An amazing script, so much so that I Googled who wrote it. The script is written by Robert Towne and apparently his talent has been recognised by film schools as well as this particular script has been dubbed 'the perfect script' and is widely studied by becoming scriptwriters.
Just finished watching it today, and enjoyed the hell out of it. It just became a new favorite of mine. Polanski crafts, aided by an excellent script by Robert Towne, a very well made thriller, a homage to all those Dashell Hammett and Raymond Chandler private eye novels. I honestly could rewatch this again at this very moment, and wouldn't hesitate. Nicholson and Dunaway are in top form here, with an excellent score by Jerry Goldsmith to underline everything. I can't think of a thing that's wrong with it, a perfect film.
I have severely mixed feelings about this 1974 classic, and I can't decide why that is. While Jack Nicholson is properly magnetic as a period private dick who stumbles upon a municipal conspiracy while investigating an adulterer, and the mystery itself keeps one's attention all the way through despite a certain deliberateness, I had a difficult time getting into Roman Polanski's tribute to film noir. For one thing, he is way too precious about laying in period detail - that 2-dollar bill, for example. For another, the lurid third act twist is way over the top and unnecessary, and I'm not sure what it brings to the picture exactly. Well, I guess I do - it makes the ending even darker and more depressing - but still feels a step too far (you could still have the threat of abuse without it). And while I understand that "Chinatown" is a stand-in for the protagonist's oft-alluded to past, it seems a shame not to fulfill the title's promised exoticism. I mean, what, not pulp enough?! Well made, well acted, an interesting mystery, good use of pulp/film noir plot elements, but left me a little cold an in no hurry to watch it again.
You can say what you want about "The Godfather" and "Citizen Kane, " but I think that "Chinatown" is the greatest, most well-made, most engrossing film out there. An absolute treasure of cinema.
Terrific film noir....although I never really liked the classic ending......but top notch in all departments. Remains a must see and holds up after 50 years.
I've never really liked Jack Nicholson roles or movies, but I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and absolutely love the execution of all parts of the film (except the end).
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Comments 1 - 15 of 23
Dieguito
A real investigative mysterious movie, tremendously well played by Jack NicholsonJumping Elephant
"...as little as possible."mrjellow
An amazing script, so much so that I Googled who wrote it. The script is written by Robert Towne and apparently his talent has been recognised by film schools as well as this particular script has been dubbed 'the perfect script' and is widely studied by becoming scriptwriters.The Doctor
Just finished watching it today, and enjoyed the hell out of it. It just became a new favorite of mine. Polanski crafts, aided by an excellent script by Robert Towne, a very well made thriller, a homage to all those Dashell Hammett and Raymond Chandler private eye novels. I honestly could rewatch this again at this very moment, and wouldn't hesitate. Nicholson and Dunaway are in top form here, with an excellent score by Jerry Goldsmith to underline everything. I can't think of a thing that's wrong with it, a perfect film.Siskoid
I have severely mixed feelings about this 1974 classic, and I can't decide why that is. While Jack Nicholson is properly magnetic as a period private dick who stumbles upon a municipal conspiracy while investigating an adulterer, and the mystery itself keeps one's attention all the way through despite a certain deliberateness, I had a difficult time getting into Roman Polanski's tribute to film noir. For one thing, he is way too precious about laying in period detail - that 2-dollar bill, for example. For another, the lurid third act twist is way over the top and unnecessary, and I'm not sure what it brings to the picture exactly. Well, I guess I do - it makes the ending even darker and more depressing - but still feels a step too far (you could still have the threat of abuse without it). And while I understand that "Chinatown" is a stand-in for the protagonist's oft-alluded to past, it seems a shame not to fulfill the title's promised exoticism. I mean, what, not pulp enough?! Well made, well acted, an interesting mystery, good use of pulp/film noir plot elements, but left me a little cold an in no hurry to watch it again.thethermals
LOVE the ending, and this movie is superb all around.StefanoEarnest
You can say what you want about "The Godfather" and "Citizen Kane, " but I think that "Chinatown" is the greatest, most well-made, most engrossing film out there. An absolute treasure of cinema.Cadeicus
Culex
An awesome movie that takes place in my home town. Really had an impact on me the first time I watched it.grit
Man this film is awesome, kept me excited from begin to end.Earring72
Terrific film noir....although I never really liked the classic ending......but top notch in all departments. Remains a must see and holds up after 50 years.DeejonLoy
I've never really liked Jack Nicholson roles or movies, but I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and absolutely love the execution of all parts of the film (except the end).ClassicLady
A great noir. One of only a few Polanski films I consider worth viewing.adastras
Forget it Jake, It's Only Chinatowndevilsadvocado
I think I needed to watch this in the 70s to really enjoy it. Not a genre I particularly care for, but it was a couple hours well spent.Showing items 1 – 15 of 23