11/23/2011
Chinatown
Runtime 130 min
English
Directed by Roman Polanski
Released 6/20/ 1974
I thought long about how to discuss this film in relation to the class, but I think I have to break it up into two categories first in the genre we discussed called film noir. Second is from Eisenstein's fifth chapter which is about breaking the fourth wall. Ok so film noir which in French means "black film" is a term used to describe a movie that his a crime drama, with use of sexual motives, and other traits like having a characters with mocking attitudes. The film has characters with mocking attitudes, and has sex so it is a positive match. Now Like I mentioned in other post I am more of a science fiction guy, and the closest I ever came to a noir film was probably the Terminator (1984). This film has inspired me to watch more of the genre because they have suspense, action, and factors that keep the viewer locked into their seat. Next is Eisenstein's fifth chapter. In this chapter he discusses that films that have great images, and sound/music could possible touch the viewer. This film breaks the fourth wall because what I saw and heard effected a lot of people and myself. There was too many examples to name but let's just take the ending (which I won't spoil) JJ the main character walks down the street with his two partners and then the music by Jerry Goldsmith plays. The situation that has just happened that I saw has emotionally impacted me, when I hear the music it adds to that emotion making me feel different then the last scenes. Another quick example is when JJ is riding into Chinatown with the villain there is a sense of uneasiness as to what will happen, then yet again Goldsmith's music comes on not orchrastrated but with bangs (similar to the Original Planet of the Apes series) This made me feel suspense like cranking a jack in the box hearing the sound and waiting for something to pop out at me. Now that these two topic has been discussed let's get to some articles about the film.
Chinatown written by yet again Roger Ebert explains that this film is not only entertainment, but has qualities of the 1940's films which were made in the same way. He then talks about Jack Nicholson's character JJ, and his lady costars given a summary of their character traits. He doesn't talk much about the main plot, or the ending which I found a little odd, but rather returns to the characters and praises Nicholson and his co star Faye Dunaway which he describes as a triumph in acting. He mentions the use of the character played by Dunaway and tells how she's basically there to learn from in the beginning we don't trust her, but as the movie progresses our trust grows. He concludes by talking about Nicholson's nose bandage and explains its importance because it isn't funny, and you never see one in a film. The last line of his review tells of a sequel made by Nicholson himself called The Two Jacks (1990). (Ebert). The second article I chose to talk about is written by hunter Cordaiy entitled Through a lens, darkly: teaching Chinatown. This is different than most journal articles I have talked about so far. Chinatown is a film with many layers, meaning that there is a lot of dimensions to the characters and plot. So I consider this a hard subject to discuss. Cordaiy writes this article to teach people how to talk and discuss the film which I think is a neat perspective to look at. It begins in addressing the dark and dangerous worlds portrayed by noir films. Then related this to the dark nature of human beings thus the look into Chinatown begins. He breaks the film down into several sections that stand out. Some examples are when he discusses Voyeurism, and Dark Places. These two are themes in the film, JJ spies on people or as the author puts it "peeping" looking through windows, off roofs, ect. The dark places theme is one that relates to the nature of the film. Human being are the monsters here, the dark side is that of them. The father daughter relationship, the idea of screwing people just to make more money, that type of actions. Other examples one might see in a classroom like story structure, and asking the question is this film a homage or a reconstruction. The author states that the film is paying homage to the past they use certain ideas, but it does have its moment that separate it from the rest. Like having a well dressed main character like JJ as opposed to not so well dressed heroes in other older films. It concludes with what should the students leave with. Well simply put the author says they should leaving with an idea of it being a perfect film or close to perfect. And also to understand human being and corruption especially in a city such as L. A. (Cordaiy).
These articles do not talk about the same material but rather work together to examine the movie as a whole. Ebert talks mostly about the characters and how they are outstanding. After watching the movies I have seen that the characters change and evolve during the progress of the movie. I would say if I had to pinpoint JJs transformation it would be when the gangster cut his nose. After that point we can see a go getter become a extremely cautious man yes he acts almost the same but after the nose job he knows he's diving into something bigger than he thought. another example is the main woman Dunaway at first she is secretive but as the film goes on she opens up more and more. basically as we watch the movie we know more and more about the characters just as they find out more and more about their on screen problems. The second article is the opposite of characters it talks about teaching the film. Now this may be a odd article to talk about but it worked. In class many said the movie was confusing, i didn't think so. However it did have many layers of mystery and plot twist. This article breaks it down and shows you why it works, and what it is about in a way. It mainly focuses on the themes, and the main idea which is a dark story. This dark story shows the dark side of humanity, and the article is right because after seeing the film I really felt hatred towards the evil character.
My personal opinion on the movie at first was hard to describe. I will not give away the ending because if I did there would be no point in watching it. But what I will say, is it has balls! This film was exceptional in every way possible. The characters were very strong and had great lines. The mystery was very intriguing and had me hooked. I sat watching this film and felt swallowed up as the plot was becoming deeper and deeper (in a good way). Jack Nicholson which I only remember him for his work in the Tim Burton's Batman (1989) and the Raven (1963) was terrific, and I have a new thought of the man now and want to see more of his films. Jerry Goldsmith's score was great and added to the effect of setting the mood for mystery and suspense. I was touched by this film and thought it was amazing, which goes with Eisenstein's fifth wall chapter. Some may not like the ending but that's life. And don't forget there is a sequel which I will be checking out very soon.
Cordaiy, Hunter. "through a lens, darkly: teaching CHINATOWN". Screen Education; Winter2009, Issue 54, p119-124, 6p.
Ebert, Roger. Chinatown. (2011). Rogerebert.com
