Chinatown

| 1974

Directed by: Roman Polanski

Movie poster for Chinatown (1974)

Main Plot

Chinatown follows private investigator J.J. Gittes, who is hired to uncover the truth behind a suspected infidelity involving a wealthy man's wife. As he delves deeper into the case, Gittes uncovers a complex web of deceit, corruption, and conspiracy that extends far beyond a simple marital affair. The investigation leads him into the murky world of Los Angeles' water supply, where he discovers a sinister plot involving land development and the manipulation of water resources. As Gittes navigates through layers of lies and betrayal, he encounters powerful figures who will stop at nothing to protect their interests. The film explores themes of power, greed, and the dark underbelly of urban life, ultimately revealing the tragic consequences of the characters' actions in a city rife with moral ambiguity.

Characters

  • Jack Nicholson plays J.J. Gittes, a private detective investigating adultery and corruption in 1930s Los Angeles, uncovering deep-seated municipal deceit involving water rights.
  • Faye Dunaway plays Evelyn Mulwray, a femme fatale entangled in a complex web of deceit, murder, and family secrets involving Los Angeles' water supply.
  • John Huston plays Noah Cross, a wealthy and corrupt businessman involved in a complex water rights scheme, ultimately revealed as the antagonist.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Chinatown, the main conflict reaches a tragic resolution as Jake Gittes uncovers the full extent of the corruption and deceit surrounding the water rights in Los Angeles. After a series of revelations, he learns that Evelyn Mulwray's daughter is actually her sister, a product of incest with her father, Noah Cross. This shocking truth underscores the moral decay and exploitation at the heart of the story. As Jake confronts Cross, the power dynamics shift dramatically. Cross, representing the corrupt establishment, reveals his ruthless nature, demonstrating that he will stop at nothing to maintain control over the city's resources. The climax occurs when Evelyn, desperate to protect her daughter, is killed in a confrontation with the police, leaving Jake devastated and powerless. The film concludes with Jake's poignant realization that the world is filled with darkness and that justice is often unattainable. His final line, "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown," encapsulates the overarching theme of the narrative: the inescapable cycle of corruption and the futility of trying to change a broken system. The ending leaves viewers with a sense of hopelessness, emphasizing the moral ambiguity and complexity of human nature.

Roman Polanski Drama Mystery Thriller Jack Nicholson Faye Dunaway John Huston