I like to think I give all genres of film a fair shake while I go through the classics but the truth is that action films suffer disportionately as stunts and action shots that were great back in there just can’t compare to what studios can achieve now. Bullitt was once known for one of best car chase scenes in cinematic history though by modern standards it’s only ordinary. Still, I believe that this is the first film I’ve watched starring Steve McQueen, another legend of Hollywood.

San Francisco police lieutenant Frank Bullitt is assigned to provide protection to Johnny Ross who is supposed to testify against his mob bosses. A senator Walter Chalmers is the one who arranged everything including the cheap hotel room where Ross is holed up for the weekend. Assassins arrive when Bullitt isn’t there and wound both Ross and the police officer present. He gets suspicious when he learns that Ross was the one who unlocked the door for the assassins. There is another attempt at the hospital where Bullitt pursues the assassin but fails to catch him. Meanwhile Chalmers piles on the pressure and Bullitt’s girlfriend has doubts about the violent and ugly underworld he has to exist in as part of his job.

This is a remarkably restrained and grounded film, so straightforward in its plot and characterization that it would be impossible to make in today’s market. Steve McQueen as Bullitt is the star and you can see from his performance here why his moniker in Hollywood is the ‘King of Cool’. He exudes calm, assured competence and professionalism in every scene. There are no wisecracks and no fits of rage or frustration even when he has to deal with the possibly crooked senator and the police captain in his pay. In line with this, the film is methodical and detail oriented showing every step as the doctor treats Ross’ wounds for example or Bullitt searching for clues in the luggage of the suspect. This is unglamorous, down to earth work that is far cry from the flashy, over the top setpieces of modern blockbusters. I find it funny that this was the blockbuster of its day yet today it would probably be considered as a serious drama.

The famous car chase scene which though exciting and revolutionary at that time, would today be notable for being grounded and reasonably realistic. I liked it because it’s another way of showing that Bullitt is competent but not superhuman. There’s also another foot chase scene through an airport which goes on for surprisingly long. Again there are no superheroics but Bullitt win you over with his common sense tactics and determination. The level of detail is remarkable every step of the way and the film treats the intelligence of the viewer with respect.

Overall this didn’t blow me away but I did find it a solid and enjoyable film. Today there’s a clear divide between mass market blockbusters and serious drama. I find it interesting that films such as this straddle that divide at that time as it was undoubtedly an action film yet was considered good enough for directing and acting awards. I hesitate to make such sweeping generalizations such as saying that mass market films have been dumbed down since then, but it does seem true to some extent.