Chinatown EXPLAINED | Everything You Missed

[@studiodlux]

There s lots of imagery and symbolism and foreshadowing throughout that you cant recognize until you ve seen the movie several times. Thats why its so brilliant.

[@Kathleenkelly70]

Saw it and loved it when it was released. Have probably watched this amazing film 100 times over the years. Just fabulous! Plus Jack, Faye and John Houston!! What could be better?

[@MichaelSmith-su9cq]

It’s interesting that some wanted a happier ending when so many things in the movie point to THAT ending. I didn’t notice until I read the script that by blocking the first cop, who was shooting at the tires, he caused the second cop (Louche….great name) to shoot high and kill Evelyn. That’s the kind of detail that can be missed unless you read the script.

[@HowStoriesWork]

Exactly! It’s perfection. I can’t see wanting it to end any other way.

[@guylancaster2055]

Like Jake said… you end up hurting who you’re trying to help… in Chinatown… which is what he is doing in Physical Chinatown again…. But , also what he has done to ruin Evelyn in the metaphorical Chinatowntown…where cause and effect go away…. Uh

[@aniket385]

Noah Cross buys Lou... As he and Jack Nicholson talk about lou in the lunch scene

[@andil7337]

My all time favorite movie. I've seen it about twenty times and always find some little detail or nuance that I'd missed previously.

[@HowStoriesWork]

Absolutely. It’s amazing!

[@That.old.mountain]

Obsessed by this film for years... great summary

[@HowStoriesWork]

It’s so good. Love Chinatown! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@mobiuspaw494]

I too am obsessed with Chinatown. Why did Jake call Noah Cross ? He could have been a true hero.

[@That.old.mountain]

@@mobiuspaw494 I think as much as he is disgusted by him, there is a part of Noah Cross in Jack… and a subservience to him

[@HowStoriesWork]

@@mobiuspaw494 My take is that Jake doesn’t trust anybody. In his attempt to “play both sides,” I think he’s trying to outsmart Cross, but he also thinks Evelyn is lying to him. Jake tends to assume he’s ahead of Evelyn and Cross, when in reality he’s consistently behind the eight ball. That’s what makes the plot so good. We think we’re right there with Jake until we realize everything is worse than we imagined.

[@NovRen19]

We saw this film for the first time in the 2000s and it was intense. The plot twist was a shocker. Fantastic deep dive into the script Jay. Well done. 😊

[@HowStoriesWork]

Thank you! I got a lot out of reading this one. Part of me doing a video like this means I get to dig really deep into the actual content!

[@NovRen19]

@@HowStoriesWork it was fantastic and really a grear screen play.

[@mobiuspaw494]

Love this movie and the magical soundtrack. Excellent video.

[@HowStoriesWork]

It’s so great! Thanks for the comment!

[@emmagrove6491]

Chinatown is one of the deepest tragedies ever written. We only get hints of what happened with the woman in Chinatown he inadvertently caused the death of, but it happens again with Evelyn. Is Jake in some kind or purgatory, doomed to watch, and accidentally bring about, the same tragedy over and over?

[@HowStoriesWork]

Well said! Which only makes the oppression of the rich, powerful, and corrupt even worse!

[@emmagrove6491]

@@HowStoriesWork In the final edit, they actually eliminated the line Jake says at the beginning about only the rich and powerful being able to get away with murder, I think because it clues the audience in right from the start who the real murderer is.

[@HowStoriesWork]

Yep. I think you’re right. It’s such a good script!

[@richardmardis2492]

I like that it’s the boring water and land swindle, that makes it seem so real, and mature- no Hollywood script would had been so complex. …and then to add incest to the story- we have gone to places that are overwhelmingly disturbing. The ending… Crushing- such a punch to the soul. You’re right- everything we needed to know was there in the beginning. If you’re rich and powerful, you can get away with murder, and get everything you want. Jake knew better, he got involved and forgot his own words- but everything was stacked against him.

[@HowStoriesWork]

Exactly! Amazing film.

[@gen2917]

Enjoyed this so much!

[@phillee7659]

Totally appreciate this...best explanation of this movie, great job.

[@HowStoriesWork]

Thanks, Phil!

[@laurentvachaud4438]

The script is awesome but it was directed and polished by a master. It helps.

[@HowStoriesWork]

Absolutely true.

[@1995yuda]

Chinatown's screenplay, as a stand alone, is considered to be the greatest ever written... As a Screenplay by itself.

[@stevemcnary7963]

It's interesting that 2 of the most complex movies(The Shining & Chinatown)star Jack Nicholson. Ĵack gives 2 completely different performances which shows his brilliance as an actor.

[@HowStoriesWork]

Absolutely. I totally agree. Pretty stunning!

[@andil7337]

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is another great movie with Nicholson.

[@philmcclenaghan7056]

How is the shining complex?

[@stevemcnary7963]

@philmcclenaghan7056 Look at KZbin videos for all the different Easter eggs in the movie that explain what Kubrick was telling the audience. With Kubrick nothing is as it seems.

[@rudynorte5353]

What was the Chinese insult Jake told Evelyn’s butler that shocked him so much?

[@shuroom57]

I have always wondered that! It sounds like, "Chow hoi kai dai". I have spoken that into my translator app many times and always get gibberish back.

[@PeterFuchs-i6f]

Great movie, but having listened to your comments of the screenplay one realizes that the final cut ( by removal of informations) can cause problems about understanding. good job, thanks.

[@HowStoriesWork]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@V45hTh3Stamp3d3]

As little as possible...

[@NovRen19]

Act 3 analysis beginning at 33:00....you brought it home...really great job.

[@HowStoriesWork]

Thank you! It’s such a complex film (and screenplay). For sure one of my all-time favorites, particularly related to studying the craft. Thanks for watching/commenting!

