4. To Live And Die In L.A.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qkjY85WguI Proof that an actor being an actual car enthusiast can transpire into our visceral engagement with a chase sequence, William Petersen's steely portrayal of a doggedly determined Secret Service Agent makes for thrilling viewing in this crackling car chase from William Friedkin, widely considered one of the best directors of car chases in movie history. Obsessed with catching an evasive target, Petersen's character takes more and more risks as the film progresses, culminating in this daring, bravura sequence, which has Petersen pushing his car to the limit, scraping in and out of countless tight spots in pursuit of his target, ending with the most brilliant feat of all; Petersen drives his Chevrolet the wrong way along the motorway during heavy traffic, making the scene not only intensely thrilling, but genuinely scary too. Nowadays all those cars would probably be rendered with CGI, but back in the good 'ol days, Friedkin actually filmed it for real, and that is to commended.