Jan. 19, 2024
Netflix's Milestone Movies - The Anniversary Collection : Chinatown (1974)
In this episode of "TV In the Basement," we delve deep into the shadowy world of the 1974 film "Chinatown." Join us as we step into the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles in the 1930s and explore the intricate plot, stellar cast, awards, and intriguing...
In this episode of "TV In the Basement," we delve deep into the shadowy world of the 1974 film "Chinatown." Join us as we step into the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles in the 1930s and explore the intricate plot, stellar cast, awards, and intriguing trivia surrounding this film noir classic.Discover how Jack Nicholson's portrayal of J.J. Gittes, a private investigator caught in a web of corruption and deceit, earned him critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination. Explore Roman Polanski's dual role as both actor and director in this cinematic gem, and learn how Faye Dunaway's memorable performance as Evelyn Mulwray added depth to the story.Uncover the film's box office performance and its enduring impact on the world of cinema, including its inclusion in the National Film Registry. We'll also share intriguing trivia, such as the real-life injury suffered during filming and the film's influence on future filmmakers.Join us on this cinematic journey through "Chinatown" within the context of Netflix's "Milestone Movies: The Anniversary Collection." Whether you're a fan of film noir or simply love a good mystery, this episode is a must-listen as we explore the secrets hidden in the heart of "Chinatown."
WEBVTT
1
00:00:03.120 --> 00:00:25.920
Calaroga Shark Media. Welcome back to
TV in the Basement, the podcast where
2
00:00:25.960 --> 00:00:31.359
we explore TV from the comfort of
our underground layer. Today we're diving into
3
00:00:31.359 --> 00:00:37.600
the enigmatic and unforgettable world of the
nineteen seventy four classic film Chinatown. But
4
00:00:37.719 --> 00:00:41.640
before we embark on our journey through
the sun drenched streets of Los Angeles in
5
00:00:41.679 --> 00:00:46.280
the nineteen thirties, let's take a
moment to explore the significance of nineteen seventy
6
00:00:46.280 --> 00:00:50.280
four in the world of cinema.
It was a year that marked the fiftieth
7
00:00:50.280 --> 00:00:55.320
anniversary of the film industry, and
Hollywood was determined to celebrate this milestone in
8
00:00:55.520 --> 00:01:00.000
grand style. In nineteen seventy four, Tinseltown unleashed a wave of creativity that
9
00:01:00.079 --> 00:01:04.959
resulted in some of the most iconic
and memorable films of all time. It
10
00:01:06.040 --> 00:01:11.400
was an era when cinematic brilliance was
practically pouring out of movie theaters. Netflix's
11
00:01:11.439 --> 00:01:17.239
Milestone Movies the Anniversary Collection brings together
fourteen of these cinematic treasures, and Chinatown
12
00:01:17.319 --> 00:01:21.560
proudly stands as one of the brightest
stars in this constellation. Now, let's
13
00:01:21.640 --> 00:01:26.719
dive headfirst into the murky waters of
Chinatown and discover why this film remains an
14
00:01:26.799 --> 00:01:33.519
enduring masterpiece that captivates audiences to this
day. Chinatown, directed by Roman Polanski
15
00:01:33.599 --> 00:01:38.159
and released in nineteen seventy four,
is a neo noir mystery thriller that not
16
00:01:38.200 --> 00:01:42.680
only showcases the complexity of the genre, but also stands as a shining example
17
00:01:42.680 --> 00:01:47.560
of storytelling in cinema. The film
transports us to nineteen thirty seven Los Angeles,
18
00:01:47.920 --> 00:01:53.719
where private investigator JJ giittis portrayed by
the incomparable Jack Nicholson, takes on
19
00:01:53.760 --> 00:01:59.159
a case that spirals into a web
of deceit, corruption, and unspeakable secrets.
