Another superb line given with great relish by John Huston is his response to Gitte’s query about his intentions: ‘The future, Mr. Gittes!’ ‘The Future!” Huston’s flawless delivery leaves no doubt about Noah Cross’s ruthlessness.
You know it's a good movie when you want to repeat the whole movie after the ending credits, so that you can pick up the endless hidden clues. Masterpiece.
@@terrorsquadlith i think no. I dont think Katherine is mistress of Hollis. I think he was just looking out for her and there's no hint that they're having an affair. I think they're relationship is like father-daughter and evelyn doesn't want katherine to know that her father is her grandfather ( noah cross) so Mulwray stand as Katherine's father figure. And evelyn knows it too so she isnt shocked when she heard that hollis is having an affair because she knows thats not true and knows that hollis is just looking out for her daughter.
Nicholson's best performance (along with Cuckoos Nest, Last Detail).."Chinatown" is brilliantly written with a superb, intricate plot.Polanski typically manages to create a dark, ominous tone as only he can..Dunaway is superb John Huston is simultaneously charming and frightening..One of the great films of that magnificent 70's decade..I'm quite content to watch this , Mean Streets, The Conversation,Godfather, Annie Hall, All the Presidents Men etc on DVD and forever stay in the 70s
I had to watch this movie twice to get the full experience. I first watched it from the point of view of Jake. Being completely in the dark about almost everything. Then I watched again, but from the point of view of Evelyn. Seeing how she reacts to certain questions and understanding why she takes certain actions. It's a thrilling and tragic ride.
I don’t know why, but I just can’t get over this first scene. The way affection is expressed between Mr. G and Mrs. M, along with the beautiful score in the background, the entire scene is just beautifully crafted. And it puts me in a place I’m so unfamiliar but familiar with.. (that feeling when you let yourself be vulnerable with someone else)
I don't think the film is about evil. Evil is hidden in this movie, because it's weak. You can have all the "power" in the world, like the old man, and you can own your daughters, but they hate you. The true story is about Jack's character, who tried to do the right thing on every turn, but he was so fanatic that he left himself vulnerable to defeat.
Well, film remains a true collaborative art form. Polanski’s directorial finesse and framing individual scenes is remarkable. But, the contributions of Richard Sylbert, Sam O’Steen, John Alonzo, Jerry Goldsmith helped to make the film an extraordinary landmark in American cinema.
I watch this movie about once a year and do not tire of it, it’s simply that good. Provocative, evocative, and glamorous. One of the best films ever made. Dunaway is perfection.
Well, I'm glad the comments aren't reduced to a witch hunt of Polanski and Nicholson. The artist can be ridiculed and even destroyed. But their art - if it honestly stands on its own merits should be respected.
Unbelievable to me, this is no longer on the top 100 list from Sight & Sound. John Huston's performance was so good that I still view it as the best performance of an evil character on the screen.. It took me decades to watch one of his movies he directed to put aside this performance and enjoy his excellent works for what they were!
There are several other instances of that, such as the drive from the old peoples' rest home, and Evelyn dabs at her eye as a piece of dust or grit seemingly flies into it. Also the shattered eyeglasses in the pond - and more
The hilarious part is they call the movie, “Chinatown”, but at the end the “Chinese” ppl in the background have NOTHING to do with any of it😂😂😂 Like huh? No it has EVERYTHING to do w/ non-Chinese ppl that’s the danger
What is this American thing of mentioning the producer before the director? The only great films produced by Evans were by great film-makers, who made other great films with other producers.
I hate to mention this ... and throw stones if you will, but during the exit scene where Nicholson is leaving the retirement home you can see modern cars passing on the street in front. One appears to be a late model Datsun or Toyota Corolla. I ask myself: this was amazing film why didn't they spend the extra money and close the street? It is the scene leading up to where he kicks the former sheriff in the ankle at the entrance to the retirement home and then he makes his escape. In the preceding scene you can see the filming was done earlier because the sunset appears through the entrance windows. Not sure what happened. Great film though. Houston is creepy.
