Watching Chinatown is more than just seeing a movie; it’s an immersion into a complex, neo-noir world of corruption, deceit, and devastating secrets. To truly watch Chinatown, you need to understand its historical context, appreciate its masterful storytelling, and be prepared to grapple with its unsettling themes. This guide will help you unlock the layers of Roman Polanski’s film, ensuring you don’t just see it, but experience it.
Unveiling the Labyrinth: A Deep Dive into Chinatown
Chinatown isn’t a straightforward whodunit. It’s a sprawling tale of water rights, greed, and the exploitation of power. To fully appreciate the film, consider these elements:
- Embrace the Ambiguity: Don’t expect easy answers. Polanski deliberately leaves much unsaid, forcing the audience to piece together the truth alongside Jake Gittes. The film’s power lies in this uncertainty.
- Focus on the Subtext: Dialogue is often laced with double meanings and veiled threats. Pay close attention to the nuances of language and the unspoken communication between characters.
- Understand the Historical Context: The film is loosely based on the real-life California Water Wars of the early 20th century. Familiarizing yourself with this history will provide a crucial backdrop for the plot.
- Observe the Visual Storytelling: Polanski uses visual cues, such as lighting, camera angles, and set design, to enhance the narrative. Pay attention to how these elements contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere.
- Prepare for Discomfort: Chinatown is not a feel-good movie. It explores disturbing themes of incest, corruption, and the failure of justice. Be prepared to confront these uncomfortable truths.
The Essential Viewing Guide: Preparing for Your Chinatown Experience
Before pressing play, consider the following to maximize your engagement with the film:
- Minimize Distractions: Find a quiet environment where you can fully concentrate on the film. Put away your phone and avoid interruptions.
- Watch it at Night: The film’s dark, atmospheric tone is best experienced in a dimly lit setting.
- Take Notes: Especially on a first viewing, it can be helpful to jot down names, dates, and key plot points to keep track of the complex narrative.
- Rewatch it: Chinatown is a film that rewards multiple viewings. Each time you watch it, you’ll discover new details and appreciate its artistry on a deeper level.
Delving Deeper: Understanding the Characters and Themes
The characters in Chinatown are far from simple archetypes. They are complex individuals driven by ambition, desire, and a desperate need for control.
- Jake Gittes (Jack Nicholson): A private investigator who thinks he’s seen it all, only to be confronted with a level of corruption and depravity he never imagined. His initial cynicism gives way to a growing sense of outrage and a desperate attempt to uncover the truth.
- Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway): A tragic figure burdened by a dark secret and trapped in a web of deceit. Her vulnerability and desperation make her one of the most compelling characters in the film.
- Noah Cross (John Huston): The embodiment of ruthless power and unchecked ambition. His casual cruelty and unwavering belief in his own superiority make him a truly terrifying villain.
The film explores several key themes, including:
- Corruption of Power: The film exposes the pervasive corruption that permeated Los Angeles society in the 1930s, highlighting the abuse of power by wealthy and influential individuals.
- Loss of Innocence: Jake Gittes’ journey is one of disillusionment, as he witnesses the destruction of innocence and the triumph of evil.
- The Illusion of Control: The film demonstrates the futility of trying to control events, particularly in the face of overwhelming forces.
- The Failure of Justice: Chinatown offers a cynical view of the justice system, suggesting that the powerful can escape accountability for their actions.
- The Past Haunting the Present: The secrets of the past have a profound impact on the present, shaping the destinies of the characters and driving the narrative forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Watching Chinatown
Here are some common questions viewers often have about Chinatown:
H3 FAQ 1: What is the significance of the orange groves in the film?
The orange groves represent the fertile land that is being deliberately destroyed through manipulated drought conditions. They are a visual representation of the destructive consequences of greed and corruption. The draining of water is ruining these groves, demonstrating the vast control Cross has over the landscape.
H3 FAQ 2: What is the meaning of the film’s ending?
The ending is intentionally bleak and unsatisfying. It emphasizes the futility of Gittes’ efforts and the triumph of evil. The line “Forget it, Jake, it’s Chinatown” suggests that justice is unattainable in a world where power reigns supreme. It represents the cyclical nature of corruption.
H3 FAQ 3: How accurate is the film’s depiction of the California Water Wars?
While fictionalized, Chinatown is inspired by the real-life California Water Wars, specifically the construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct and the Owens Valley water grab. The film captures the essence of the historical events, albeit with dramatic license.
H3 FAQ 4: Why is the film called Chinatown?
Chinatown is symbolic of a place where moral ambiguity and justice are elusive. Gittes had a past experience in Chinatown where he failed to protect a woman, and this haunts him throughout the film. It’s a place of moral complexity where rules do not apply.
H3 FAQ 5: What are some of the film’s major plot twists?
Some of the key twists include the revelation of Evelyn Mulwray’s true relationship to Katherine Cross (both daughter and sister) and Noah Cross’s role in Hollis Mulwray’s death. These twists significantly alter the viewer’s understanding of the characters and their motivations.
H3 FAQ 6: What is the significance of Evelyn’s damaged eye?
Evelyn’s damaged eye is a symbol of her past trauma and the violence she has endured. It represents the physical and emotional scars left by Noah Cross’s abuse. It is a permanent reminder of her helplessness.
H3 FAQ 7: What makes Jack Nicholson’s performance so iconic?
Nicholson’s portrayal of Jake Gittes is both charismatic and cynical. He embodies the quintessential noir detective, blending toughness with vulnerability. His performance captures the character’s growing disillusionment and his desperate attempt to make a difference.
H3 FAQ 8: What is the significance of the line, “She’s my daughter… she’s my sister?”
This line is perhaps the most shocking and unsettling in the film. It reveals the incestuous relationship between Noah Cross and Evelyn Mulwray, highlighting the extent of his depravity and the tragic consequences of his actions. It completely changes the audience’s perspective on the character.
H3 FAQ 9: What is the film’s overall message about power and corruption?
Chinatown delivers a cynical message about the corrupting influence of power. It suggests that wealth and influence can be used to manipulate events, evade justice, and exploit others. It’s a dark reflection of unchecked authority.
H3 FAQ 10: Why is Chinatown considered a neo-noir film?
Chinatown incorporates elements of classic film noir, such as a morally ambiguous protagonist, a femme fatale, and a dark, atmospheric setting. However, it also updates the genre with a more complex narrative, a deeper exploration of social issues, and a more pessimistic worldview.
H3 FAQ 11: Are there any sequels or related films to Chinatown?
Yes, there is a sequel called The Two Jakes, directed by and starring Jack Nicholson. However, it is generally considered less successful than the original. There are also several documentaries and books that explore the historical context of the film.
H3 FAQ 12: What should I watch after Chinatown?
If you enjoyed Chinatown, you might also appreciate other neo-noir films such as L.A. Confidential, The Long Goodbye, and Mulholland Drive. These films share similar themes and stylistic elements.
By keeping these points in mind, you can go beyond simply watching Chinatown and truly understand its power, artistry, and enduring relevance. You’ll be well-equipped to decode the labyrinth and appreciate this cinematic masterpiece.