Great Scene: “Chinatown”

Jake wrangles a shocking truth from Evelyn.

It’s often referred to as a “perfect script”: Chinatown, written by Robert Towne (with uncredited contributions from director Roman Polanski). Looked at one way, it’s simply a murder mystery, but there’s nothing simple about this movie’s plot or the characters, as this famous scene conveys — one of the most memorable plot twists in American movie history.

Here is the scene in the movie up through the shocking revelation:

I suspect most of us remember this scene because of the big reveal itself, but the scene is critical for two other reasons. The first has to do with the Plotline: Instead of having Evelyn arrested, Gittes chooses to let her leave with Katherine, a decision that eventually leads to the famous final scene of the movie. The second thing is about the Themeline or the emotional life of the story: For while the plot winds its way through the manipulative schemes of “the powers that be” in Los Angeles, backroom deals and bribes, it is Gittes’ relationship with Evelyn — and now extending to her daughter (and her sister) Katherine — that provides an emotional touchstone for the audience. This pivotal moment, where Gittes learns of the unspeakable horror perpetrated on Noah Cross’ daughter by Cross himself, is a massive gut check for Gittes, who up to this point has not demonstrated himself to be much of a stand-up guy, at least morally. Now he does, displaying a side of his humanity we had not seen before.

Of course, we can’t discuss this scene without drawing the obvious symbolism: What Cross did to Evelyn, literally screwing her, is the same thing that he and his political and business cronies are in the process doing to Los Angeles, laying the groundwork for the sprawling mess the city became, all to fatten their wallets.

Finally, this: Notice how the scene ends? Gittes says: “It’s Chinatown.” Sound familiar?

The very last line of the movie. Nice callback.

What are you thoughts about this great scene from Chinatown?

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