"Bullitt" A detective drama representing the 1960s that broke new ground for car chases.

“Bullitt” synopsis

A mafia member named Joe Ross is protected by the authorities as a key witness in the trial. Bullitt of the San Francisco Police Department's Investigation Division is in charge of the bodyguard, but while Ross is not looking, he opens the door to the room and is shot to death by a group of hitmen, and the other bodyguard is also seriously injured. Bullitt learns that Ross opened the door just in time for the hitman, and senses that there is some kind of conspiracy behind the incident. So Bullitt assumes that Ross is still alive and goes on a mission to lure the killer.

Index

• Steve McQueen's masterpiece, which he was initially reluctant to do
• Unique director Peter Yates, a “former racing driver”
• Filming techniques and locations that rewrote the history of car chases
• McQueen wasn't satisfied with the car chase

Steve McQueen's masterpiece, which he was initially reluctant to do

I have no interest in cars at all. Although I have a license, I am a complete paper driver. Even when I see Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche, I don't get excited at all. No emotions arise. Yes, I am completely insensitive to cars.

Even I, the car chase in the movie ``Bullitt'' (1968) starring Steve McQueen, deeply moved me. A fierce battle between a Ford Mustang and a Dodge Charger that lasted approximately 10 minutes. I was impressed by the filming and editing, which skillfully utilized the topography of San Francisco, and thought, ``This is a movie!'' The audience at the time must have been stunned by the unprecedented visual experience. The car chase in this film has become a legend in film history, and will decisively change subsequent car action productions.

So what's new about the car chase in Bullitt? The explanation will be given later, but let me briefly explain the origin of the work. The original story is ``Mute Witness'' by mystery author Robert L. Fish. In fact, there was no car chase in the original scenario. In the first draft, Lt. Frank Bullitt was a far cry from a skilled detective who had never solved a case. There was no point in chasing him in a car.

“Bullitt” preview

The scenario, which was originally intended to star Spencer Tracy, hit a snag after his death, and the project went back and forth to Steve McQueen and producer Philip D'Antoni. At this point, D'Antoni added an extravagant chase to the otherwise bland scenario, and changed the setting from Boston to San Francisco. The mayor of San Francisco at the time was keen to attract movie locations and was trying to make things easier for filming. Blocking multiple roads for car chases and taking over San Francisco International Airport at night. Cinema-first shooting was possible to a degree that is unimaginable today.

However, Steve McQueen, the man in charge, is not keen on this project. He had been full of energy since he was young, and had had many troubles with the police, so he was reluctant to play the role of a detective. Personally, I thought, ``As a professional, what's the reason for that?'' But with some persuasion from my then-wife Neal Adams, I somehow decided to take the plunge.

The result was a great success. This film, the first film produced by McQueen's Solar Productions, was a huge hit, ranking fifth in the US box office of the year. Although he was hesitant at first, it ended up becoming his masterpiece.

Unique director Peter Yates, a “former racing driver”