Plot: What’s it about?
A friend of mine and I were talking about Steve McQueen today, reminiscing about some of his great movies…Tom Horn, The Sand Pebbles and the Great Escape…barely scratches the surface…but back to the movie at hand, Bullitt. A publicity-seeking politician (Robert Vaughn…Napoleon Solo in The Man From U.N.C.L.E.)…yes I have a touch of gray…wants Det. Bullitt (Steve McQueen) to protect a key witness set to testify against the mob. Button men (killers) find the witness and…you’ll have to watch…suspecting a double cross Bullitt leaves no stone unturned in his pursuit of the hit men, stepping on many important toes in the process. Loyal only to his Captain, (Simon Oakland) he defies all other authority and ignores any risk to his career or body…don’t miss the break through car chase…it set the mark in its day. A great “in your face” conclusion will satisfy the “take this job and shove it fans”…I loved it. A definite “classic” not to be missed.
Actors like Steve McQueen don’t come around very often. He brings so much of himself as a person to most of his roles; you get to look inside the man if you pay attention. Well known for his racing ability in cars…he does his own driving in Bullitt…and on motorcycles…check out the Great Escape, that’s Steve jumping the bike over the fences. The quiet and cool exterior you see in many of his characters and interviews doesn’t show the fierce competitor he was as an actor. Even with all of his successes he was always aware of other (male) actors popularity and billing. He also had an uncanny sense of what worked for him in front of the camera, camera angles, profile shots and wardrobe and wasn’t afraid to let director’s know it. Even comedy wasn’t beyond his reach as seen in The Reivers. With an impressive body of work as his movie legacy, I’ll enjoy the hours of entertainment I’ll get from watching them.
Video: How does it look?
Enhanced for Widescreen (Anamorphic) or Standard Format…do the Widescreen. I hate to think it was released about 32 years ago, but the transfer looks great.
Audio: How does it sound?
The Dolby Surround sound lacks a bit…could have been left in mono as far as I’m concerned. The movie eclipses any need for gimmicks. I don’t mean to sound like a purist, but sometimes you need to just leave it alone. Great music done by Lalo Schifrin…best known for the Mission Impossible theme (the TV show).
Supplements: What are the extras?
I liked the behind the scene info, especially the driving stuff…be sure to check it out. Theatrical trailer and Reel Recommendations round out the special features.
