If one was to list down the most loved objects in the world, car would feature among the top ranked ones. The evolution of the motorcar has been directly proportionate to the madness of people about them. Around the world, there are millions and millions of people who drive their favourite vehicle and there are many others that dream to own a luxury car one day. Movie making can be considered as one of the most recent art forms that have developed in the world, existing for only about a few centuries whereas others like music and painting have been present for a long time. However, films, along with music, can be easily considered as the most impactful form of art, which can be proven by the popularity of actors throughout the world. Over the years, numerous films have been made that are based on cars or have them as an important part of the plot. Some of these films have even gone on to become a part of the cinema folklore, achieving cult status among fans throughout the globe.
If anyone talks about car movies, it would be near impossible that they do not mention this cult status film, which is loved by audiences till date. This 1969 film was directed by Peter Yates and starred the likes of Steve McQueen, Jacqueline Bisset and Robert Vaughn. It is a film wherein McQueen plays detective Bullitt, who is asked by a politician Chalmers (played by Vaughn) to protect mobster Johnny Ross in order to present him as a key witness in a case against the Chicago Mob. Bullitt is known for its amazingly shot car chase sequence, which is considered my many as the greatest in the history of Hollywood. This film went on to achieve both critical and commercial success along with an Academy award for Best Editing. In honour of this film, American auto maker Ford decided to introduce a Bullitt version of the Ford Mustang GT. Apart from this, McQueen’s performance as Bullitt was widely appreciated by both critics and audiences.
Many people think that the 2003 film, The Italian Job, is the original version, which is untrue. The original version, starring legendary actor Michael Caine and Noel Coward, is one of the most celebrated car films of all time. This film has several amazing cars including Lamborghini Miura, Aston Martin DB4, Alfa Romeo Giulias and Jaguar E-Type. Another 60s film that went on to receive a lot of appreciation was Grand Prix, which was directed by John Frankenheimer and starred the likes of James Garner, Eve Marie Sant, Yves Montand and Toshiro Mifune. A fictional film based on the 1966 season of Formula One racing, the story revolves around the lives of four drivers. It managed to receive great credit for its distinguished cinematography. Also, Grand Prix won Academy Awards for Best Sound Effects, Best Sound and Best Film Editing.
As far as modern day cinema is concerned, there are quite a few great car films that have been made. Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie starrer Gone in Sixty Seconds, released in 2000, is rated pretty highly by both fans and critics. Memphis Raines, played by Cage, decides to return to the car robbery circuit for his brother Kip Raines, who has been told by gangster Raymond Calitri to steal 50 exquisite cars in just 3 days. The film was appreciated for its fast paced screenplay, great car sequences and the vehicles that have been shown. Most of all, the film is remembered for the 1967 Ford Mustang, which has been given the code name Eleanor in the movie. Cage and Jolie were lauded for their performances in Gone in Sixty Seconds.
No list of car films is complete without mentioning the Fast and Furious franchise, which has millions of fans all over the world. The first film, considered to be the best by many, was released in 2001 and turned out to be a huge success, gaining a cult following among car lovers throughout the world. The Fast and the Furious starred Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster and Chad Lindberg among others. The success of the film has led to the making of five sequels being released, all achieving great success. Apart from this, the merchandise from this series has been sold all over the world. Presently, fans are eagerly awaiting the release of Fast 7, which stars Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham and Tony Jaa.
