As Little As Possible

Rating: 8/10 (30 March 2015)

I have really been on my film noir game as of late. Although Chinatown isn't technically film noir, it's most definitely neo noir. It possesses the same sort of qualities as a great 40's film noir just with color and updated issues. Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway star as a private investigator and a recent widow respectively. Of course, the two cross paths and form an unlikely bond over a recent tragedy. But as always with noir films, there's so much more to the plot that unravels.
I will say for the most of the film I felt like I needed more of a back-story with Nicholson's character Jake Gittes, but after watching the film as a whole, I definitely think it worked. The point is you don't need to know exactly what went down in Chinatown years before. You just need to know there's a history there. Nicholson brings an incredible amount of experience but also relatability to Jake. He's the kind of guy that you don't necessarily agree with the things he does but you end up rooting for him anyway. Dunaway on the other hand plays Evelyn much more guarded. There was a point in the film where she said "lets just drop the whole thing" where I knew there was much more to her character. Isn't there always with female characters in noir's?
The film deals with plenty of controversial subjects that are still prevalent now. Adultery, rape, and even a little bit of abuse. I never thought the film exploited these issues or glorified it, but it was definitely noticeable. But for the most part, it worked to the film's climatic advantage. I did have a problem with Jerry Goldsmith's score though. Goldsmith, who is one of the greatest composers of all time, seemed to struggle with consistency. It went in and out with loud and intense moments but then wasn't noticeable for several scenes at a time. I just found it to be distracting. But of course the most famous part of Chinatown is the ending. Which turned out to be one of the more shocking endings I have seen in a long time. An ending that definitely saved the film for me.
+Nicholson & Dunaway's performance
+Mysterious characters
+Ending
+Script
-Score
8.8/10