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Signature Classic |
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Chinatown Best Original Screenplay 1974 Sponsored by County of El Paso 1974 | R | Thriller, Mystery | d. Roman Polanski Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway and John Huston 35th Anniversary Screening |
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| On the surface, this splendid evocation of 1940s film noir is a detective picture set in 1930s Los Angeles. But in actuality, it is a multi-faceted story of political corruption, degeneracy, psychology, double-cross, deception and multiple twists and turns—each more fascinating than the one before. Written by Robert Towne, with an ear for the dialog of the times, and brilliantly directed byPolish-born Roman Polanski, this “Neo-Noir” believably creates a grimy sub-culture through superlative acting, settings, costumes, props and music. Sam Spade and Philip Marlowe wouldn’t have accomplished any more than the determined, aggressive, cocky and mordant private eye J.J. Gittes. Cinematographer John A. Alonzo’s stunning camera work also creates a dazzling sense of menace and paranoia. A 1970s classic…and worthy of multiple viewings. - Jay Duncan | ||