Student Film Reviews

Film reviews from theaters, couches, and film festivals

Home | All Reviews | Festival Courses | Film and Media Studies | SBCC | | Log in

1. Jo Bullington 11.17.10 / 11am

   this is great! kyle writes with a style and flair that gives the reader a true feel for the film
2. Herbert Markus Linecker 07.07.12 / 10am

   Bullitt is the kind of action film which has an influence that one can see in so many other films, such as in Heat (1995, Michael Mann) which creates the same coolness that made Bullitt so intriguing. The car chase scene has been copied many times. Recently in the television series Alcatraz (2012, Jack Bender and others), the chase was recreated with a contemporary Ford Mustang as a homage to Bullitt. Many people cannot remember the plot of the film, but they know the chase scene exactly. Like you said: “…McQueen and Bullitt are eternal icons of manhood cool.”
3. Jacquelyn Lowe 07.06.13 / 11pm

   The film Bullitt is an iconic piece of film history. I feel that the film has been very influential to many films and filmmakers. The first film that comes to mind is The French Connection and its car chase. Steve McQueen is the epitome of sexy and cool. I loved the score, it matches well with the protagonist. I think that jazz fits Steve McQueen very well. Jazz is sort of on another level when it comes to music and only certain people get it. I found this film very entertaining. I loved the car chase scene, this film is worth watching for the editing of that car chase alone. That Ford Mustang is a fine piece of American machinery and muscle. I also like the plot of the film, arrogant politicians, misdirection, cat-and-mouse chases and a good cop just trying to do his job. There is also very lovely Jacqueline Bisset , this film is always a pleasure to watch.
4. George Kelly 03.08.15 / 10pm

   You make a good point about the sound that accompanies the famous chase scene in Bullitt. I had not noticed that the only sounds are those of the cars’ engines and tires. The sound editor made a good choice in this respect, as the sounds of the vehicles contribute to the intensity of the chase scene. For viewers who know San Francisco, the chase is also interesting for the extent of territory that it covers. The chase begins near Fisherman’s Wharf in the northeast of the city. The drivers traverse the entire city before the assassins crash on Guadalupe Parkway, in the town of Brisbane, south of San Francisco.

   Like you, I was struck by the persona of the character portrayed by Steve McQueen. He is imperturbable. Only once in the film does he lose his cool, when he says “Bullshit” in response to something that Chalmers says. Even when he says that, Bullitt remains controlled. Bullitt’s persona serves as a model for calmness under fire. His even keel is useful for a police officer like him who has to deal with stressful situations on a routine basis. That temperament allows Bullitt to resist the pressure that Chalmers and other senior law enforcement officials exert on him.
5. haydn.spink 07.16.16 / 9pm

   I truly enjoyed the film Bullitt. The way the Film had such conflict and intensity between characters and the way the plot and story kept changing really keep people on their toes there was alway a mystery until the car chase where we knew who did what and Bullit gave them what they deserved. Since the movie was based in San Francisco that made it so much better for me because I’m from the bay nut that along with it being a movie about police and action made it an incredible film.
6. XinglueZheng 07.19.17 / 6pm

   This film is majestic and such a phenomenon. This film is so different from early 1960s films because this is an Art Cinema film. Unlike classic Hollywood Conventions, this film is focusing on chracter’s motions, facial expressions, and other things that is psychologically related to inside of them. This is an colored action film. The actions in this film is packed. They are totally different than early 1960s’ films. Music and shots in this film is more fun and dynamic. This is also a color film, which gives this film an aesthetic look.
7. Benjamin Weir 03.02.21 / 2pm

   The movie Bullitt is so unique, mostly because of the way it is shot. Sure, the plot and the characters are interesting, but the most important part of the film obviously is the chase scene. Frank Bullitt (Steve McQueen) is shown as a calm and cool character who is on the right side of the law. The shots in the movie are very well done, not just in the chase scene, but in the shootouts and action filled sequences. The sound as you pointed out and lack of a soundtrack is also a great part of the movie. The engine roar and the screeching tires adds to the intensity of the scene and makes you feel a bit closer to the action.
8. Ryan Fishman 03.05.21 / 2pm

   This has got to be my favorite review I have read here so far. You have described the swagger and style of this film perfectly. Only thing I would also add is the European-esque directing that gave the movie a much more artistic feel in my opinion in comparison to other action films. I found this movie actually did not have that many action scenes, much of it was the exploration of the people involved, and the audience trying to understand Frank on a deeper level. He speaks very little and shows even less emotion, this makes me wonder, is he too calm and collected? He appears ready for death during many of his chases and has no fear, but has he gotten too wrapped up in his job that he no longer cares about anything else?
9. Cruz Hernandez 07.08.22 / 6pm

   Hey Kyle! I agree with your analysis of “Bullit”. I also think Bullitt was ahead of its time. The ending and entire story is a subversion of audience expectations. There is so much suspicion thrown in Chalmers’ direction throughout the film that when it’s revealed he is really just inept, audience expectation is subverted and it works well as a “twist”. We are led to believe that Chalmers is dirty throughout the film, whether through Bullit’s opinions and reactions, or by how the events transpire and when it’s revealed he isn’t its a genuine surprise. I also think the film masterfully blended New Art Cinema style with old Hollywood conventions, whether it was intentional or not. The film has many old Hollywood characteristics, such as following one distinct individual in Bullit and following a for he most part cause and effect story. However, there are many Art Cinema characteristics throughout the film. The inspired editing and auteur direction (especially in scenes like the car chase), the character’s goals not being clear (like Chalmers), and the fact that there isn’t a concrete clear resolution to the film (Bullit is now aware of his callousness and the viewer is left to wonder how he is affected by the life he leads and how it will no doubt continue to affect him) all make the film have Art Cinema characteristics. The film’s content is also on the more rsiqué side for the time, something characteristic of Art Cinema at the time. Overall, I think “Bullit” should be considered a classic because it was the first quote-unquote “modern” action film with a clear direction and distinct style. As you said, many films aspire to topple Bullit’s car chase scene. While I may have found myself thinking it was a somewhat vanilla film reminiscent of most action films today, I had to remind myself it came out over 50 years ago. Once I reminded myself of this, I realized the film isn’t derivative or reminiscent of anything, but rather it is so iconic and brilliant that **other films** today aspire to recreate its magic and brilliance.

Home | SBCC | Class Schedule | Film and Media Studies

Contact: Prof. Nico MaestuCopyright 2007-23 Log in