Chinatown (Roman Polanski, 1974)

I can’t say there’s been anything in Roman Polanski’s back catalogue that’s ever peaked my interest before now (with the exception of maybe Rosemary’s Baby and The Pianist, neither of which I’ve seen) but, seeing as Chinatown is held in high regard and I can watch Jack Nicholson act till the end of time I figured it wouldn’t hut giving it a go. Glad I did, it’s terrific.

The initial set up is simple enough: Nicholson’s P.I. is hired to investigate the alleged infidelity of a high-ranking official in L.A.’s water board. Once the man turns up dead, there’s obviously something amiss. What follows is a film that is deeply complex but never convoluted and like all great films in the genre (think L.A. Confidential made thirty years prior) once the climax comes, you are rewarded for your efforts.

In the retrospective special feature, screenwriter Robert Towne states that Hollywood wouldn't make a film like this anymore. He’s right. In the days when simplistic drivel like Transformers 2 can make a shite load of cash, audiences would not have the patience for a film that requires so much attention. It’s a shame. I absolutely love movies like this.

As always, Jack is excellent.

5/5