Chinatown poster & wallpaper
Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Perry Lopez, John Hillerman ... see more see more... , Diane Ladd , Darrell Zwerling , Jim Burk , Fritzi Burr , Lee de Broux , Cecil Elliott , Jerry Fujikawa , Bruce Glover , Nandu Hinds , John Holland , Rance Howard , Paul Jenkins , Roy Jenson , Charles Knapp , Joe Mantell , James O'Reare , Belinda Palmer , Beulah Quo , Roy Roberts , Allan Warnick , Noble Willingham , Burt Young , Denny Arnold , James Hong , Roman Polanski , Jesse Vint , Elizabeth Harding , Bob Golden , Frederico Roberto , Doc Erickson , George Justin , Richard Bakalyan , Elliott Montgomery , Claudio Martinez , John Rogers

"You may think you know what you're dealing with, but believe me, you don't," warns water baron Noah Cross (John Huston), when smooth cop-turned-private eye J.J. "Jake" Gittes (Jack Nicholson) starts ... read more read more...nosing around Cross's water diversion scheme. That proves to be the ominous lesson of Chinatown, Roman Polanski's critically lauded 1974 revision of 1940s film noir detective movies. In 1930s Los Angeles, "matrimonial work" specialist Gittes is hired by Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway) to tail her husband, Water Department engineer Hollis Mulwray (Darrell Zwerling). Gittes photographs him in the company of a young blonde and figures the case is closed, only to discover that the real Mrs. Mulwray had nothing to do with hiring Gittes in the first place. When Hollis turns up dead, Gittes decides to investigate further, encountering a shady old-age home, corrupt bureaucrats, angry orange farmers, and a nostril-slicing thug (Polanski) along the way. By the time he confronts Cross, Evelyn's father and Mulwray's former business partner, Jake thinks he knows everything, but an even more sordid truth awaits him. When circumstances force Jake to return to his old beat in Chinatown, he realizes just how impotent he is against the wealthy, depraved Cross. "Forget it, Jake," his old partner tells him. "It's Chinatown." Reworking the somber underpinnings of detective noir along more pessimistic lines, Polanski and screenwriter Robert Towne convey a '70s-inflected critique of capitalist and bureaucratic malevolence in a carefully detailed period piece harkening back to the genre's roots in the 1930s and '40s. Gittes always has a smart comeback like Humphrey Bogart's Sam Spade and Philip Marlowe, but the corruption Gittes finds is too deep for one man to stop. Other noir revisions, such as Robert Altman's The Long Goodbye (1973) and Arthur Penn's Night Moves (1975), also centered on the detective's inefficacy in an uncertain '70s world, but Chinatown's period sheen renders this dilemma at once contemporary and timeless, pointing to larger implications about the effects of corporate rapaciousness on individuals. Polanski and Towne clashed over Chinatown's ending; Polanski won the fight, but Towne won the Oscar for Best Screenplay. Chinatown was nominated for ten other Oscars, including Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Cinematography, Art Direction, Costumes, and Score. ~ Lucia Bozzola, Rovi

Flixster Users

92% liked it

69,816 ratings

Critics

98% liked it

59 critics

R, 2 hr. 10 min.

Directed by: Roman Polanski

Release Date: January 1, 1974

Keywords: detective, noir

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: November 23, 1999

Get It:

Stats: 5,506 reviews

report incorrect info

Photos

Faye Dunaway in Chinatown Chinatown Faye Dunaway in Chinatown Chinatown Chinatown Chinatown Chinatown Chinatown roman polanski Chinatown Poster Chinatown NIcholson and Polanski Roman Polanski Jack Nicholson in Chinatown Jack Nicholson in Chinatown Jack Nicholson in Chinatown Chinatown Chinatown
Upload a Photo | View All Chinatown Photos

Your Rating


clear rating

Flixster Reviews (5,506)

  • c0up
    January 6, 2013
    c0up
    'Chinatown'. An intricate, tragedy-drenched, noir screenplay revealing layers throughout, a resourceful J.J. Gittes played well by Jack Nicholson, and a fine sense of atmosphere, time and direction created by Polanksi.

    I couldn't latch on to Nicholson's or Dunaway's characters,... read more and as much as I can appreciate this on a technical level, it didn't grab me in any way, nor live up to the promised marvel.
  • spielberg00
    November 24, 2012
    spielberg00
    If only this was the mystery genre today.

