Bullitt (1968) is a classic American crime action thriller directed by Peter Yates, featuring Steve McQueen in one of his most iconic roles as Lieutenant Frank Bullitt. The film is based on the 1963 novel Mute Witness by Robert L. Fish and was released on October 17, 1968. It gained acclaim for its realistic portrayal of police work, its gripping narrative, and especially for its groundbreaking car chase sequence through the streets of San Francisco.
The plot centers around Bullitt, who is assigned to protect mob informant Johnny Ross (Pat Renella) as he prepares to testify against organized crime. However, the assignment takes a deadly turn when hitmen ambush Ross, resulting in his fatal shooting. Determined to uncover the truth behind the assassination attempt and the leak of Ross's location, Bullitt embarks on an investigation that leads him into a web of corruption and deceit. The film explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the moral complexities faced by law enforcement.
One of the standout features of Bullitt is its legendary car chase scene, which has been widely regarded as one of the greatest in cinematic history. The sequence showcases Bullitt's Ford Mustang as it races through hilly streets, weaving between traffic and navigating tight turns while being pursued by a Dodge Charger. This thrilling chase not only set new standards for action sequences but also influenced countless films that followed.
The film was well-received upon its release, earning critical acclaim for its screenplay, direction, and editing. It won an Academy Award for Best Film Editing and was nominated for several other awards. With a budget of $4 million, Bullitt grossed approximately $42.3 million at the box office, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 1968.
Overall, Bullitt remains a significant work in the action genre, noted for its stylish direction and McQueen's charismatic performance. Its legacy endures as a quintessential example of 1960s cinema and continues to influence filmmakers today. In 2007, it was preserved in the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."