Netflix's Milestone Movies - The Anniversary Collection : Chinatown (1974)

0:03 Calaroga Shark Media. Welcome back to TV in the Basement, the podcast where we explore TV from the comfort of our underground layer. Today we're diving into the enigmatic and unforgettable world of the nineteen seventy four classic film Chinatown. But before we embark on our journey through the sun drenched streets of Los Angeles in the nineteen thirties, let's take a moment to explore the significance of nineteen seventy four in the world of cinema. It was a year that marked the fiftieth anniversary of the film industry, and Hollywood was determined to celebrate this milestone in grand style. In nineteen seventy four, Tinseltown unleashed a wave of creativity that resulted in some of the most iconic and memorable films of all time. It was an era when cinematic brilliance was practically pouring out of movie theaters. Netflix's Milestone Movies the Anniversary Collection brings together fourteen of these cinematic treasures, and Chinatown proudly stands as one of the brightest stars in this constellation. Now, let's dive headfirst into the murky waters of Chinatown and discover why this film remains an enduring masterpiece that captivates audiences to this day. Chinatown, directed by Roman Polanski

1:33 and released in nineteen seventy four, is a neo noir mystery thriller that not only showcases the complexity of the genre, but also stands as a shining example of storytelling in cinema. The film transports us to nineteen thirty seven Los Angeles, where private investigator JJ giittis portrayed by the incomparable Jack Nicholson, takes on a case that spirals into a web of deceit, corruption, and unspeakable secrets. The plot centers around a seemingly straightforward investigation. Giddis is hired to follow Hollis Mulray, the chief engineer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, to determine if he's having an affair. However, as he delves deeper into the case, Giddis finds himself entangled in a much larger conspiracy involving water rights, political manipulation, and the mysterious Chinatown. Chinatown is a triumph of storytelling. It weaves a complex narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. As Giddis peels back the layers of deception, he uncovers a shocking truth that leads to a devastating climax in the heart of Chinatown, where the film derives its title. The film's cast is a masterclass in acting, with each member delivering impeccable performances that bring the characters to life. Jack Nicholson stars as JJ Gittis. Nicholson's portrayal of the witty and relentless private investigator is a career defining performance. His charisma and talent shine in every scene. Faye Dunaway is Evelyn Cross Mulry. Faye Dunaway brings depth and complexity to the character of

3:05 Evelyn, whose secrets and vulnerability are at the heart of the film's mystery. John Houston is Noa Cross. John Houston's portrayal of the enigmatic and sinister Noacross is haunting. His presence on screen is chilling and unforgettable. Perry Lopez is Lieutenant Leu Escobar. Perry Lopez delivers a memorable performance as the police detective caught in the midst of the unfolding conspiracy in the film. Noah Cross played by John Houston, claims he has never set foot in the ocean before. However, John Houston, the actor who portrayed him, was a well known director of maritime adventure films, making this statement a clever bit of irony. Director Roman Polanski, who also had a significant role in the film's production, makes a brief appearance in Chinatown as the man who cuts Jack Nicholson's character JJ Gittis with a knife. Faye Dunaway suffered an injury during the filming of Chinatown.

3:58 In the scene where her character Evelyn Mulray slaps JJ Giittis, she accidentally scratched Nicholson, and his reaction of shock and anger was unscripted but left in the final cut. The iconic line, the film's famous line forget it, Jake, It's Chinatown, has become synonymous with the idea of accepting the uncontrollable and inevitable. It reflects the film's overarching theme of corruption and moral ambiguity. Chinatown was released in nineteen seventy four and performed well at the box office. It grows to approximately twenty nine million dollars in the United States during its initial run, making it a successful film both critically and commercially. Its success contributed to its enduring status as a classic in the film noir genre. Chinatown is a visual and auditory feast, thanks in large part to the creative talents behind the scenes. The film's cinematography, led by John A. Alonso, is a visual delight. The use of light and shadow, coupled with the period accurate set set design, immerse's viewers in the gritty and glamorous world of nineteen thirties Los Angeles. Jerry Goldsmith's hauntingly beautiful score adds another layer of atmosphere to the film. The music enhances the tension and emotion of each scene, making it an integral part of the storytelling. Chinatown received eleven Academy Award nominations. It won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Robert Town's Brilliant Script. The film was also nominated in categories such as Best Picture, Best Director for Roman Polanski,

5:31 and Best Actor for Jack Nicholson. The film also received four Golden Globe nominations and won the award for Best Motion Picture Drama. Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway were also nominated and recognized for their outstanding performances. In nineteen ninety one, Chinatown was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, recognizing its cultural, historical, and artistic significance. In twenty nineteen, Variety reported a prequel TV series to Chinatown was in the works. It has yet to see the light of day. As we conclude our exploration of Chinatown within the context of Netflix's Milestone Movies, the Anniversary Collection, I encourage you to revisit this cinematic gem or experience it for the first time.

6:16 It's a journey into a bygone era of Los Angeles, a tale of intrigue and deception, and a testament to the enduring power of film to transport us to another time and place. I'll be taking a look at more films in this exciting Netflix feature. Until next time, stay warm and hit that follow button as we all watch TV in the basement.