    Full review at themoviefreakblog.com on 11/24
  • fb100001048934982
    October 19, 2012
    fb100001048934982
    It's strange seeing Roman Polanski's 'Chinatown' so soon after 'Citizen Kane', because now I'm giving out two perfect scores in a row. Truth be told, I enjoyed Polanski's work much more. The screenplay is obviously amazing and I loved the cinematography, the film is full of such ... read morebrilliant scope. It is layered and compiled in such a fashion that it keeps every viewer intrigued and guessing. The great performances from the two leads don't hurt its value either. This is classic neo-noir cinema and it still retains every bit of its brilliance.
  • matertenebraum
    August 15, 2012
    matertenebraum
    Jake Gittes is a former cop turned private detective. When he is contracted by a Mrs Mulwray to find out if her husband is having an affair, he takes to trailing Water Company Executive Hollis Mulwray. Mulwray appears to only have water and a dry riverbed on his mind but eventual... read morely they catch him with a young woman, although nearly immediately the news gets leaked to the papers and Mulwray goes missing, only to turn up dead. At this point the real Mrs Mulwray comes to Gittes threatening to sue him for his involvement and Jake realises that he had been set up to set up the Mulwrays. He continues his investigation into the murder only to find a conspiracy involving thousands of gallons of water being wasted during a drought and the mysterious presence of Mrs Mulwray's father, Noah Cross.

    As a fan of film noir and tough detective movies, I am too often put off by modern entries into the genre that try to replace atmosphere and intelligence by just having nudity and swearing; the genre managed atmosphere without these in the forties and fifties but yet modern films seem to rely on them. With Chinatown however, everything works well as a homage to the best years of the genre and, as such, is very well set in the period and is of suitable presentation even if the material and tone is darker and harder than would have been allowed years ago. This is not to say it is just a copy and paste from better films because it isn't and indeed stands out as one of the best detective noirs I have seen in ages. The plot is always going to be the most important thing and it gets it spot on throughout, doing the proper thing of starting with a simple story and continually building it more and more complex as it goes. Unlike some other "classics" of the genre, Chinatown manages to do this without ever losing the audience and I found the plot to be both rewardingly complex but yet still very easy to follow.

    Needless to say, things are very dark and the script is convincingly dark and miserable, leading to an ending that is as depressing as I have seen, not so much in what actually happens but also in the wider implications for the characters that the credits prevent us from seeing. Director Polanski does a great job of putting this story in a lush setting that produces a real strong sense of period but also manages to always be showing us the darkness coming through subtly throughout the movie. Of course it helps that he also has a great cast to work with. Jack Nicholson is iconic in this role and, if I had to pick one film to act as an introduction to Nicholson then it would be this one. He is tough yet damaged, upright but seedy and he brings out his complex character well. Dunaway has less screen time but is just as impressive with a similarly dark role. Huston adds class and manages to ooze menace while also coming across as a harmless old man. The support cast are all fine but really the film belongs to these three, with Nicholson being the stand out role.

    Overall this is a very classy film that has stood up very well to become a well-deserved classic. The story is complex, mysterious yet simple to follow; it is dark and seedy without relying on swearing or nudity to set the atmosphere. The direction is great, with a real atmosphere and sense of time and place that is matched by a great collection of performances delivering a great script.
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    June 4, 2012
    TheDudeLebowski65
    A film noir masterwork, Chinatown directed by Roman Polanski is a definitive classic of the cinematic medium. Brilliantly acted and plotted, Chinatown is an engrossing murder mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and keeps you wondering what is truly going on. Jack Nic... read moreholson delivers a powerful performance as private eye J.J Gittes who is investigating a murder. What makes this film so good it's its intricate plot that demands repeated viewings. Roman Polanski's directing is flawless, and this may be his greatest work. Jack Nicholson and d Faye Dunaway have great on-screen chemistry. Chinatown is also a great looking picture that reflects the 1940's period very well. This is a superb film, one that will appeal to period film fans everywhere. A brilliant piece of cinema, this is a must see film, one that displays solid storytelling and memorable performances and mixed with an elaborate plot that will keep you guessing from start to finish. Polanski's film evokes the tone and atmosphere of 1940's Los Angeles perfectly, and it's a standout aspect of this film. This is a stellar crime saga that is among the greatest in the genre. If you're looking for one of Roman Polanski's greatest cinematic works, Chinatown may be the one. This is a significant work in the film noir genre that is boasted by a powerful cast and top-notch directing. Jack Nicholson easily is the best thing about this film, and when you combine that with a multi layered story that leaves you with something new to uncover after each viewer, you have a memorable film that is a flawless genre film. A true cinematic classic and one of the standout films that has shaped cinema for years to follow. A must see film for cinema buffs everywhere, Chinatown is one of the greatest films ever made. This is a film that should be seen by every true cinema buff.
  • cosmo313
    May 15, 2012
    cosmo313
    When I first saw this film, roughly 5-6 years ago or so, I was a film buff, but I wasn't yet at the level I am today. I could appreciate this film, but looking back, I remember not really paying attention, plus, I watched it on TV, so there were commerical breaks and some censors... read morehip issues. Even though I didn't give it my full attention, I still gave it a "Full 5" partially because I felt obligated to, and partically because yeah, it deserves it.

