One actor. Two film roles. You tell us which portrayal was the best. The most memorable. Or iconic. Or simply your favorite.
But before you pass judgment, a few words defending the “character” of each…
The case for Virgil Hilts
Before he was The King of Cool Steve McQueen was The Cooler King, Captain Virgil Hilts in The Great Escape. Hilts’ multiple escapes and riveting motorcycle escapades are legendary. And who can forget his recurring game of wall-ball in the brig? This master of escape got caught on purpose by the German SS to help the Allies’ cause. That’s what we call character, people!
The case for Frank Bullitt
What’s cooler than escaping the Nazis while riding a TT Special 650 Triumph motorcycle? How about eluding hit men in an epic chase scene driving a 1968 Mustang GT 390 Fastback? Since his passing Ford has sold two separate Mustang “Bullitt” editions as well as created two commercials using the likeness of McQueen’s Bullitt to sell their cars. Forget character, Bullitt’s an icon!
Now that you’ve heard the arguments for both it’s time to render your verdict!
More Steve McQueen: Steve McQueen: Non-Expressionism The Gift of Steve McQueen