Chinatown
Synopsis
In 1937 Los Angeles, private investigator Jake 'J.J.' Gittes specializes in cheating-spouse cases. His current target is Hollis Mulwray, high-profile chief engineer for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, whose wife suspects him of infidelity. In following Mulwray, Gittes witnesses some usual business dealings, such as a public meeting for construction of a new dam to create additional water supply for Los Angeles, as fresh water is vital to the growing community during the chronic drought; Mulwray opposes the dam. Eventually Gittes sees Mulwray meeting with an unknown young woman who isn't his wife. Once news of the supposed tryst between Mulwray and this woman hits the media, additional information comes to light that makes Gittes believe that Mulwray is being framed for something and that he himself is being set up. In his investigation of the issue behind Mulwray's framing and his own setup, Gittes is assisted by Mulwray's wife Evelyn, but he thinks she isn't being forthright with him. The further he gets into the investigation, the more secrets he uncovers about the Mulwrays' professional and personal dealings, including Mulwray's former business-partnership with Evelyn's father, Noah Cross. The identity of the unknown woman may be the key to uncovering the whole story.
Critical Acclaim
Upon its release in 1974, Chinatown was met with widespread critical acclaim, quickly establishing itself as a landmark in American cinema. Directed by Roman Polanski and written by Robert Towne, the film was lauded for its intricate plot, atmospheric direction, and compelling performances, particularly that of Jack Nicholson as the enigmatic private investigator Jake Gittes. Contemporary critics appreciated the film's neo-noir style and its complex narrative, which evoked the classic film noirs of the 1940s while introducing a modern sensibility.
Critics such as Roger Ebert praised the film, highlighting Polanski's "mastery of mood and tension" and Nicholson's "superb" performance. Vincent Canby of The New York Times described the film as a "stunning evocation of a time and place" with a "perfectly convoluted plot." In modern retrospectives, Chinatown maintains its critical prestige, holding a 99% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Contemporary critics continue to commend its screenplay, often cited as one of the greatest ever written, and its ability to transcend genre conventions to deliver a haunting exploration of corruption and moral ambiguity.
Chinatown's impact on cinema is profound, influencing countless films with its narrative complexity and stylistic innovation. It received 11 Academy Award nominations, winning for Best Original Screenplay. The American Film Institute has recognized it as one of the greatest American films, and it frequently appears on lists of the top films of all time. The film's legacy endures as both a quintessential neo-noir and a poignant commentary on the dark undercurrents of power and greed in society.
Track your movie viewing progress at Your Watchlists