20
00:01:59.799 --> 00:02:04.799
The plot centers around a seemingly straightforward
investigation. Giddis is hired to follow
21
00:02:04.879 --> 00:02:08.039
Hollis Mulray, the chief engineer of
the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power,
22
00:02:08.280 --> 00:02:12.960
to determine if he's having an affair. However, as he delves deeper
23
00:02:13.000 --> 00:02:17.240
into the case, Giddis finds himself
entangled in a much larger conspiracy involving water
24
00:02:17.319 --> 00:02:23.639
rights, political manipulation, and the
mysterious Chinatown. Chinatown is a triumph of
25
00:02:23.680 --> 00:02:29.439
storytelling. It weaves a complex narrative
that keeps viewers on the edge of their
26
00:02:29.479 --> 00:02:34.800
seats. As Giddis peels back the
layers of deception, he uncovers a shocking
27
00:02:34.879 --> 00:02:38.400
truth that leads to a devastating climax
in the heart of Chinatown, where the
28
00:02:38.400 --> 00:02:44.120
film derives its title. The film's
cast is a masterclass in acting, with
29
00:02:44.199 --> 00:02:49.840
each member delivering impeccable performances that bring
the characters to life. Jack Nicholson stars
30
00:02:49.879 --> 00:02:54.159
as JJ Gittis. Nicholson's portrayal of
the witty and relentless private investigator is a
31
00:02:54.199 --> 00:03:00.240
career defining performance. His charisma and
talent shine in every scene. Faye Dunaway
32
00:03:00.319 --> 00:03:05.879
is Evelyn Cross Mulry. Faye Dunaway
brings depth and complexity to the character of
33
00:03:05.919 --> 00:03:08.639
Evelyn, whose secrets and vulnerability are
at the heart of the film's mystery.
34
00:03:09.039 --> 00:03:15.319
John Houston is Noa Cross. John
Houston's portrayal of the enigmatic and sinister Noacross
35
00:03:15.400 --> 00:03:20.319
is haunting. His presence on screen
is chilling and unforgettable. Perry Lopez is
36
00:03:20.360 --> 00:03:24.159
Lieutenant Leu Escobar. Perry Lopez delivers
a memorable performance as the police detective caught
37
00:03:24.199 --> 00:03:30.199
in the midst of the unfolding conspiracy
in the film. Noah Cross played by
38
00:03:30.280 --> 00:03:34.840
John Houston, claims he has never
set foot in the ocean before. However,
39
00:03:34.919 --> 00:03:38.479
John Houston, the actor who portrayed
him, was a well known director
40
00:03:38.520 --> 00:03:44.120
of maritime adventure films, making this
statement a clever bit of irony. Director
41
00:03:44.199 --> 00:03:47.400
Roman Polanski, who also had a
significant role in the film's production, makes
42
00:03:47.439 --> 00:03:53.080
a brief appearance in Chinatown as the
man who cuts Jack Nicholson's character JJ Gittis
43
00:03:53.159 --> 00:03:57.719
with a knife. Faye Dunaway suffered
an injury during the filming of Chinatown.
44
00:03:58.400 --> 00:04:02.520
In the scene where her character Evelyn
Mulray slaps JJ Giittis, she accidentally scratched
45
00:04:02.560 --> 00:04:06.919
Nicholson, and his reaction of shock
and anger was unscripted but left in the
46
00:04:06.960 --> 00:04:13.240
final cut. The iconic line,
the film's famous line forget it, Jake,
47
00:04:13.280 --> 00:04:16.959
It's Chinatown, has become synonymous with
the idea of accepting the uncontrollable and
48
00:04:17.000 --> 00:04:24.240
inevitable. It reflects the film's overarching
theme of corruption and moral ambiguity. Chinatown
49
00:04:24.319 --> 00:04:28.680
was released in nineteen seventy four and
performed well at the box office. It
50
00:04:28.800 --> 00:04:32.360
grows to approximately twenty nine million dollars
in the United States during its initial run,
51
00:04:32.839 --> 00:04:39.199
making it a successful film both critically
and commercially. Its success contributed to
52
00:04:39.240 --> 00:04:45.959
its enduring status as a classic in
the film noir genre. Chinatown is a
53
00:04:46.079 --> 00:04:49.879
visual and auditory feast, thanks in
large part to the creative talents behind the
54
00:04:49.920 --> 00:04:55.120
scenes. The film's cinematography, led
by John A. Alonso, is a
55
00:04:55.199 --> 00:04:59.759
visual delight. The use of light
and shadow, coupled with the period accurate
56
00:04:59.759 --> 00:05:03.560
set set design, immerse's viewers in
the gritty and glamorous world of nineteen thirties
57
00:05:03.600 --> 00:05:10.800
Los Angeles. Jerry Goldsmith's hauntingly beautiful
score adds another layer of atmosphere to the
58
00:05:10.839 --> 00:05:15.800
film. The music enhances the tension
and emotion of each scene, making it
59
00:05:15.839 --> 00:05:21.120
an integral part of the storytelling.
