Before advanced 3-D, CGI, fast cuts, huge explosions, and even before Dirty Harry…there was Steve McQueen and Bullitt.
Released in 1968, this car chase is still heralded by film historians as one of the greatest ever shot. Set during the peak of the muscle car era, this chase sequence follows two huge V8′s racing through the hills of San Francisco.
If you’re used to the pace of modern day action sequences, you may find this to be a little slow in the build. But watch it with the historical significance in mind that it deserves (this was the first major SF car chase featured on film), and you’ll find yourself getting into the characters as much as the actual chase.
Personally, I really appreciate the fact that it appears “real time” without an amped up soundtrack (the V8 engine is the soundtrack) and I love the realism of both driver’s stoic and focused expressions throughout the entire segment. Who needs 3-D, or even car rigs for that matter, when you have these awesome over-the-shoulder and POV shots looking directly into the road like this…
Stunt Coordinator: Carey Loftin
Steve McQeen Double: Bud Ekins
