Chinatown

Last night, for the first time in many months, I watched Roman Polanski's Chinatown, probably my all-time favourite movie.

I was reminded how evocatively and seductively the film depicted both the glamour and the menace of 1930s Los Angeles. This process commences even with the opening titles and music, which help to draw in the viewer.

Jack Nicholson stars as Jake Gittes, the street-wise private detective who, almost by accident, uncovers an ever greater web of corruption and sleaze. Faye Dunaway plays the part of the archetypal "black widow".

One of the most affecting performances is that by cinema legend John Huston, as the sinister Noah Cross. Even the director himself has a cameo role!

One of the most interesting aspects of Chinatown is the disturbing and surprising ending. Justice is not necessarily seen to be done, and the "good guys" do not win....

This is one of those films which everyone should try to see during their lifetime....