Interesting - never noticed that. The rest home is on Sunset Blvd. in Beverly Hills (I think B.H.) - not out in the middle of nowhere as it appears to be in the film. It's now a private girls' school - looks the same pretty much
@malows1234 I agree that Nolan could be making more original movies, but I certainly don't agree that Batman should be directed by Bay. That's just insane. The recent Batman movies are fortunate to have a good director behind them, and The Dark Knight and Batman Begins are more than just action scenes. :| Compare TDK to Transformers 3. Don't worry, it's not like Batman is the only thing Nolan's been doing. Inception?
watched the movie and I didnt understand quite a few things.. So was Mulwary actually having an affair with Evelyn's daughter ?? Who made those old people purchase the lands without them knowing it and how ?
The old people, e.g. Emma Dill and Jasper Lamarr Crabbe, et al were residents at the nursing home, of which Noah Cross was one of the owners. The home had power of attorney for probably most of the residents. Those thousands of acres were bought up on the cheap, having ruined the landowners with the drought, poisoned wells, etc. The new property owners were Noah Cross and his buddies, but they put the land in the names of the nursing home residents to muddy their tracks. Gittes was tipped off as to the identity of one of them, Crabbe, when Ida Sessions called Gittes and told him to look at the obituary column in a daily newspaper. Gittes then went to the Hall of Records, where property sales were recorded in the platte books when just out of escrow. He saw that many thousands of acres in the western San Fernando Valley had recently changed owners. That page was the one he tore out. He then cross referenced the page with the obituary column from the newspaper and saw that Jasper Lamarr Crabbe was listed as having closed escrow on land in the valley AFTER he died. That's when Gittes twigged as to how Cross was doing it and why. He and Evelyn then go to the nursing home, on the pretext of looking for somewhere for dad, and meet Emma Dill, one of the residents, who is also listed in the platte book as having recently closed escrow on thousands of acres in the valley. Only, she knows nothing about it. Then, the manager of the nursing home is on to Gittes and he and Evelyn make their getaway, chased by Cross's goons.
@malows1234 Wait, so you bash Nolan films and then call Memento a masterpeice? :| Oh, I agree about Batman. TDK is a great movie but it's not quite a masterpeice.
From México: I am truly sick of people labeling Polanski as "infamous". Don´t go around labeling people, you are not God. What would you feel like if you had to go around with labels sticking on you mentioning all small/medium/big wrongdoings you have done in childhool/youth/mature age life etc.? If someone has attenuatings in front of God it´s Polanski, not your or me. Do you always label all Hollywod directors/actors/ producers from the present/past like that? What lack of self consciousness.
@malows1234 yu obviously dont know the law how old are you if the mother wanted her to be raped then she goes to jail too the law exists to protect the child, your not very bright or very immature.. and you can not say anything you like over the internet, you cant make threats and if you havent violated the law by expressing admiration for tha act of child rape you made yourself a target congratulations
The way Huston, as Noah Cross, hisses the word "anything" sends a chill down the spine...
Another superb line given with great relish by John Huston is his response to Gitte’s query about his intentions: ‘The future, Mr. Gittes!’ ‘The Future!” Huston’s flawless delivery leaves no doubt about Noah Cross’s ruthlessness.
You know it's a good movie when you want to repeat the whole movie after the ending credits, so that you can pick up the endless hidden clues. Masterpiece.
Just watched it and want to watch it again - and I've already seen it multiple times! A true masterwork of film making in every way.
So was Mulwary actually having an affair with Evelyn's daughter ??
@@terrorsquadlith i think no. I dont think Katherine is mistress of Hollis. I think he was just looking out for her and there's no hint that they're having an affair. I think they're relationship is like father-daughter and evelyn doesn't want katherine to know that her father is her grandfather ( noah cross) so Mulwray stand as Katherine's father figure. And evelyn knows it too so she isnt shocked when she heard that hollis is having an affair because she knows thats not true and knows that hollis is just looking out for her daughter.
Nicholson's best performance (along with Cuckoos Nest, Last Detail).."Chinatown" is brilliantly written with a superb, intricate plot.Polanski typically manages to create a dark, ominous tone as only he can..Dunaway is superb John Huston is simultaneously charming and frightening..One of the great films of that magnificent 70's decade..I'm quite content to watch this , Mean Streets, The Conversation,Godfather, Annie Hall, All the Presidents Men etc on DVD and forever stay in the 70s
_"Forget it Jake, It's Chinatown."_
One of the most sinister endings ever put on film.
Polanski's ending. Towne's original ending was a far 'happier' one, to say the least
I think the ending of basic instinct is stronger 👩💻
Absolutely floored me when i first watched it. The horror, the absolute uncontrollable horror. It came so unexpectedly. Magnificent
One of the most real endings brought to the screen.
its not a classical Hollywood ending - indeed ...
