Bullit

In his Speculations on Cinema, Quentin Tarantino referenced industry opinions suggesting that Steve McQueen didn’t have much to say on many topics – except when it came to cars, where his knowledge was truly impressive. The American star – who was also a skilled race car driver in his free time – must have felt completely at home on the set of Bullitt. Directed by Peter Yates, the film has gone down in cinema history primarily for its still-thrilling car chase sequence through the winding streets of San Francisco, enhanced by Lalo Schifrin’s stylish score. But Bullitt is more than just spectacular action scenes; it’s also a gripping thriller centered on a tough cop (played by McQueen) caught in a tangled web involving cunning gangsters and corrupt politicians.The film’s success was also due to its refusal to idealize police work, making it a perfect fit for its time. Just months after Bullitt premiered, the San Francisco police department found itself engaged in a complex real-life investigation – trying to unravel the mystery of the infamous Zodiac killer…

Piotr Czerkawski

Peter Yates (1929–2011) was a British director who redefined action cinema and the sports drama, blending kinetic storytelling with psychological depth. His breakthrough came with Bullitt (1968), renowned for its groundbreaking car chase that revolutionized action filmmaking. In Murphy’s War (1971), he crafted one of the defining films of the anti-war genre, challenging traditional heroism in war narratives. Breaking Away (1979) earned him five Oscar nominations, showcasing his skill in coming-of-age storytelling. Yates’ films set new standards in tension and realism, inspiring filmmakers worldwide.