Dispatches – Thu. Nov. 6, 2014 – Recommended Viewing Tonight on TCM Hello Folks, Two great crime dramas on TCM tonight – one is an American action classic and the other a British Film Noir classic. Both are Must-See pictures for all Film Students. Overview – 10:15 PM – Bullitt (1968) – 113 min. Dir: Peter Yates DP: William A. Fraker Wm. Fraker won the Oscar for Best Cinematography for Bullitt For the Nighthawks - 12:15 PM – The Third Man (1949) British Film Noir – 104 min Dir: Carol Reed DP: Robert Krasker - Received Oscar for best B&W Cinematography -- -- -- Commentary – 10:15 PM – Bullitt (1968) – 133 min Dir: Peter Yates DP: William A. Fraker Wm. Fraker won the Oscar for Best Cinematography for Bullitt Plot Teaser - An all guts, no glory San Francisco cop, Frank Bullitt (Steve McQueen), is determined to find the underworld kingpin who killed a star witness under his protection. --- --- This iconic classic of the American Crime/Thriller genre of the 1960s is a Must-See for any Film Student interested in real heavyweight live action-ACTION photography (not that CGI crap), as well as devotees of iconic American actor Steve McQueen (1930-1980). The film has the granddaddy of Car Chase sequences, all real live action and very thrilling material. In many of the shots Mr. McQueen is doing the driving – while in others a famous Hollywood stunt driver is operating the vehicle. This is a slick, well-done production with award winning cinematography is outstanding for any era of American Cinema and especially for a film shot over 45 years ago. I saw it when it first came out, my first year in the Industry and it is just as exciting to watch today as it was back then – even more so -- -- -- Production Notes - Car Chase Sequence - The director called for speeds of about 75-80 mph but the cars (including the ones containing the cameras) reached speeds of over 110 mph. – on San Francisco streets no less. Filming of the chase sequences reportedly took three weeks (some reports say 6 weeks) to cover all the required camera angles. The scene ended up being about 10 minutes and is of one of the most thrilling action montages in film history. Interesting to note that the film company was denied permission to film on the Golden Gate Bridge. Mr. Fraker did the most dangerous camera operating on the chase scenes. For some shots he was secured to the front of subject Mustang hand-holding a camera. This gutsy move delivered thrilling POV shots as the cars literally careered up and down hilly streets in San Francisco. One of the first things Peter Yates did when he got the job was persuade Warner Brothers to buy him a lightweight Arriflex (Arri 2C) camera that he could use for his hand-held footage. In the car chase sequence Frank Bullitts car is a 1968 Ford Mustang 390 GT 2+2 Fastback. The “bad guys” drive a 1968 Dodge Charger 440 Magnum. The “Bullitt” chase sequence is an excellent study for aspiring Action Directors, DPs, Camera Operators, 1st ACs, Rigging Grips and Gaffers. According to Director Peter Yates, in shots when the actor was driving the subject car during the chase scene, Steve McQueen made a point of keeping his head near the open car window so that audiences would be sure to know that it was he, not a stunt man, who was driving. It was reported that Steve McQueen based his character on San Francisco Homicide Inspector Dave Toschi, made famous for his work on the Zodiac killings. McQueen had a copy made of Toschis custom fast-draw shoulder holster. The holster worn by Steve McQueen was later put into production for retail sales by the Safariland Leather Co, and is still in their product line. It’s known as the Klipspringer Shoulder Holster. Note: Anyone wanting a “taste” of the Bullitt Car Chase Sequence, log onto: youtube/watch?v=UBLOLi_Ex-Q And wear your seatbelt! McQueen’s laidback performance style was exceptionally good in this picture. Aspiring Directors and DP’s take special note of his “wake up scene” early in the film. -- --- --- Thoughts - William Fraker was known for his his calm, supportive and reassuring manner on set, sedulous work ethic and total dedication to his craft. He always emphasized that the look of a film should be determined by the film itself. Wm Fraker: I dont agree with a cinematographer putting his stamp on a picture or wanting to recreate reality. You have to be a story-teller to invite the audience into what you want to say and take them on a trip.” -- -- -- Due to the hour I’m releasing this Dispatches as is and will supply Commentary for The Third Man (1949) a bit later. Enjoy and learn from the magic. Observe and feel in 360. And be safe out there. Frost
Posted on: Fri, 07 Nov 2014 02:03:37 +0000
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