Chinatown - Exploring The Greatest Screenplay of All Time

Summary

This video script delves into the brilliance of 'Chinatown's' screenplay, penned by Robert Towne. It's praised for its efficient storytelling, blending traditional narrative with unexpected twists. The script masterfully weaves a complex mystery, introducing clues subtly throughout. It challenges viewers to decipher the true questions behind the plot. The character development, especially Jake's, is highlighted, showing his transformation from a loner to a protector, only to be thrust back into chaos. The video also discusses the film's connection to classic film noir, subverting expectations, particularly with the character of Evelyn. The script's efficiency and multi-layered storytelling contribute to its reputation as one of the greatest ever written.

Takeaways

• 🎬 'Chinatown' is often hailed as one of the greatest screenplays of all time, written by Robert Towne and influenced by film noir of the 1940s and 50s.
• 🔍 The screenplay is praised for its efficiency in storytelling, keeping the audience engaged with a blend of traditional and innovative narrative techniques.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The film presents a real mystery where answers lead to more questions, maintaining suspense without leaving any loose ends.
• 💧 A central motif of the film is water, which is used to guide the audience through the story, ultimately revealing a much darker and complex narrative.
• 📜 Every scene, interaction, and line of dialogue in 'Chinatown' serves multiple purposes, contributing to both plot advancement and character development.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The opening scene with Curley introduces the protagonist, Jake, as a skilled and empathetic private eye with a morally ambiguous character.
• 💈 The barbershop scene reveals Jake's moral stance and his self-perception as a defender of the desperate, adding depth to his character.
• 🏡 The mall scene showcases Jake's potential prejudice towards Chinatown, hinting at a complex character with flaws and biases.
• 🌱 Jake's character development is significant, evolving from a loner to someone who forms meaningful connections, only to revert to his original state by the film's end.
• 🔗 'Chinatown' draws connections to earlier film noir through casting, cinematography, and writing, while also subverting expectations and tropes of the genre.

Q & A

What is the significance of the screenplay 'Chinatown' in the context of film noir?

Chinatown is considered a modernization of film noir themes and ideas, continuing and updating the genre with its original story influenced by earlier noir films of the 1940s and 50s.

How does the screenplay of 'Chinatown' manage to keep the audience engaged?

The screenplay is efficient in storytelling, quickly unfolding the plot while maintaining suspense, and it follows traditional storytelling beats while also introducing unexpected twists to keep the audience guessing.

What is the central mystery in the film 'Chinatown'?

The central mystery revolves around the water scandal, but it serves as a red herring, leading to a much darker and more complex underlying story with significant consequences.

How does the film 'Chinatown' use the motif of water?

The motif of water is used to guide the audience through the story, initially focusing on a water scandal, which later reveals itself as a small part of a larger, more sinister plot.

What is the role of the character Curley in the opening scene of 'Chinatown'?

Curley serves to introduce the protagonist, Jake, as a skilled and sympathetic private eye with questionable morals, and his reintroduction later in the film provides continuity without the need for exposition.

How does the screenplay of 'Chinatown' utilize every scene and interaction?

Every scene, interaction, and line of dialogue serves multiple purposes, such as advancing the plot, revealing character traits, or laying important clues, which enhances the film's depth and encourages repeat viewings.

What are the three moments from the film 'Chinatown' that exemplify the screenplay's efficiency?

The opening scene with Curley, the barbershop scene, and the scene at the mall where the gardener points to the pool are moments that not only advance the plot but also reveal character traits and important plot elements.

How does the character development of Jake in 'Chinatown' reflect the film noir genre?

Jake's character development is a reflection of film noir, where he starts as a loner and becomes more involved with others, only to end up reverting to his original nature after facing the harsh realities and violence of the world.

What is the role of Evelyn in 'Chinatown' and how does it subvert traditional film noir expectations?

Evelyn initially seems to fit the femme fatale trope, leading the audience and Jake to assume she will become the antagonist. However, she is revealed to be a victim and the heroine of the story, subverting the expectations set by traditional film noir.

How does 'Chinatown' connect to earlier film noir through its casting and visual style?

Chinatown connects to earlier film noir through the casting of John Huston, director of 'The Maltese Falcon', and visual elements that are heavily inspired by the genre, while also incorporating unique storytelling that distinguishes it from its predecessors.

What makes 'Chinatown' stand out as the greatest screenplay according to the video?

Chinatown stands out due to its efficient storytelling, the way it subverts traditional film noir tropes, its multi-purposeful scenes and dialogues, and its ability to keep the audience engaged and guessing throughout the film.