Most interesting when you consider the context of this film historically. This film added a new depth and intrigue to the film noir genre leading the way for such greats as LA Confidential.
Fiendish, perplexing noir with a killer, bitter twist. Somehow both a product of the Movie Brat '70s and also strangely timeless, feeling like it belongs in the genres heyday.
Nicholson kicks ass...his finest role. Polanski shines nicely here.
Jack Nicholson stars as J.J. Gittes, a private detective hired to investigate an alleged marital indiscretion but uncovers more than he bargained for including deceit, corruption and murder. Right from the self consciously retro titles, Polanski sets out his stall; to recreate th... ...( read more )
''What happened to your nose, Gittes? Somebody slammed a bedroom window on it?''
''Nope. Your wife got excited. She crossed her legs a little too quick. You understand what I mean, pal?''
A private detective investigating an adultery case stumbles on to a scheme of murd... ...( read more )
All-around great acting and a great director at the helm make this almost as good as any of the classic private eye films of the 30's or 40's. The first of a proposed trilogy, though only two were ever made.
this really is a sensational film. done in the noir style that brings back memories of the maltese falcon, the mystery was well plotted and the story well told. the twists were alot of fun and the acting was superb across the board. the only thing keeping me from giving this f... ...( read more )
"You're dumber than you think I think you are."
This Roman Polanski effort is a true classic movie; Chinatown is an excellent, stylish, fascinating and gripping thriller that is based on the novel by Robert Towne.
Cleverly, the film has been made in a very 19... ...( read more )
Roman Polanski's best work and Jack Nicholson's greatest acting achievement.
Great script and over all pace. Loved the neo-noir edge. The ending just seemed way too rushed for my taste.
Strong, twisted, dramatic, stylish; CHINATOWN is a great film in every sense of the word.
Visually striking, very well-written and directed; expertly acted by Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway and John Huston.
The movie starts with a peacefull yet mysterious theme who gives you a direct vision of what the movie will be like. An unique style used by Polanski showing the tense and sparks between the characters, love scenes in an un-romantic way but as strange as it may seem their romanti... ...( read more )
Noir o Hard-Boiled? Ma soprattutto che diavolo era successo a Gittes a Chinatown? Ad ogni modo Nicholson è un mostro di bravura e la parte del detective gli calza come un guanto. Gran film e buona atmosfera. Sto cominciando ad appassionarmi al genere..
"Chinatown" contains the exact formulas to create a perfect "film-noir"(or neo-noir, as some would call films like this). First, it has a very intricate and deceptively complex plot, second, a very seedy location, third, an awkward romance, and fourth, a very flamboyant anti-hero... ...( read more )
This is such a good movie in every way. John Huston plays pure melevolent evil here. Nicholson is wonderful as the rakish Giddes - even Dunaway is beautiful and vulnerable.And the music that plays thruout the movie is so haunting that when I hear it today it puts me right back i... ...( read more )
Not a masterpiece, as some would call it, but it had an involved plot, interesting characters, steely direction, and on-the-mark acting.
The best post-noir noir movie. Like The Big Sleep, the plot is very serpentine, but a pleasure to follow, with Nicholson and Dunaway leading a stellar cast.
At easily over 2 hours long, this is definitely a long movie which demands a degree of attention. The ending was fantastic, albeit depressing and reminded me of No Country For Old Men. The most important thing I learned from this movie was that you need to be cool-headed and shar... ...( read more )
That which modern film making strives toward, at least in the mystery - drama department. On My 45 Perfect Movies list.
Evelyn Mulwray: She's my daughter.
[Gittes slaps Evelyn]
Jake Gittes: I said I want the truth!
Evelyn Mulwray: She's my sister...
[slap]
Evelyn Mulwray: She's my daughter...
[slap]
Evelyn Mulwray: My sister, my daughter.
[More slaps]
Jake Gittes: I said I want t... ...( read more )
"Let me explain something to you, Walsh. This business requires a certain amount of finesse"
10/10
Polanski offers a return to film noir. Pessimistic and dark, it is an essential viewing for any film-goer.
Chinatown is the apex of the 1970's film renaissance. Jack Nich... ...( read more )
Chinatown is a truly amazing throwback to the noir detective films of the 1940s. The mystery is surprising, engaging, and full of ironies that I may not fully understand until I watch it again. Did I mention that the cast is awesome too?
Few movies shaped my views on what film could be when I was young like Chinatown did. This interchanges with A Clockwork Orange as my favorite movie.
Complicated, slow-building and ultimately shattering thriller from Hollywood's platinum years. Nicholson is excellent as the gumshoe who becomes obsessed with a case he may crack but never win, as is Dunaway as the ostensible "femme fatale" of the piece... or is she? Be sure to p... ...( read more )
