Review of Chinatown (1974) by Gavin S — 08 Aug 2012

Well that was awesome. Jack is on top form here, and the only thing going against him winning Best Actor that year was a fellow named Pacino in some flick called 'The Godfather II' which must have split voters.

This is a stunning achievement, a fantastic script by Robert Towne, great directing from Roman Polanski (his first film since the murder of his wife by the Manson Gang), and fantastic acting from Nicholson, Dunaway and John Huston.

Nicholson plays Jake Gittes, a PI who should be as clichà (C) as it gets, but instead, is a great character, and takes us along a winding and confusing path to the truth, which is never pretty at all.

Towering Achievement for sure. Right up there with the best Raymond Chandler and Phillip Marlowe films. Perfect pacing, never drags, but never rushes either. Essential viewing.