Chinatown received eleven Academy Award nominations. It
60
00:05:21.199 --> 00:05:27.240
won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay
for Robert Town's Brilliant Script. The film
61
00:05:27.319 --> 00:05:31.040
was also nominated in categories such as
Best Picture, Best Director for Roman Polanski,
62
00:05:31.439 --> 00:05:35.800
and Best Actor for Jack Nicholson.
The film also received four Golden Globe
63
00:05:35.800 --> 00:05:41.680
nominations and won the award for Best
Motion Picture Drama. Jack Nicholson and Faye
64
00:05:41.759 --> 00:05:46.240
Dunaway were also nominated and recognized for
their outstanding performances. In nineteen ninety one,
65
00:05:46.560 --> 00:05:50.839
Chinatown was selected for preservation in the
United States National Film Registry by the
66
00:05:50.879 --> 00:05:57.439
Library of Congress, recognizing its cultural, historical, and artistic significance. In
67
00:05:57.519 --> 00:06:00.800
twenty nineteen, Variety reported a prequel
TV series to Chinatown was in the works.
68
00:06:01.439 --> 00:06:04.759
It has yet to see the light
of day. As we conclude our
69
00:06:04.800 --> 00:06:11.279
exploration of Chinatown within the context of
Netflix's Milestone Movies, the Anniversary Collection,
70
00:06:11.839 --> 00:06:15.720
I encourage you to revisit this cinematic
gem or experience it for the first time.
71
00:06:16.199 --> 00:06:19.839
It's a journey into a bygone era
of Los Angeles, a tale of
72
00:06:19.920 --> 00:06:25.279
intrigue and deception, and a testament
to the enduring power of film to transport
73
00:06:25.360 --> 00:06:29.079
us to another time and place.
I'll be taking a look at more films
74
00:06:29.120 --> 00:06:32.160
in this exciting Netflix feature. Until
next time, stay warm and hit that
75
00:06:32.279 --> 00:06:34.600
follow button as we all watch TV
in the basement.
1
00:00:03.120 --> 00:00:25.920
Calaroga Shark Media. Welcome back to
TV in the Basement, the podcast where
2
00:00:25.960 --> 00:00:31.359
we explore TV from the comfort of
our underground layer. Today we're diving into
3
00:00:31.359 --> 00:00:37.600
the enigmatic and unforgettable world of the
nineteen seventy four classic film Chinatown. But
4
00:00:37.719 --> 00:00:41.640
before we embark on our journey through
the sun drenched streets of Los Angeles in
5
00:00:41.679 --> 00:00:46.280
the nineteen thirties, let's take a
moment to explore the significance of nineteen seventy
6
00:00:46.280 --> 00:00:50.280
four in the world of cinema.
