Whenever I hit a professional mile marker, good or bad, I put on Chinatown. Chinatown is a movie that is so good it keeps my ego in check, and so good that it also inspires me to believe in why screenwriting matters. Regarded as one of the greatest movies of all time, Chinatown is a neo-noir mystery film directed by Roman Polanski and written by Robert Towne. Set in 1937 Los Angeles, the film stars Jack Nicholson as J.J. "Jake" Gittes, a private investigator who becomes entangled in a web of deceit, corruption, and murder after being hired to investigate the suspicious activities of Hollis Mulwray, the chief engineer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.I'm delighted for the opportunity to talk about what makes this movie so special. Let's dive in. What Makes 'Chinatown' So Great?I remember the first time I saw Chinatown. I watched it on my 13in laptop in 2006, after ordering it on Netflix DVD. I huddled on the floor of my bedroom and dove deep into the world of 1930s Los Angeles. I was amazed by the intricate and suspenseful plot, filled with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. The film's atmospheric cinematography, period-accurate set design, and Jerry Goldsmith's haunting score contributed to its dark and brooding tone.But this movie is great on another level than most movies. It feels important. It feels like it's about core American perversions and cynicism. It is both entertaining and troubling. Let's...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Friday, 24 May