Chinatown is a 1974 movie directed by Roman Polanski.
WHAT HAPPENS?
A private detective is hired to investigate a case of adultery, but finds himself at the center of a corrupt, murderous scheme.
ONE LINE REVIEW
Chinatown is an inventive take on classic film noir.
THE ACTORS
Jack Nicholson plays detective J.J. Gittes with a measured degree of the dynamic qualities that made him a 1970’s icon. His Gittes is a confident, cynical character hardened by his experience. Yet as the movie progresses, there is a vulnerability and fear that emerges. The final scene of the movie is revealing as Nicholson’s detective is stunned by the bizarre events that have unfolded.
Faye Dunaway is extraordinary as Evelyn Mulwray, the widow of a murdered water department director and daughter of land baron Noah Cross. She plays her character with a cryptic sense of mystery and sadness – she’s both elusive and vulnerable. She’s clearly manipulating J.J. but also taking comfort in his presence. The most revealing scene sees Mulwray and Gittes sleep together – when she realizes J.J. is one step ahead of her, she attempts to cover her body up. It’s a subtle but tremendous realization about her character.
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