It was a year that marked the fiftieth
7
00:00:50.280 --> 00:00:55.320
anniversary of the film industry, and
Hollywood was determined to celebrate this milestone in
8
00:00:55.520 --> 00:01:00.000
grand style. In nineteen seventy four, Tinseltown unleashed a wave of creativity that
9
00:01:00.079 --> 00:01:04.959
resulted in some of the most iconic
and memorable films of all time. It
10
00:01:06.040 --> 00:01:11.400
was an era when cinematic brilliance was
practically pouring out of movie theaters. Netflix's
11
00:01:11.439 --> 00:01:17.239
Milestone Movies the Anniversary Collection brings together
fourteen of these cinematic treasures, and Chinatown
12
00:01:17.319 --> 00:01:21.560
proudly stands as one of the brightest
stars in this constellation. Now, let's
13
00:01:21.640 --> 00:01:26.719
dive headfirst into the murky waters of
Chinatown and discover why this film remains an
14
00:01:26.799 --> 00:01:33.519
enduring masterpiece that captivates audiences to this
day. Chinatown, directed by Roman Polanski
15
00:01:33.599 --> 00:01:38.159
and released in nineteen seventy four,
is a neo noir mystery thriller that not
16
00:01:38.200 --> 00:01:42.680
only showcases the complexity of the genre, but also stands as a shining example
17
00:01:42.680 --> 00:01:47.560
of storytelling in cinema. The film
transports us to nineteen thirty seven Los Angeles,
18
00:01:47.920 --> 00:01:53.719
where private investigator JJ giittis portrayed by
the incomparable Jack Nicholson, takes on
19
00:01:53.760 --> 00:01:59.159
a case that spirals into a web
of deceit, corruption, and unspeakable secrets.
20
00:01:59.799 --> 00:02:04.799
The plot centers around a seemingly straightforward
investigation. Giddis is hired to follow
21
00:02:04.879 --> 00:02:08.039
Hollis Mulray, the chief engineer of
the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power,
22
00:02:08.280 --> 00:02:12.960
to determine if he's having an affair. However, as he delves deeper
23
00:02:13.000 --> 00:02:17.240
into the case, Giddis finds himself
entangled in a much larger conspiracy involving water
24
00:02:17.319 --> 00:02:23.639
rights, political manipulation, and the
mysterious Chinatown. Chinatown is a triumph of
25
00:02:23.680 --> 00:02:29.439
storytelling. It weaves a complex narrative
that keeps viewers on the edge of their
26
00:02:29.479 --> 00:02:34.800
seats. As Giddis peels back the
layers of deception, he uncovers a shocking
27
00:02:34.879 --> 00:02:38.400
truth that leads to a devastating climax
in the heart of Chinatown, where the
28
00:02:38.400 --> 00:02:44.120
film derives its title. The film's
cast is a masterclass in acting, with
29
00:02:44.199 --> 00:02:49.840
each member delivering impeccable performances that bring
the characters to life. Jack Nicholson stars
30
00:02:49.879 --> 00:02:54.159
as JJ Gittis. Nicholson's portrayal of
the witty and relentless private investigator is a
31
00:02:54.199 --> 00:03:00.240
career defining performance. His charisma and
talent shine in every scene. Faye Dunaway
32
00:03:00.319 --> 00:03:05.879
is Evelyn Cross Mulry. Faye Dunaway
brings depth and complexity to the character of
33
00:03:05.919 --> 00:03:08.639
Evelyn, whose secrets and vulnerability are
at the heart of the film's mystery.
34
00:03:09.039 --> 00:03:15.319
John Houston is Noa Cross. John
Houston's portrayal of the enigmatic and sinister Noacross
35
00:03:15.400 --> 00:03:20.319
is haunting. His presence on screen
is chilling and unforgettable. Perry Lopez is
36
00:03:20.360 --> 00:03:24.159
Lieutenant Leu Escobar. Perry Lopez delivers
a memorable performance as the police detective caught
37
00:03:24.199 --> 00:03:30.199
in the midst of the unfolding conspiracy
in the film. Noah Cross played by
38
00:03:30.280 --> 00:03:34.840
John Houston, claims he has never
set foot in the ocean before. However,
39
00:03:34.919 --> 00:03:38.479
John Houston, the actor who portrayed
him, was a well known director
40
00:03:38.520 --> 00:03:44.120
of maritime adventure films, making this
statement a clever bit of irony. Director
41
00:03:44.199 --> 00:03:47.400
Roman Polanski, who also had a
significant role in the film's production, makes
42
00:03:47.439 --> 00:03:53.080
a brief appearance in Chinatown as the
man who cuts Jack Nicholson's character JJ Gittis
43
00:03:53.159 --> 00:03:57.719
with a knife. Faye Dunaway suffered
an injury during the filming of Chinatown.
