Review of Chinatown (1974) by Adler N — 25 Aug 2011

Alright, alright. So, you have watched Chinatown. And yes, it is brilliant. Acting, screenplay, entertainment. You can tick all the boxes - easily.

In a way, it's crude (and naive at the same time) to think that there's a place like Chinatown. Having got out of that place, Gittes (Jack Nicholson) is now working as a private investigator, looking for spousal affairs as a way of making "an honest living". We're pretty much entrusted into his character early on, seeing how he goes about giving ever-so-slightly cynical comments and conducting his investigative business. He's naturally professional, feisty even, at times.

Then, in comes the case of Evelyn Mulwray. Gittes learns that her husband is supposedly having an affair. Just another case? Not until he appears dead, then things get a little dicey for Gittes. And, from then on, the whole film kicks off with a mix of curiosity, intrigue, rhetorical (albeit fun) cynicism and a tinge of romance. Basically, the movie only makes references every now and then to Chinatown. For one, Gittes is hesitant when asked of his past (mis)dealings in Chinatown. When asked of the work done there, "As little as possible" he replies nonchalantly. A depiction of misfortune and sorry regrets, that's Chinatown.

Is Gittes the protagonist or the antagonist here? Nicholson delivers his lines with blunt skepticism so naturally, you would think he does all the time in real life. Faye Dunaway looked superb in the role. By looks, of course, the way she presented herself. She may not have had as much to say as Nicholson, but she does more than enough to prove that with charismatic full-of-emotion acting prowess, you can go as far as to take the spotlight away from the lead role. John Huston, Perry Lopez, Burt Young and even "the midget" benefit from a fantastic script.

To be thorough and exact, the film is not all about the cynical world of untrustworthy people. Beneath that, we also have a sort-of whodunnit mystery as the 'base' plot, which ultimately keeps us engaged throughout the film. We can learn a thing or two from Chinatown - other than keeping your nose out of people's business, that's for certain.

Personally*... We need more of neo noir. Any recommendations?