Review of Chinatown (1974) by Mikey Y — 22 May 2013

CHINATOWN is in every essence of the word, "perfect". Starting with its wonderfully crafted screenplay by none other than the great writer, Robert Towne. Ending with the precision and craftsmanship with a camera and controversial decision making of none other than great filmmaker, Roman Polanski.

A masterpiece was created. I also cannot even start to mention the greatness of this film without name dropping Jack Nicholson as the witty, charming and cocky J. J. Gittes. A man always trying to do the right thing while still uplifting his ego in the process.

Mr. Gittes makes decisions in which spiral the movie to its bitter and disturbing end. There is no happy ending in CHINATOWN. No smiles or giggles from the audience. Only shock and awe of how things turn out in the world Towne created and the outcome Polanski decided.

While skeptical at first, today Towne believes the ending Polanski persisted on was the right choice. The film simply wouldn't work without such an impactful ending. The films success is also due to its unbelievably brilliant revelations in the story.

Almost every single scene in the film ends on a note that reveals new information on the puzzle Mr. Gittes must solve. I think that's why the screenplay is so highly regarded. Every element of the story is revealed to the audience with such love and care.

It's also a film that demands multiple viewings. There is no way one can truly respect a film of this magnitude without multiple viewings. In all honesty everything just makes more sense the second time.

You're more just in for the ride the film takes you on in your first viewing, as on the second viewing one understands the revelations much more and one is able to grasp every element easier. The film is just really perfect, there is nothing else like it, the best noir film in my personal opinion and just an all around entertaining mystery with names like Polanski, Towne, and Nicholson in the spotlight, you can't really go wrong.

What a classic!