Year: 1974
Director: Roman Polanski
Country: US
Language: English
When the American Film Institute made a "10 Top 10" television special back in 2008 I paid close attention to it, doing my best to watch every film that was listed. I was especially attracted to the mystery section, because Vertigo, which was made #1, was my favourite film at that time. I was hesitant to watch #2, Roman Polanski's Chinatown, but when I did I was absolutely amazed. It drew me into a world of uncertainty and suspense. Every year I watch Polanski's masterpiece and it still grips me.
J 'Jake' Gittes (Jack Nicholson) is a private detective who seems to specialize in matrimonial cases. He is hired by Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway) when she suspects her husband Hollis, builder of the city's water supply system, of having an affair. When Mr. Mulwray is found dead, Jake is plunged into a complex web of deceit involving murder, incest and municipal corruption.
Loneliness is central to Film Noir anti-heroes. Humphrey Bogart emphasized this in the 40's, he was a man occupied human misery. Yet, Bogart was not pure nihilism; he was sensitive and full of lust. Women were drawn to him, and he rarely turned down their affection. J.J Gittes is a bit more detached from the world; he has a lot less faith in mankind and doesn't care about being very successful with the ladies. His character is sympathetic because he doesn't enjoy his job and wishes he would not have to see the underside of humanity for a living.
Made just five years after Polanski's wife Sharon Tate was murdered by members of the Manson family, it's difficult to believe that Chinatown could be anything but dark and moody. Thankfully, because the studios were having great success over Coppola's flicks, they didn't expect Polanski to alter his vision. It's a twisted tale that is never what you expect. It will take you on a wild ride of lies and deceit. Chinatown would have made Polanski into a major Hollywood star, but unfortunately he fled to Europe after a sexual abuse scandal involving a minor. However, it did successfully make Jack Nicholson an even greater star.
In conclusion, Chinatown deserves to be as respected and admired as the post war Film Noirs. They evoke very similar feelings and contain very similar characters. The main difference being that Polanski did not have to abide by the Hays Code and therefore was able to get away with a lot more. Modern audiences deserve to be engrossed by this beautiful work of art. Praise it! 5/5
"Chinatown would have made Polanski into a major Hollywood star, but unfortunately he fled to Europe after sexual abuse allegations."
ReplyDeleteThey weren't merely allegations. He jumped bail after pleading guilty to engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.
Good point! Not sure why I wrote "allegations" when he was clearly guilty. Will write "but unfortunately he fled to Europe after a sexual abuse scandal involving a minor"
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