Bullitt Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cool cop drives around San Francisco in a cool car, chasing less cool people in a less cool car because a politician wants to get famous.

🍿 Bullitt: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Setup and Assignment

In San Francisco, Lieutenant Frank Bullitt is tasked by ambitious politician Walter Chalmers to protect Johnny Ross, a Chicago mobster who is set to testify against the organization. Chalmers wants Ross’s safety ensured, or else Bullitt will face consequences, setting up a high-stakes protective detail.

The Hotel Ambush

Bullitt, along with Detectives Delgetti and Stanton, provides around-the-clock protection for Ross at a secluded hotel. Despite their efforts, two hitmen breach security and attack Ross and Stanton. This leaves Ross critically wounded and Stanton injured, setting Bullitt on a determined quest for answers.

Investigation and Car Chase

Following the attack, Bullitt defies Chalmers’s orders and begins his own investigation, suspecting a deeper conspiracy. This leads to the film’s iconic car chase through the streets of San Francisco, as Bullitt pursues the hitmen in his Mustang, resulting in their fiery demise.

Unraveling the Identity Theft

As Bullitt delves deeper, he uncovers a complex scheme involving identity theft. He discovers the supposed Johnny Ross was actually Albert Renick, set up as a decoy. This twist reveals that the real Johnny Ross intended to use the situation to escape the mob and the law, adding layers of complexity to the case.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Det. Lt. Frank Bullitt (Steve McQueen): A cool and determined San Francisco cop who defies political pressure to solve a complex case.
• Walter Chalmers (Robert Vaughn): An ambitious and ruthless politician who wants to use the witness’s testimony to advance his career.
• Cathy (Jacqueline Bisset): Bullitt’s girlfriend, an architect, who grapples with the violent nature of his work.
• Det. Delgetti (Don Gordon): A loyal and dependable detective who assists Bullitt in his investigation.
• Johnny Ross (Pat Renella): A Chicago mobster in protective custody and about to turn evidence against the organization.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Bullitt: “Look, Chalmers, let’s understand each other. I don’t like you.” – Bullitt states his disregard for Chalmers’ manipulative behavior and political agenda.
• Walter Chalmers: “I’m not interested in your theories.” – Chalmers dismisses Bullitt’s insights, prioritizing his own political goals.
• Cathy: “You live in a sewer, Frank.” – Cathy expresses her concern over the brutal reality of Bullitt’s work and its effect on him.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5.5M
• Domestic Gross: $42.4M
• Worldwide Gross: $42.4M

💥 Bullitt Reviews

Personal Review

I first saw ‘Bullitt’ years ago, and that car chase still gets my heart racing. It’s raw, real, and you feel every bump in the road. McQueen is the epitome of cool; he barely says a word, but you know exactly what he’s thinking. I loved the way the movie shows the toll the job takes on him, especially his relationship with Cathy. That airport scene at the end is just pure suspense. Definitely a classic that holds up!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Steve McQueen”
  • “Lovers of classic crime thrillers”
  • “Car enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers interested in 1960s San Francisco”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief strong language”
  • “Thematic elements related to crime and morality”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A groundbreaking film for its time, ‘Bullitt’ delivers a visceral and gritty portrayal of police work, elevated by McQueen’s stoic performance and the iconic car chase. It’s a masterclass in building tension through atmosphere and understated action.
• Variety: “‘Bullitt’ is a must-see for action and car enthusiasts. The chase sequence is a landmark moment in cinema, expertly crafted and genuinely thrilling. The supporting cast shines, and the San Francisco setting adds depth and authenticity.
• RogerEbert.com: “While sometimes slow-paced, ‘Bullitt’ offers a fascinating look at the procedural aspects of police work. McQueen’s charisma and the film’s realistic tone make it a compelling watch, even if the plot is somewhat convoluted.

Audience Reactions

The car chase is the best ever!: Viewers consistently praise the realistic and intense car chase sequence as a defining moment in action cinema.

