Introduction Films have been used over the years to illustrate current and historical events. They act as a reflection of the social, economic, and political happenings in the society. To this end, they play a major role in informing the viewers about the issues surrounding them. At the same time, films can be used to agitate for a reaction from the spectators. They call the attention of the people to issues that affect them either directly or indirectly (Steen 22). One of the ways through film directors can achieve this objective is to focus on the political issues in the society. The films are used to criticize the socio-political layout prevailing in the community. The layout may be characterized by, among others, corruption and abuse of power during the period within which the movies are produced. The producers may also focus on social, class, gender, family, and racial politics. According to Kavanagh, ‘Chinatown’ is one of the films that highlight the social and political issues in the American society (8). The most important element in this movie is corruption. It is an American film produced in 1974. The movie is directed by Roman Polanski and produced by Robert Evans. The plot is based on Robert Towne’s screenplay. It also has Faye Dunaway and Jack Nicholson in starring appearances. The movie was inspired by the water dispute that was ongoing in Southern California at the time. In the film, corrupt officials from the city of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power are intentionally denying services to the public ( Chinatown ). They are pursuing selfish interests that do not in any way benefit the citizens living in the area. The Film ‘Chinatown’ and Corruption in the American Society How the Movie Criticizes the Social and Political Elements of Corruption As a term, ‘politics’ is used to refer to the practice of influencing others. It can also be used in reference to the process through which decision making in a particular group affects all members of that entity. The resolutions arrived at tend to affect all the individuals in a similar manner. According to Carter and Dodds, there is a close relationship between politics and power (12). The reason behind this is that the resolutions passed by select individuals in the society tend to affect a large number of people (Carter and Dodds 14). In the film ‘Chinatown’, Evans presents some elements of social politics affecting the society ( Chinatown ). The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is mandated to serve the city’s population. The government agency is charged with the responsibility of sourcing water and electricity and distributing the commodities to the public. However, this goal is not met as a result of corrupt dealings among some of the officials, especially those working in the water department. Not all individuals working in the public utility are willing to be part of the conspiracy. Mulwray, the Chief Engineer in the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, learns about the plans to defraud land owners in the Northwest Valley. The crime is to be carried out by deliberately denying the citizens water in an attempt to lower property prices in the region. He is murdered before he can make public his findings ( Chinatown ). As alr