    Well, recently I decided to rewatch it, this time giving it my full attention, having it on DVD, and seeing it having far more knowledge and appreciation of POlanski, the genre, the historical and cinematic contexts (of the story and its creation), and being more mature to fully appreciate things in general.

    I now recall my old review (which was like, a sentence, and not a good one at that), and I disown it. This true is an important and brilliant work of art. It's a great callbakc to classic 30s/40s film noir detective stories, and works as a legitimate entry into that subgenre, though in the "neo-noir" form.

    They had some real guts to make this film when they did, as they did, especially since film noir detective stories were pretty blase by the 1970s, even though a few did crop up. Using actual historical events as the backdrop for the story, this is a tale of a sharp tongued private eye (who specializes in matrimonial cases) that gets caught up in a web of lies, deceit, and treachery, and gets far more than he bargained for, considering that he was initially hired to spy on a guy who is suspectedx of cheating on his wife.

    What we get instead is a multi-layered story that is part mystery, part psychological drama, and part condemnation of those in control of public works who don't use their power and control responsibly. This is a lot to take on, but it's all very intriguing, mesmerizing, and brought to life by Robert Towne's sharp, intelligent, and amazingly cynical screenplay.

    I just love the blend of classic detective story but infused with the attitudes of the era the film was made, but still played straight. This is some dark stuff, and it's not really about what it is initially about, and the title is one of those cases where it is integral to the whole yes, even though it doesn't figure in as much as you might think, kinda like Fargo. Still though, I can see why this film is so lauded. Controversy time though, I do think think this might be somewhat overrated to a degree, and also how weird it is that this film is so loved considering the material and how dark and cynical this all is.

    The performances are of course outstanding, with Nicholson really helping to cement his legacy here, and some fine work from Dunaway, which includes a brief shot of her exposed nipple (not that anyone asked for it). Casting John Huston was a superb touch as well, and if you need to ask why, well, not to be a tool about it, but you probably should brush up on your film history.

    It's not just the performers and script that make this film though. Jerry Goldsmith's score is great, and is alternately beautiful and depressing. Polanski gives some of his best direction here, the cinematography is pitch perfect, and there's all sorts of material here for analysis and discussing, and Lord knows I love me some subtext.

    All in all, yes, despite my slight feelings of this being overrated and somewhat baffled as to why it is so revered, it is one of the best ever. SInce it manages to do that, it gets even more credit in my book for being a real gem.
  • blkbomb
    December 29, 2011
    blkbomb
    Jake Gittes: But, Mrs. Mulwray, I goddamn near lost my nose. And I like it. I like breathing through it. And I still think you're hiding something. 

    Chinatown is a must watch film if you consider yourself a film buff. It is one of those classics that deserves all the praise it h... read moreas gotten. Everything that makes a film great is at work here. There's a great director, Roman Polanski, who knows when to be patient with a story, but also knows when to pick up the pace a little bit. There's a great performance from both the leading actor, Jack Nicholson, and the leading actress, Faye Dunaway. The plot is engaging and at times suspenseful. This is one of the best detective stories you can watch.

    Jack Nicholson plays Jake, a private detective. One day a woman comes into his office and tells him she wants him to investigate her husband because she thinks he is having an affair. Her husband just happens to be the builder of Los Angeles' water supply system, and Los Angeles is in the middle of a bad drought. Well it turns out that the person who hired him wasn't actually the wife, and was hired to do it. After Hollis is killed, Jake begins to think there is something more going on than what meets the eye.

    Before watching this I had a belief that I wouldn't like it as much as I do Rosemary's Baby; Roman Polanski's horror masterpiece, despite this being considered Polanski's best. After watching Chinatown, I must say, I still like Rosemary's Baby more. That isn't a nock on this film at all. It just goes to show how great Polanski is. Think what you want of him, but when it comes to making movies, he is a genius. I loved his cameo in the film too.

