“Bullitt” is a classic action-thriller film released in 1968, starring Steve McQueen as police lieutenant Frank Bullitt. The film follows Bullitt as he investigates the murder of a witness in his protection and becomes drawn into a web of corruption and deceit.
Along the way, he engages in a series of high-speed car chases through the streets of San Francisco, culminating in an iconic scene where Bullitt’s Mustang GT390 takes on a hitman’s Dodge Charger through the city’s hills.
The film was a critical and commercial success, earning several Academy Award nominations and cementing McQueen’s status as a leading man. Its realistic portrayal of police work and its attention to detail made it stand out in the genre, and it has been praised for its authentic depiction of San Francisco.
“Bullitt” is considered a classic of the action-thriller genre, and its legacy has continued to influence films and media in the decades since its release. And with this article, we are here to take to the journey of some remarkable scenes from the movie through its iconic filming locations.
‘Bullitt’ Filming Locations: A Retrospective Look at the Classic Movie
For all old-school classic action lovers, some scenes from the movie are still some memories for the fanbase. “Bullitt” was primarily filmed on location in San Francisco, California. Some of the notable filming locations from the movie include:
The Embarcadero
The film’s opening scene, which features a chase between Bullitt’s Mustang and the hitman’s Dodge Charger, was filmed along the Embarcadero, a waterfront roadway in San Francisco. The scene was shot in the early morning hours and required several takes to get the perfect shot. The Embarcadero has since undergone significant redevelopment, but the stretch of roadway featured in the film can still be seen today.
Russian Hill
The film’s famous car chase scene was filmed on the winding streets of Russian Hill, a neighborhood in San Francisco known for its steep inclines. The scene, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest car chases in cinematic history, was filmed over several days and required extensive preparation and coordination. Despite the use of multiple cameras and multiple takes, the scene was largely shot in real-time and required McQueen to do much of his own driving.
Nob Hill
Several scenes from the film were shot on Nob Hill, a neighborhood in San Francisco known for its upscale mansions and hotels. The neighborhood’s hilly terrain and Victorian-style houses provided the perfect backdrop for several of the film’s scenes, including a sequence in which Bullitt pursues a suspect through the neighborhood’s winding streets.
Mill Valley
The film’s final scene, in which Bullitt confronts the hitman in a remote cabin, was shot in Mill. After receiving a tip about the whereabouts of the hitman he has been pursuing throughout the film, Frank Bullitt (played by Steve McQueen) drives out to the cabin to confront the suspect.
As Bullitt approaches the cabin, he is confronted by the hitman, who emerges from the building with a gun in hand. The two engage in a tense standoff, with Bullitt demanding to know the identity of the man who hired the hitman to kill the witness in his protection.
Streets of San Francisco
This is not all, and you must have seen some scenes being shot at the junctions and streets of San Francisco. These include the clips from Taylor Street during the investigation journey of the protagonist.
And you must not have forgotten the meeting of Bullitt with his informant, which brought him close to the termination of the plan. This scene was shot at the famous Kearny Street. Various short clips from the movie also cover the photogenic spots of Kansas Street.
From the high-speed car chases through the streets of San Francisco to the tense showdown at the cabin in the hills, “Bullitt” is a classic action-thriller that has stood the test of time. The film’s iconic scenes and memorable characters have made it a favorite among fans and a classic in the genre. We hope that our article brought back memories of these memorable moments and helped to reignite your love for this classic film.
