Overview
A gripping tale of deception and intrigue set against the backdrop of a drought-stricken city.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Dense
- Violence
- Moderate
- brooding
- paranoid
- cynical
- classic film night
- noir double feature
What critics said
Critics broadly regard it as a landmark neo-noir distinguished by Robert Towne’s intricate screenplay, Roman Polanski’s controlled direction, and powerful performances.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Jake’s investigation turns on the proposed dam, manipulated water supplies, and the struggle over Los Angeles’s future growth.
The water department, wealthy developers, police, and political actors are entangled in the scheme confronting Gittes.
Gittes’s history in Chinatown informs his guarded, cynical behavior and the film’s bleak view of investigative heroism.
The bright, orderly image of 1937 Los Angeles repeatedly gives way to secrecy, abuse, murder, and corruption.
Films like Chinatown, and why
L.A. Confidential
shared neo-noir atmosphere, morally compromised institutions, investigative mystery, and corruptive power
The Big Sleep
shared private investigator protagonist, classic noir conventions, urban conspiracy, and fatalistic crime plotting
The Two Jakes
shared 1930s Los Angeles setting, cynical detective story, corruption, and brooding period atmosphere
The Long Goodbye
shared neo-noir fatalism, hidden family secrets, investigative suspense, and morally bleak resolution
Movie Details
- Director
- Roman Polanski
- Release Date
- 1974-06-20
- Runtime
- 130 min
- Rating
- 7.9 / 10 (4417)
Cast
- Jack Nicholson
- Faye Dunaway
- John Huston
- Perry Lopez
- Burt Young
- John Hillerman
- Darrell Zwerling
- Roman Polanski
- Diane Ladd
- Richard Bakalyan
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus
- Rent
- JustWatch TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Chinatown about?
- A cynical 1937 Los Angeles private eye uncovers a conspiracy where water, wealth, and family secrets are inseparable from corruption and ruin.
- What is Chinatown like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Chinatown as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as dense.
- Is Chinatown violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Chinatown as moderate.
- What did critics think of Chinatown?
- Critics broadly regard it as a landmark neo-noir distinguished by Robert Towne’s intricate screenplay, Roman Polanski’s controlled direction, and powerful performances.
- Which films are like Chinatown?
- Films with a similar feel include L.A. Confidential, The Big Sleep, The Two Jakes, and The Long Goodbye.
- How long is Chinatown?
- Chinatown runs 130 minutes.
- Where can I watch Chinatown?
- In United States, Chinatown streams on fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus.