Film making does not get any better. Brilliantly crafted in every aspect.
I had to watch this movie twice to get the full experience. I first watched it from the point of view of Jake. Being completely in the dark about almost everything. Then I watched again, but from the point of view of Evelyn. Seeing how she reacts to certain questions and understanding why she takes certain actions. It's a thrilling and tragic ride.
I don’t know why, but I just can’t get over this first scene. The way affection is expressed between Mr. G and Mrs. M, along with the beautiful score in the background, the entire scene is just beautifully crafted. And it puts me in a place I’m so unfamiliar but familiar with.. (that feeling when you let yourself be vulnerable with someone else)
Favorite Polanski film and my favorite noire film
0:34 I love that little touch on the piano.
Magic.
"A case that has shadowed him to this day." Gosh, I wonder why?
So in this entire review he praises everything and everyone involved with the exception of the great Faye Dunaway,
True
I love the Jerry Goldsmith score on this movie ...
johannes914 especially the Evelyn and Jake track..
Gives me goosebumps every time I hear that smokey trumpet.
I don't think the film is about evil. Evil is hidden in this movie, because it's weak. You can have all the "power" in the world, like the old man, and you can own your daughters, but they hate you. The true story is about Jack's character, who tried to do the right thing on every turn, but he was so fanatic that he left himself vulnerable to defeat.
WTAWWR08 but in the end, it's not Starwars
Aaaa hello
direction of a film is more important than its production
Say that to Polansky, he made this film, Knife in Water with only three actors and a boat
Not in this case, Without Jerry Goldsmith's score, Polanski's film automatically becomes dastardly inferior.
Well, film remains a true collaborative art form. Polanski’s directorial finesse and framing individual scenes is remarkable. But, the contributions of Richard Sylbert, Sam O’Steen, John Alonzo, Jerry Goldsmith helped to make the film an extraordinary landmark in American cinema.
Top to bottom - *a perfect film!*
I watch this movie about once a year and do not tire of it, it’s simply that good. Provocative, evocative, and glamorous. One of the best films ever made. Dunaway is perfection.
Phenomenal film. IMO...Faye Dunaway’s greatness performance. Very nuanced...as would befit a very complex character.
Amazing series of videos, truly.
truly one of the greatest films ever made....
One of the most underrated films..
Hi
I am a singal
Making you frend
It's not underrated - it's acknowledged by many to be one of the great films of all time - and it is!
Everybody makes a big fuss over Chinatown. How is that underrated? There's a comment like this on nearly every video on RUclips.
Quite simply one of the greatest films ever made.
Well, I'm glad the comments aren't reduced to a witch hunt of Polanski and Nicholson. The artist can be ridiculed and even destroyed. But their art - if it honestly stands on its own merits should be respected.
Why what did jack do?
Brilliant story. It is so rare for us nowadays to get such an intelligent screenplay. Instead we get giant stupid robots and mind numbing ghosts.
Forget it Bernie, it's the Democratic Party
Masterpiece
Unbelievable to me, this is no longer on the top 100 list from Sight & Sound. John Huston's performance was so good that I still view it as the best performance of an evil character on the screen.. It took me decades to watch one of his movies he directed to put aside this performance and enjoy his excellent works for what they were!
Great film, too bad Polanski is such a sicko.
He was the one who put a knife up Jack Nicolson's schnozzola.
all the principalities of evil are connected...
How did it come to be that the 1970s
were the best years of American cinema?
1: 27 Crispin Glover's dad on the far left
....and both ,Polanski and Capra were in a round table while making a program about cinema. They had a tendency to argue obviously.
*SPOILERS*
UGH. I just finished watching this scene, and whaddya know, this video starts with the "your eye"-kissing scene. Disturbing foreshadowing.
There are several other instances of that, such as the drive from the old peoples' rest home, and Evelyn dabs at her eye as a piece of dust or grit seemingly flies into it. Also the shattered eyeglasses in the pond - and more
Personal all time favorite movie. It's perfect.
Same here!
MASTERPIECE.
I don't know why but Donald Trump comes to mind.
Hahahaha
Sorry you all, but without Jerry Goldsmith’s magic, this is just good movie. The score takes the movie to great.
I disagree the movie is still excellent without it.
