Chinatown is a 1974 neo-noir film directed by Roman Polanski and written by Robert Towne. It tells the story of private investigator Jake Gittes (Jack Nicholson), who is hired to expose an adulterer in 1930s Los Angeles, but finds himself caught up in a web of deceit, corruption, and murder.
The film is set in a time when Los Angeles was rapidly growing and water was a precious resource. Gittes' investigation leads him to powerful figures in the city government and the water industry, who are involved in a plot to control the water supply.
Chinatown is a complex and richly layered film that explores themes of power, corruption, and the importance of water. It is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked greed and the human cost of progress.
The film was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and has since been regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. It has been praised for its screenplay, direction, acting, and cinematography. Chinatown is a classic film that remains relevant today, as it explores themes that are still relevant in our world.
Here is a more detailed summary of the plot:
- Gittes is hired by a woman named Evelyn Mulwray to investigate her husband, Hollis Mulwray, the chief engineer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
- Gittes follows Hollis and takes pictures of him with another woman, which are published in the newspaper.
- Hollis is later found dead in a reservoir, and Evelyn is arrested for his murder.
- Gittes continues to investigate and discovers that Evelyn is not who she claims to be. He also learns that Hollis was working on a secret plan to build a new dam, which would displace thousands of people.
- Gittes follows the trail of corruption to Noah Cross (John Huston), Evelyn's father and a powerful businessman. Cross is behind the plan to build the new dam, and he has been manipulating the water supply to justify its construction.
- Gittes confronts Cross, but he is overpowered and left for dead. However, he survives and manages to expose Cross's crimes.
- In the end, Evelyn is killed by Cross, and Gittes is left alone and defeated.
Chinatown is a dark and tragic film, but it is also a powerful and important one. It is a reminder of the dangers of unchecked greed and the importance of fighting for justice.
Cast
- Jack Nicholson as J. J. "Jake" Gittes
- Faye Dunaway as Evelyn Cross Mulwray
- John Huston as Noah Cross
- Perry Lopez as Lieutenant Lou Escobar
- John Hillerman as Russ Yelburton
- Darrell Zwerling as Hollis I. Mulwray
- Diane Ladd as Ida Sessions
- Roy Jenson as Claude Mulvihill
- Roman Polanski as Man with Knife
- Dick Bakalyan as Detective Loach
- Joe Mantell as Lawrence Walsh
- Bruce Glover as Duffy
- Nandu Hinds as Sophie
- James O'Reare as Lawyer
- James Hong as Kahn, Evelyn's Butler
- Beulah Quo as Maid
- Jerry Fujikawa as Gardener
- Belinda Palmer as Katherine Cross
- Roy Roberts as Mayor Bagby
- Noble Willingham as Councilman
- Rance Howard as Irate Farmer
- George Justin as Barber
- Doc Erickson as Customer
- Fritzi Burr as Mulwray's Secretary
- Jesse Vint as Farmer in the Valley #2
- Charles Knapp as Mortician
- Claudio Martinez as Boy on Horseback
- Federico Roberto as Cross's Butler
- Allan Warnick as Clerk
- Burt Young as Curly
- Elizabeth Harding as Curly's Wife
- John Rogers as Mr. Palmer
- Cecil Elliott as Emma Dill
Director: Roman Polanski
Writer: Robert Towne
Box Office Gross: $29,226,502
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Release Date: June 21, 1974
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