Bullitt (DVD)

There are few things more annoying than seeing a film that’s been around for ages, and then realising just what you’ve been missing. There’s still some classic films I haven’t seen that I’m sure I’ll love, but I’ll secretly be cursing myself for not seeing them previously. Bizarre, I know, but that’s just the way I am… Bullitt is one such film. The advantages with living in a shared student house you see, is that you’ve got in effect, the combined resources of all the members of the household – CDs, books, and, of course, films. For those of you who know one of my housemates, Mark (yhwman), you ...

FILM REVIEW ONLY *************** It's very hard to believe that this classic cops and bad guys movie is now 40 years old. I remember watching it in the cinema (multiple viewings!) when it was released way back in 1968, and when the main star, Steve McQueen was so hot a star he was almost a super nova! Bullitt's plot was simple enough. A bad guy has decided he's going to turn "rat", and dish the dirt on his fellow gangsters in the Mob in exchange for immunity from prosecution. Naturally enough, his erstwhile gangster buddies don't take too kindly to the prospect of frying in the electric chair or spending the rest of their lives in the ...

I have waited a long time for this. For some reason I have always managed to avoid seeing "Bullitt". For years I have had to endure people telling me how great the car chase scene is (not to mention the Mustang), and how "cool" Steve McQueen is. And then there are the iconic images of McQueen in trademark turtleneck, leaning against the doorjamb, staring straight out at us. And then of course there is the jazzed up Lalo Schifrin soundtrack, guaranteed to be found on every "essential" movie compilation and lifestyle defining CD. And then there are the reviews enthusing on the acting, the direction, that car chase, all firmly establishing ...