A private detective, a conspiracy and the intoxicating backdrop of an eerie Los Angeles: Chinatown is a film that relies entirely on atmosphere and tension. Roman Polański’s last directorial work in the USA is not just one captivating neo-noir full of iconic images, but one of the best films of all time.
Chinatown is one of those works that has been heavily influenced by film history and has evolved over time Source of inspiration for numerous films has developed. In 1990, 16 years after the premiere of the original, there was even a sequel: The Trail Leads Back, directed by leading actor Jack Nicholson.
Masterful neo-noir: Chinatown with Jack Nicholson
At the center of Chinatown’s history is the Private investigator Jake Gittes. He wasn’t necessarily one of the most trustworthy people in Los Angeles in the 1930s. Nevertheless, he receives an assignment: for Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway) he is supposed to spy on her husband Hollis and convict her of adultery.
You can watch the trailer for Chinatown here:
Chinatown – New Trailer (English) HD
Hollis is the architect of the city’s water system and is at the center of public debate. Before Gittes knows it, he is drawn into a web of lies and betrayal. Although many elements sound familiar, the way Chinatown brings the story to life is absolutely breathtaking.
Nicholson also impresses with a terrific performance. Rarely has he played better than in this labyrinthine film, which is always there darker corners kidnapped from an iconic US metropolis. For Nicholson alone, it’s worth taking a look at Chinatown, which has earned its place in film history.
Chinatown’s influence extends to the present day. Even The Batman director Matt Reeves cited neo-noir as a key source of inspiration for Robert Pattinson’s version of the Dark Knight. Just like Gittes, he moves through Gotham’s streets as a detective. “Chinatown was a key film”, Reeves said in an interview with Vanity Fair four years ago.
When is Chinatown with Jack Nicholson on TV?
Chinatown is on tonight on October 11, 2024 at 11:55 p.m. on ZDFneo. The film will be shown without commercial breaks and will run until 2:00 a.m. There is no repeat. There are various streaming options available to you. You can buy and rent the film at Amazon and Co. Paramount+ offers it in flat format.
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