Steve McQueen is so cool in this movie.: McQueen’s performance as the stoic and determined Frank Bullitt is universally admired for its understated intensity and charisma.

Overall Consensus: ‘Bullitt’ is a classic crime thriller celebrated for its realistic portrayal of police work, groundbreaking car chase, and Steve McQueen’s iconic performance, despite some pacing issues.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Film Editing)- 1969

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Steve McQueen performed most of his own driving stunts in the iconic car chase, adding to the realism and intensity of the scene.”
• “The Dodge Charger used by the hitmen in the car chase was deliberately chosen to be a menacing contrast to Bullitt’s cool Ford Mustang.”
• “The film’s editing won an Academy Award, largely due to the groundbreaking car chase sequence.”
• “Director Peter Yates wanted to capture the feel of real police work, so he used actual locations and avoided overly dramatic or stylized shots.”

🖥️ How to Watch Bullitt?

Bullitt is available for rent or purchase on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable availability. Unfortunately, as of now, it’s not included with any streaming subscription services like Netflix or Hulu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Bullitt, you might like these similar films:

• The French Connection (1971): Features a gritty, realistic portrayal of police work and a memorable car chase scene.
• Dirty Harry (1971): Showcases a rogue cop who bends the rules to catch criminals, similar to Bullitt’s independent approach.
• Get Carter (1971): Offers a similarly dark and morally ambiguous crime thriller from the same era, with a focus on realism and hard-hitting action.
• Heat (1995): Presents a complex crime story with realistic characters and intense action sequences, reminiscent of Bullitt’s style.

🛒 Bullitt Related Products

• GreenLight 1968 Ford Mustang GT Bullitt Movie (1968) (2014 Release) 1:18 Scale: Detailed diecast model of Bullitt’s iconic Mustang. Perfect for collectors and fans of the movie. It includes accurate details and is officially licensed.
• Bullitt (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Remastered]: Remastered digital download of Lalo Schifrin’s score. The music enhances the atmosphere and suspense of the film. Great for listening and reliving the movie’s iconic moments.
• Bullitt Movie Poster Print: High-quality print of the original ‘Bullitt’ movie poster. A perfect addition to any movie fan’s collection. Captures the essence of the film’s cool and gritty aesthetic.
• Bullitt T-Shirt: Officially licensed ‘Bullitt’ T-shirt featuring Steve McQueen as Frank Bullitt. Made from comfortable, high-quality materials. Wearable memorabilia for everyday use.

🎧 Soundtrack

Bullitt features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Bullitt Main Title” – performed by Lalo Schifrin
• “Room 26” – performed by Lalo Schifrin
• “The First Snowfall” – performed by Sonny Burke and Paul Francis Webster

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Steve McQueen’s ‘Bullitt’ 1968 Mustang GT sells for MILLIONS at Mecum Auctions | Motorsports on NBC

Ever wondered how much Steve McQueen’s iconic ‘Bullitt’ Mustang would fetch at auction? This video shows the actual sale, and the price is absolutely mind-blowing – definitely worth a watch!

1968 and 2019 Mustang Bullitt – Jay Leno’s Garage

Jay Leno gets behind the wheel of both the original ‘Bullitt’ Mustang AND the modern remake! As a huge car fan, his insights into the differences are fascinating – a must-see for any ‘Bullitt’ enthusiast.

Bullitt 1968 ( FILMING LOCATION) with shot-for-shot remake car chase

Want to see where they filmed that legendary ‘Bullitt’ car chase? This video not only shows you the locations but recreates the chase scene shot-for-shot. Seeing the real places adds a whole new level of appreciation for the movie!

10 Cool Facts About Frank’s ’68 Fastback Mustang – Bullitt

Think you know everything about the ‘Bullitt’ Mustang? This video drops some surprising facts about the car and its role in the film. I guarantee you’ll learn something new!

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