@@randolphwhite3406 It would be an inferior film without Goldsmith's brilliance. It's as simple as that.
The hilarious part is they call the movie, “Chinatown”, but at the end the “Chinese” ppl in the background have NOTHING to do with any of it😂😂😂 Like huh? No it has EVERYTHING to do w/ non-Chinese ppl that’s the danger
What is this American thing of mentioning the producer before the director? The only great films produced by Evans were by great film-makers, who made other great films with other producers.
@malows1234 If by Batman you mean The Dark Knight, then you must be mistaked. The Dark Knight is a mighty fine movie about what it means to be a hero.
Nice job.
I hate to mention this ... and throw stones if you will, but during the exit scene where Nicholson is leaving the retirement home you can see modern cars passing on the street in front. One appears to be a late model Datsun or Toyota Corolla. I ask myself: this was amazing film why didn't they spend the extra money and close the street? It is the scene leading up to where he kicks the former sheriff in the ankle at the entrance to the retirement home and then he makes his escape. In the preceding scene you can see the filming was done earlier because the sunset appears through the entrance windows. Not sure what happened. Great film though. Houston is creepy.
Interesting - never noticed that. The rest home is on Sunset Blvd. in Beverly Hills (I think B.H.) - not out in the middle of nowhere as it appears to be in the film. It's now a private girls' school - looks the same pretty much
@malows1234 I agree that Nolan could be making more original movies, but I certainly don't agree that Batman should be directed by Bay. That's just insane. The recent Batman movies are fortunate to have a good director behind them, and The Dark Knight and Batman Begins are more than just action scenes. :| Compare TDK to Transformers 3.
Don't worry, it's not like Batman is the only thing Nolan's been doing. Inception?
watched the movie and I didnt understand quite a few things.. So was Mulwary actually having an affair with Evelyn's daughter ?? Who made those old people purchase the lands without them knowing it and how ?
Mulwray wasn't having an affair. He was just looking after his wife's daughter.
The old people, e.g. Emma Dill and Jasper Lamarr Crabbe, et al were residents at the nursing home, of which Noah Cross was one of the owners. The home had power of attorney for probably most of the residents. Those thousands of acres were bought up on the cheap, having ruined the landowners with the drought, poisoned wells, etc. The new property owners were Noah Cross and his buddies, but they put the land in the names of the nursing home residents to muddy their tracks. Gittes was tipped off as to the identity of one of them, Crabbe, when Ida Sessions called Gittes and told him to look at the obituary column in a daily newspaper. Gittes then went to the Hall of Records, where property sales were recorded in the platte books when just out of escrow. He saw that many thousands of acres in the western San Fernando Valley had recently changed owners. That page was the one he tore out. He then cross referenced the page with the obituary column from the newspaper and saw that Jasper Lamarr Crabbe was listed as having closed escrow on land in the valley AFTER he died. That's when Gittes twigged as to how Cross was doing it and why. He and Evelyn then go to the nursing home, on the pretext of looking for somewhere for dad, and meet Emma Dill, one of the residents, who is also listed in the platte book as having recently closed escrow on thousands of acres in the valley. Only, she knows nothing about it. Then, the manager of the nursing home is on to Gittes and he and Evelyn make their getaway, chased by Cross's goons.
A masterpiece
the ending is messed up xD really good ending, but messed up
@malows1234 Wait, so you bash Nolan films and then call Memento a masterpeice? :|
Oh, I agree about Batman. TDK is a great movie but it's not quite a masterpeice.
From México: I am truly sick of people labeling Polanski as "infamous". Don´t go around labeling people, you are not God. What would you feel like if you had to go around with labels sticking on you mentioning all small/medium/big wrongdoings you have done in childhool/youth/mature age life etc.? If someone has attenuatings in front of God it´s Polanski, not your or me. Do you always label all Hollywod directors/actors/ producers from the present/past like that? What lack of self consciousness.
jesus, the nose knife always makes me cringe!
Whatever. I am at peace with myself
@malows1234 yu obviously dont know the law how old are you if the mother wanted her to be raped then she goes to jail too the law exists to protect the child, your not very bright or very immature.. and you can not say anything you like over the internet, you cant make threats and if you havent violated the law by expressing admiration for tha act of child rape you made yourself a target congratulations
😘😇
First comment?!?! :D
Axel Savage congratulations 8 years later
11 years 😯
funny