    Chinatown is an amazing story of corruption and a great noir. Nicholson gives a tremendous performance, as he always did. Faye Dunaway is absolutely gorgeous and has a great screen presence. Nicholson and Dunaway have amazing chemistry when on the screen together. They make the movie worth watching just to see them together. Everything else(Polanski, wonderful cinematography, and a great score) are gravy.

    Walsh: Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown. 
  • fb100002384654145
    October 29, 2011
    fb100002384654145
    Fantastic film, the mystery is intriguing and the suspense is killer. Jack Nicholson gives one of the best performances of his career.
  • fb1664868775
    October 21, 2011
    fb1664868775
    Film Noir gets a proper update in color. Perfect.
  • TheGame90
    September 18, 2011
    TheGame90
    This was entertaining..And a nice journey. But I think it's a little overrated. Don't understand how this movie can please so many people even though I liked it. Nicholson is great as allways...And once again...It was fun to see Polanski in action. There's just someting entertain... read moreing about seeing him. And I don't think anbody can blame the ending for being predictable.

View All Chinatown Reviews

Critic Reviews

Gene Siskel
January 18, 2013
Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune

As much as I admire the work of both Polanski and Nicholson, I found Chinatown tedious from beginning to just before the end. Full Review

A.D. Murphy
March 27, 2009
A.D. Murphy, Variety

Roman Polanski's American made film, first since Rosemary's Baby shows him again in total command of talent and physical filmmaking elements. Full Review

Don Druker
March 27, 2009
Don Druker, Chicago Reader

Polanski's film suggests that the rules of the game are written in some strange, untranslatable language, and that everyone's an alien and, ultimately, a victim. Full Review

February 9, 2006
Time Out

The hard-boiled private eye coolly strolls a few steps ahead of the audience. Full Review

Jessica Winter
August 5, 2003
Jessica Winter, Village Voice

In 1974 a director, a screenwriter, and a producer (Robert Evans, who for once deserves a few of the plaudits he's apportioned himself) could decide to beat a genre senseless and then dump it in the w... Full Review

Vincent Canby
May 20, 2003
Vincent Canby, New York Times

A new private-eye melodrama that celebrates not only a time and a place (Los Angeles) but also a kind of criminality that to us jaded souls today appears to be nothing worse than an eccentric form of ...

James Berardinelli
February 24, 2002
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

It takes a Herculean effort to transform this type into a character and to replace the formula with a story, and Chinatown's success in both of these regards is one of the reasons it is universally vi... Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

[Nicholson's] performance is key in keeping Chinatown from becoming just a genre crime picture--that, and a Robert Towne screenplay that evokes an older Los Angeles. Full Review

Philip French
January 5, 2013
Philip French, Observer [UK]

This film is flawless. Full Review

Derek Malcolm
January 4, 2013
Derek Malcolm, This is London

Polanski's telling of his tale of corruption in LA is masterly - thrilling, humorous and disturbing at the same time - and brilliantly played by John Huston and Faye Dunaway as well as Nicholson. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Cast

More Like This

Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • L.A. Confidential
    L.A. Confidential (89%)
  • Casablanca
    Casablanca (86%)
  • The Maltese Falcon
    The Maltese Falcon (88%)
  • The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
    The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (80%)

More Movies like Chinatown

Facts

Submit a Fact | View All
    • Ida Sessions: Are you alone?
    • J.J. Gittes: Isn't everybody?
    • Walsh: Forget it, Jake, it's Chinatown.
    • J.J. Gittes: As little as possible.
    • J.J. Gittes: To tell you the truth, I lied a little.
    • Noah Cross: You see, Mister Gittes, most men never have to face the fact that, at the right time, they're capable of... [voice drops to a hoarse whisper] anything.
    • J.J. Gittes: You're even dumber than you think I think you are.
Submit a Fact | View All

Chinatown : Watch Free on TV

Chinatown Trivia

  • In what movie did Kurt Russell go deep into Chinatown to rescue his friend's fiance from the clutches of the evil Lo Pan?  Answer »
  • Which director links the movies "Rosemary's Baby", "Repulsion", "The Ninth Gate", "Oliver Twist" and "Chinatown"?  Answer »
  • In what movie did Jack Nicholson get his nose cut open?  Answer »
  • In GREMLINS, what were GIZMO'S last words as Mr. Peltzer was getting ready to take him back to chinatown?  Answer »
More Chinatown Trivia

Movie Quizzes

Create a Quiz |

All Quizzes

Video Clips

Upload a Video |

All Chinatown Videos

Meet Other Fans

Add Chinatown to favorites

Recent News

Submit a Story |

View Chinatown News

Recent Lists

Make a List |

View All Lists

Most Popular Skin

No skins yet. Interested in creating one?