44
00:03:58.400 --> 00:04:02.520
In the scene where her character Evelyn
Mulray slaps JJ Giittis, she accidentally scratched
45
00:04:02.560 --> 00:04:06.919
Nicholson, and his reaction of shock
and anger was unscripted but left in the
46
00:04:06.960 --> 00:04:13.240
final cut. The iconic line,
the film's famous line forget it, Jake,
47
00:04:13.280 --> 00:04:16.959
It's Chinatown, has become synonymous with
the idea of accepting the uncontrollable and
48
00:04:17.000 --> 00:04:24.240
inevitable. It reflects the film's overarching
theme of corruption and moral ambiguity. Chinatown
49
00:04:24.319 --> 00:04:28.680
was released in nineteen seventy four and
performed well at the box office. It
50
00:04:28.800 --> 00:04:32.360
grows to approximately twenty nine million dollars
in the United States during its initial run,
51
00:04:32.839 --> 00:04:39.199
making it a successful film both critically
and commercially. Its success contributed to
52
00:04:39.240 --> 00:04:45.959
its enduring status as a classic in
the film noir genre. Chinatown is a
53
00:04:46.079 --> 00:04:49.879
visual and auditory feast, thanks in
large part to the creative talents behind the
54
00:04:49.920 --> 00:04:55.120
scenes. The film's cinematography, led
by John A. Alonso, is a
55
00:04:55.199 --> 00:04:59.759
visual delight. The use of light
and shadow, coupled with the period accurate
56
00:04:59.759 --> 00:05:03.560
set set design, immerse's viewers in
the gritty and glamorous world of nineteen thirties
57
00:05:03.600 --> 00:05:10.800
Los Angeles. Jerry Goldsmith's hauntingly beautiful
score adds another layer of atmosphere to the
58
00:05:10.839 --> 00:05:15.800
film. The music enhances the tension
and emotion of each scene, making it
59
00:05:15.839 --> 00:05:21.120
an integral part of the storytelling.
Chinatown received eleven Academy Award nominations. It
60
00:05:21.199 --> 00:05:27.240
won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay
for Robert Town's Brilliant Script. The film
61
00:05:27.319 --> 00:05:31.040
was also nominated in categories such as
Best Picture, Best Director for Roman Polanski,
62
00:05:31.439 --> 00:05:35.800
and Best Actor for Jack Nicholson.
The film also received four Golden Globe
63
00:05:35.800 --> 00:05:41.680
nominations and won the award for Best
Motion Picture Drama. Jack Nicholson and Faye
64
00:05:41.759 --> 00:05:46.240
Dunaway were also nominated and recognized for
their outstanding performances. In nineteen ninety one,
65
00:05:46.560 --> 00:05:50.839
Chinatown was selected for preservation in the
United States National Film Registry by the
66
00:05:50.879 --> 00:05:57.439
Library of Congress, recognizing its cultural, historical, and artistic significance. In
67
00:05:57.519 --> 00:06:00.800
twenty nineteen, Variety reported a prequel
TV series to Chinatown was in the works.
68
00:06:01.439 --> 00:06:04.759
It has yet to see the light
of day. As we conclude our
69
00:06:04.800 --> 00:06:11.279
exploration of Chinatown within the context of
Netflix's Milestone Movies, the Anniversary Collection,
70
00:06:11.839 --> 00:06:15.720
I encourage you to revisit this cinematic
gem or experience it for the first time.
71
00:06:16.199 --> 00:06:19.839
It's a journey into a bygone era
of Los Angeles, a tale of
72
00:06:19.920 --> 00:06:25.279
intrigue and deception, and a testament
to the enduring power of film to transport
73
00:06:25.360 --> 00:06:29.079
us to another time and place.
I'll be taking a look at more films
74
00:06:29.120 --> 00:06:32.160
in this exciting Netflix feature. Until
next time, stay warm and hit that
75
00:06:32.279 --> 00:06:34.600
follow button as we all watch TV
in the basement.