Forget it, Jacob. It's Chinatown.

I was trying to find an excuse to review this movie, and the Chinese New Year is close enough for me. What we have here today is truly a powerhouse of a film. Chinatown is a drama about a private investigator Jake (Jack Nicholson) who gets hired by a Mrs. Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway) because she believes her husband is having an affair. Jake quickly gets to work, but when Mr. Mulwray turns up dead and Evelyn not possibly actually being Evelyn, the movie starts messing with you in the best possible way.

            Before I discuss anything further, I have to talk about the script. It’s truly amazing just how good the writing is. It kills me not to discuss any spoilers, and I won’t, but you learn just the right amount of details from every scene as the depth to the complexity of the story and the characters slowly unwinds in metaphorical wonder. If there aren’t classes that already do this, then scriptwriting classes should always point to this movie when discussing how to essentially write a perfect script. No joke, as experienced of a writer I am, this script is almost as well-written as these reviews.

            Anyways, Roman Polanski directs this film, and one of his most notable contributions is the tone. The dude had a rough past, especially with where they shot the film, and admittedly this is a formula that does not equal out to a rainbow and smiles kind of movie. And this has got to be the most normal character Jack Nicholson has ever played, and the best thing to say is that it’s just a joy to watch an actor take the protagonist and make it his own. The supporting cast shines—I shouldn’t even have to say it, but this obviously includes the brilliantly complex performance from Faye Dunaway.

            Obviously, the most famous line is the one I reference in the title; however, that’s not actually my favorite line of the film. What’s so much fun is that I actually can’t tell you what it is because it’d be too much of a spoiler, so all I will say is that the line is a big reveal I did not by any means expect in the latter half of the movie. It’s some deep subject matter, and I say with a smirk that you have to watch the film to understand what I’m talking about.

            I understand that some movies I review and recommend will not exactly put you in a good mood after watching them… And yeah, this movie isn’t different. But if you’re prepared for a slow-burner that will shock and entertain you (but not put a smile on your face), then watch Chinatown. Well, that’s all from me. Now that you’ve read this review, go out and celebrate with your roosters.