Movie review – “Bullitt” (1968) ***1/2

I'm surprised I'd never seen this film until now. It's very cool and groovy, very late 60s Steve McQueen, who is in excellent form in the title role. The plot is a bit familiar now we've had all these cop shows, but McQueen and Peter Yates' flashy direction remain enjoyable. The famous car chase also impresses, mostly because it's done in a different style to those done today, i.e. it takes its time, uses long takes and doesn't go overboard with the stunts. Jacqueline Bisset is very pretty and sexy in a thankless part. You'll recognise the support cast from heaps of TV but good luck trying to recall their names, except for Bisset and Robert Vaughan. The climax at the airport surely influenced Michael Mann's Heat.