Chinatown (1974)

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Director: Roman Polanski

Writer: Robert Towne

Stars: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Perry Lopez, John Hillerman, Darrell Zwerling, Diane Ladd, Roy Jenson



Private detective Jake Gittes (Jack Nicholson) becomes embroiled in L.A. water politics and falls for the daughter (Faye Dunaway) of a powerful but evil (you have no idea how evil unless you've seen the movie) developer (John Huston). 



This is 70s nihilism at its best.

 


Roman Polanski shows us why he's worthy of being regarded as a great director no matter how much sub-standard product he turns out, and Nicholson shines in his physical prime.

 


Robert Townes demonstrates why he is regarded as a superlative screenwriter, although it is important to note that Polanski is responsible for the film's devastating conclusion.

 


Gittes operates in a world where it is essentially impossible to do good.

 


No matter how much he seems to be in command of a situation, there are always factors beyond his understanding and control that fundamentally alter the intended outcome of all his efforts. 



Knowing this, is he a fool or a hero for acting as he does? 



Or perhaps he is just a decent human being who tries to help when he can, trusting to the Fates that he will not cause too much harm.

 


For much of the film, it is not clear why it is called "Chinatown," but when the final scene reveals the suitability of the title, it is a disturbing comment on the human condition.



Spoiler alert!!! The end of the film!!













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