Year: 1990
Runtime: 137 min
Language: English
In 1940s Los Angeles, private investigator Jake Gittes takes on a divorce case for real estate developer Jake Berman, only to find himself embroiled in a complicated web of deceit. His investigation reveals a conspiracy involving valuable oil reserves and deceptive business dealings. As Gittes digs deeper, he’s drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse, with echoes of a past case in Chinatown complicating matters further.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen The Two Jakes yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of The Two Jakes (1990), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
In the aftermath of the war in Los Angeles, a troubling wiretapping uncovers a scandal that turns deadly. The recording, made by private investigator J.J. “Jake” Gittes for his client, real-estate developer Jake Berman, aims to expose Berman’s unfaithful wife Kitty in an affair with Bodine, Berman’s own associate. The plot thickens when Berman commits cold-blooded murder, shooting Bodine as he seeks refuge in the motel’s bathroom. This horrifying act is captured on the tape, which also includes a cryptic mention of Katherine Mulwray, a name that brings painful memories to Gittes.
Katherine, the offspring of Gittes’s former client and lover, Evelyn Mulwray, was born out of a tragic and sordid past involving her father, Noah Cross. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that Gittes was ensnared in a scheme for profit; Berman killed with sinister intent, having orchestrated the murder to claim Bodine’s share of the lucrative B&B Homes. The situation is complicated further when it is revealed that Bodine’s will excludes his beautiful widow, Lillian Bodine, leaving Berman as the sole beneficiary, raising suspicions about a conspiracy between Berman and Kitty for financial gain.
Amid the chaos, Gittes uncovers the devious plans behind Berman’s real estate projects, which are secretly being exploited for their underground resources by the greedy oil magnate, Earl Rawley. In a pivotal court hearing where the recorded evidence is presented, Gittes makes a risky decision to manipulate the audio, effectively shielding Berman’s actions and protecting the enigmatic Kitty, who is actually the disguised Katherine Mulwray.
The tangled web of deceit grows as Gittes determines that unique legal shifts forced Katherine to relinquish her rights to the land and mineral wealth to the unscrupulous nightclub owner, Michael ‘Mickey Nice’ Weisskopf. Bodine’s blackmail over Berman regarding Katherine’s true identity ultimately fuels the fatal confrontation. Desperate to secure his wife’s future, Berman, who is suffering from terminal illness, makes the consequential choice to end his life dramatically amidst his properties.
In the somber conclusion, Gittes has a heartfelt exchange with Kitty/Katherine as she prepares to leave his office. Their discussion about the burdens of their shared history concludes with the poignant sentiment that “It (the past) never goes away,” underscoring the indelible impact of past choices on their lives.
Last Updated: October 28, 2024 at 08:37
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Two Jakes 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 The Two Jakes is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of The Two Jakes with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like The Two Jakes that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
The Two Jakes (1990) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
The Two Jakes (1990) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like The Two Jakes – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Chinatown (1974) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Jake Squared (2014) Complete Plot Breakdown
2 Days in the Valley (1996) Movie Recap & Themes
2 Jacks (2013) Film Overview & Timeline
Two for the Money (2005) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Jake Speed (1986) Full Summary & Key Details
Body Double (1984) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Double Jeopardy (1999) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Good German (2006) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Two Faces of January (2014) Film Overview & Timeline
The Glimmer Man (1996) Film Overview & Timeline
Jagged Edge (1985) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993) Film Overview & Timeline
Private Property (1960) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Manhattan Night (2016) Plot Summary & Ending Explained