Chinatown

Chinatown

Year: 1974

Runtime: 130 min

Language: English

Director: Roman Polanski

DramaMysteryThrillerCrime

In 1930s Los Angeles, private investigator Jake Gittes is hired to investigate a woman who assumes the identity of Evelyn Mulwray, suspecting her husband of infidelity. His investigation leads him into a complex case involving water rights, political corruption, and a family’s dark secrets. As he uncovers the truth, Gittes finds himself entangled in a dangerous conspiracy with devastating consequences, leading to a shocking climax in the city's historic Chinatown district.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Chinatown (1974)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Chinatown (1974). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The time frame is the 1970s, a period marked by social upheaval and skepticism towards authority. Los Angeles was experiencing rapid development and profound changes, particularly concerning its water supply and urban planning issues.

Location

Los Angeles, Northwest Valley

The movie is set in Los Angeles, a sprawling city known for its entertainment industry and intricate water rights issues. The story also encompasses the Northwest Valley, an agricultural area that becomes central to the land ownership conspiracy. Both locations highlight the tension between urban growth and resource management.

🏙️ Los Angeles 🌾 Agriculture

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:02

Main Characters – Chinatown (1974)

Meet the key characters of Chinatown (1974), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

J. J. 'Jake' Gittes (Jack Nicholson)

Jake Gittes is a determined private investigator navigating a labyrinth of deception and corruption. Intelligent and resourceful, he is driven by a sense of justice, though he often finds himself outmatched by the ruthless forces at play. His bleak journey unveils uncomfortable truths about power dynamics and moral ambiguity.

🕵️‍♂️ Investigator 🌃 Cynical

Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway)

Evelyn Mulwray is a complex character marked by vulnerability and strength, entrenched in a tragic family history. Her emotional depth and the dark secrets she harbors highlight her resilience in a male-dominated world. As the narrative unfolds, Evelyn's motivations and sacrifices deepen, revealing the layers of her troubled past.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Tragic ⚖️ Complex

Noah Cross (John Huston)

Noah Cross epitomizes the moral decay and avarice at the heart of the story. An influential and manipulative figure, he exploits his relationships and status to orchestrate his ambitions. His chilling demeanor and lack of remorse illustrate the ruthless side of power, making him a formidable antagonist.

👴 Antagonist 💼 Manipulative

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:02

Major Themes – Chinatown (1974)

Explore the central themes of Chinatown (1974), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌊 Deception

Deception permeates the narrative as characters mask their true intentions, leading to a web of lies that complicate the investigation. Jake Gittes, the protagonist, navigates through a landscape filled with manipulations, revealing both personal and systemic betrayals. This theme is crucial to unraveling the mystery surrounding Mulwray's murder.

🔍 Corruption

Corruption is a central theme that manifests through the exploitation of water resources and political maneuvering within Los Angeles. The film underscores the erosion of ethical boundaries in pursuit of profit and power, showcasing how greed can manipulate public welfare for private gain. Gittes' inquiries expose a broader conspiracy that reflects systemic injustices.

💔 Tragedy

Tragedy resonates throughout the story as personal relationships intertwine with dark secrets. Evelyn's struggles and ultimate fate highlight the devastating consequences of familial trauma and betrayal. The film culminates in a melancholic conclusion, emphasizing the fragility of hope amidst overwhelming despair.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:02

Unlock the Full Story of Chinatown

Don't stop at just watching — explore Chinatown in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Chinatown is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Chinatown Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Chinatown, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Chinatown Summary

Chinatown Timeline

Track the full timeline of Chinatown with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Chinatown Timeline

More About Chinatown

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Chinatown: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Chinatown

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