Yates' early work exhibited a talent for fast-paced action, reflected in such films as "Bullitt" (1968), which included one of the most harrowing car chases ever filmed, and "The Friends of Eddie Coyle" (1973). In a change of pace, he directed the coming-of-age comedy-drama "Breaking Away" (1979). During the 1980s Yates crafted a number of fine, character-driven studies such as "The Dresser" (1983) with Tom Courtenay and Albert Finney, "Eleni" (1985) and "Suspect" (1987). In the 90s, he worked sporadically, helming "Roommates" with Peter Falk, and reuniting with Finney for the Irish drama "The Run of the Country" (both 1995).