A 1970s film noir

Rating: 9/10 (3 February 2005)

In my books this film is a successful, later film noir in colour. All the elements of the old 1940's film noir are there. Private Detective Jake Gittes thinks he has a run of the mill adultery investigation on his hands when Mrs Mulray the wife of a Water Company executive hires him. The case quickly turns to set ups, conspiracy and murder.
Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunnaway play this movie perfectly. A private detective needs to be played as street smart and cool. The street wise must ooze from him without being overplayed and ruining his cool. Jack Nicholson is almost a natural and Faye Dunnaway compliments him beautifully wealthy woman with a dark secret.
This film is a true classic and perhaps it is Roman Polanski's own dark experiences that have him pulling off a film noir in the seventies.