Chinatown

If we can say nothing more of art, we can at least say it’s evocative, be it emotionally or intellectually. Chinatown utilizes a masterful understanding of storytelling, along with great performances and an excellent conclusion, to deliver a true classic. The story is filled with a great number of twists and turns. The way information is disseminated to the audience is one of a kind. This film is an absolute roller coaster, and the ending is absolutely fantastic. I will hold back from mentioning anything in detail, but the ending is very abrupt and ties the film's themes together excellently. Regarding performances, Jack Nicholson is great in this, but Faye Dunaway’s performance as Mrs. Mulwray was the standout in my eyes. Dunaway brings a shiftiness to the character that makes the performance. One must imagine this film isn't talked about because of its disgraced director, but this is truly a great shame. Musicians do awful things constantly, and rarely does this result in the music losing popularity (at least not if it's good). I will do what I do with any such work because a film is not to be relegated to "the vision of one man" but the culmination of many people's efforts. *“Tell me, Mr. Gittes: Does this often happen to you?” “What's that?” “Well, I'm judging only on the basis of one afternoon and an evening, but, uh, if this is how you go about your work, I'd say you'd be lucky to, uh, get through a whole day.” “Actually, this hasn't happened to me for a long time.” “When was the last time?” “Why?” “It's an innocent question.” “In Chinatown.”* (5/5)