In this episode of Film 101, we're tracing the evolution of this particular set piece. Join us as we look at what Bullitt (1986), The French Connection (1971), and Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) have to say about the characters behind the wheel.
Here is the original 1975 trailer for Stanley Kubrick's "Barry Lyndon", widely acclaimed by critics as one of his best films. Although highly acclaimed, it wasn't financially successful at the time due to the extravagant production costs. Some critics griped that it was too slow moving, but that's the beauty of the production. Most of the critical establishment hailed the film, some calling it a masterpiece. In the comments section, a viewer notes that the trailer contains some differences from the final release version. This is probably true, as trailers must be released long before the finished film and Kubrick was known to make changes in his films almost up to the moment of release.
Here's a clip from director John Sturges 1974 crime thriller, "McQ", representing the only time the legendary director worked with the legendary John Wayne. At least they produced a top-notch action film.
In an era in which movies were defined by super cool heroes, none were cooler than Richard Roundtree as John Shaft, seen here bantering with Charles Cioffi, who should have been carried over to the sequels. They had great rapport defined by mutual ball-busting humor.