A melancholic and detailed showcase of noir. Chinatown is a triumph

Rating: 8/10 (25 October 2008)

Chinatown is a complex and beautifully woven detective story directed by the superb Roman Polanski. It sees PI Jake Gettes (Jack Nicholson) plunge into a case of political conspiracy, heartless hypocrisy and shocking dysfunction. Evelyn Mulwray's (Faye Dunaway) husband has died and Gettes is trying to uncover who's behind it.
Its well-paced, masterfully detailed and flawlessly directed by Polanski. Nicholson was perfect for the role as the smooth Jake Gettes. Dunaway was also superb as the seriously troubled Evelyn Mulwray.
The overall theme of the film is misguided help which always seem to happen in Chinatown. Recurring events happen in Gettes' life in which his help doesn't work and he simply makes things worse. The conclusion of the film is cold and upsetting as Gettes' help ceases to work once again.
This film is about harsh injustice and ironic redemption.
Well Woven Story.
Thought Provoking Twists.
Excellent Noir.
8.5/10