Common Sense Note
Parents should be aware that this film focuses on corruption within the government. The film presents many instances of mild violence (fistfights, gunplay, murdered bodies, etc.) and a more disturbingly violent onscreen killing of a major character. Parents should note that characters with whom viewers place emotional investment meet extremely unfortunate demises. The film also includes some sexually suggestive materials (post-coitus conversation, dirty jokes, implications of incest, etc.).
Families who believe their teens are mature enough to handle this movie may want to use the opportunity to discuss the possibility of a grey area that exists between right and wrong (the violent police, the crooked government, and the antihero detective). Did Evelyn Mulwray's abusive relationship with her father excuse her actions at the end of the film? How does Jake break his cardinal rule in his dealings with Evelyn, and how does that comment on his character? This film also lends itself to discussions about cinematic style (excellent harshly shadowed lighting) and issues of genre. How does the type of storytelling present in this film compare to current trends in television detective shows such as Law and Order and C.S.I.?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kelly Kessler
CHINATOWN brought the hardboiled detective genre into the 1970s. Ex-cop Jack Giddes (Jack Nicholson), carries on a lucrative detective business -- at least until a woman seeks information about her philandering husband. In his attempt to prove the husband's affair, Jack finds himself entangled in a deadly game with the Los Angeles police department, the local government, and a beautiful femme fatale (Faye Dunaway). Someone is siphoning water from the local supply, much to the dismay of the local farmers. Ultimately, Jack must uncover the trail of corruption and deceit to save his own hide (and nose).
Roman Polanski's CHINATOWN is a visually lavish trip back into the hardboiled detective genre. The gorgeous costumes and harsh lighting help to capture the seediness lurking behind legitimate society in 1930s Los Angeles. The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences recognized the film with Oscar nominations in major performance, design, and technical categories. Robert Towne (Shampoo [1975], Mission: Impossible [1996]) ultimately brought home the Academy Award for his original screenplay. (The writing process had been a contentious one, as Towne had originally planned for a happy ending.) The film was intended to be the first of a trilogy, about the water company, gas company, and a freeway project respectively. Ultimately, only one sequel (The Two Jakes [1990]) found its way into production; Nicholson would go on to direct and star in that film.
Parents should consider the mature themes and level of violence exhibited in CHINATOWN before viewing it with their teens.
Notably, CHINATOWN was the last film Polanski (Rosemary's Baby [1968], The Pianist [2002]) filmed in the United States before taking up residence abroad to avoid a statutory rape charge.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentTwo sexually suggestive photos, a suggestive joke, a couple in bed together (after off-screen sex), implication of incest, very minor female nudity (in profile). |
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ViolenceIncludes off-screen drowning, a graphic on-screen murder, gunplay, a graphic cutting, slapping of a woman, and some extended fistfights. |
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LanguageSome strong profanity. |
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Social BehaviorWhile the main character is theoretically on the side of good, he too breaks rules to attain what he desires. The majority of the characters are liars, thugs, or otherwise criminals. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoA bit of social drinking . |
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