[@NovRen19]

@@HowStoriesWork no worries at all...our race to watch continues lol.

[@JJRoe]

I thought Jake, who was familiar with Chinese people speaking English, mocked the worker at the house by repeating "glass" instead of "grass." Nevertheless, this is the best YT about a film I've ever seen! (That was just a quibble about glass/grass or I misunderstood you or the dialogue. It's interesting that water was bad for the glasses as well as the grass.)

[@HowStoriesWork]

Thank you!!! I appreciate you watching and commenting. I believe you’re right about that when it comes to the film. The script is where I think that it’s more obvious that he’s misunderstanding what the gardener is saying… but I’d have to verify that…

[@stephenmccown9364]

Me, too.

[@stevemcnary7963]

It's a salt water pond. That's why it's bad for grass.

[@bastianena]

Watched this movie for the 1st time last night but I was left with a few questions. Your video nicely clarified all but one. Evelyn tells Jake that both she and Hollis were having affairs. Was Evelyn allowing Hollis to sleep with her daughter or was his affair with someone else?

[@HowStoriesWork]

GREAT question. Here’s my take: At that point of the story, Evelyn is lying. She’s trying to protect her daughter. In order to do that, she’s trying to divert attention away from the real problem: “Cross can’t find my daughter.” The easiest way to do that? Admit that she’s having an affair (she isn’t, but Gittes might believe it) and tell him she’s justified in doing so because Hollis was also having an affair (he wasn’t, but Gittes already has photos with Evelyn’s daughter, so he might believe it). The goal was to make it seem like the photos Gittes got of Hollis and Evelyn’s daughter was just Hollis having a fling with some random girl. Technically, she trying to send him on some other path. That’s my take. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@bastianena]

@@HowStoriesWork Yep that makes sense. Thanks for the response.

[@niteporter]

American psycho, se7en and this movie. Top 3 all time favorite movies.

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

Damn, they really did hide the setup line of dialogue for the theme of the film in the conflict of that one scene.

[@HowStoriesWork]

Crazy, right? So good!

[@lemorab1]

I just started watching your video. I also have a copy of the script, where the pilot of the plane flying Jake Gittes to Catalina reveals the rumors of teenaged Evelyn's wild ways, possible pregnancy, and running away. I know it isn't in the film, but I wonder if Polanski filmed it? In your notes and your video, please change Julian Cross to the character's correct name, Noah Cross.

[@HowStoriesWork]

I use Julian Cross because, as you’ll note in the screenplay, that’s what his name is in the script. I also note that in the video. But I’m glad you’re reading the script because it’s AMAZING. I have a feeling Polanski didn’t film it. It would be a pretty expensive scene (comparative to the others in the film) since a seaplane, more actors, and all the safety requirements that come with that would be a concern. But as I was doing research, and listening to the screenwriter talk about it, I believe it was just cut. I don’t think they filmed it. But I could be wrong! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@lemorab1]

@@HowStoriesWork I'll have to dig out my copy of the script and look again. I didn't remember that Noah was called Julian in the beginning. Noah, as related to the Biblical Noah and the great flood, seems so right. I think Polanski was correct in not cluing the audience in to a teenage Evelyn's wild past. It's better if she's a mystery woman right up until the end.

[@HowStoriesWork]

I totally agree. From an “understanding the film” standpoint, the scene really helps. But from a “great reveal moment” standpoint, the audience could definitely start to put that all together.

[@ThomasMcGauley-m7z]

The great animated flick rango alludes to Chinatown in many hilarious ways. Clint Eastwood too.

[@marklafayette6948]

Great movie 🍿 👌

[@emanuelbraga399]

excelent vídeo! really helpful. cheers from Brasil

[@HowStoriesWork]

Thank you! Bom dia! 🙌🏽

[@studiodlux]

Top 5 movie all time !!!

[@Drums-ve8on]

It’s funny that you and Noah Cross both mispronounce the last name of Jake Gettis. This is a fantastic movie.

[@tecumsehcristero]

The “second guy” that cut Jake’s nose is Roman Polanski

[@HowStoriesWork]

Facts.

[@jaylack3609]

So why did Cross kill Mulray?

[@HowStoriesWork]

Cross killed Mulwray for two reasons: (1) Mulwray was against the dam project to supply water to the farmland north of Los Angeles. The implication is that he knew Cross was running a scheme and was finally standing up to him, and (2) Hollis was hiding his daughter/granddaughter from him (though, it’s difficult to say whether or not Cross knew this for sure).

[@BoBo-ti6jh]

Great job. Thanks.

[@HowStoriesWork]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@stevealbenetyh38]

Have you covered the Good, the Bad & the Ugly?

[@HowStoriesWork]

I haven’t! But I would love to at some point. Great flick!

[@persebra]

Why do you keep saying Julian? its NOAH Cross. "John Huston as Noah Cross" did they change the name for the movie? i must have missed you saying that if you did.

[@HowStoriesWork]

In the script it’s Julian. JULIAN. 🤣🤣🤣 They did change the name for the movie. I thought I said that in this video, but I think it was in a different video I did… Thanks for watching and commenting! What other movies should I explain?

[@pninnabokov3734]

Am I mistaken or are you simply recounting the entire film orally? Like a story? Where's the analyses?

[@HowStoriesWork]

It’s not intended to be an analysis so much as taking the script and explaining how it all comes together. A lot of the complexity gets lost in the film, but going through the script in detail helps explain what’s happening in the film. The film (and script) is so dense that it requires almost a line-by-line breakdown of what’s happening. I think that’s why it’s so beloved. Just about everything impacts the characters or the plot.

[@pninnabokov3734]

@@HowStoriesWork Ok, but your title does say, "explained." This script is certainly beloved and very dense and complex. Thank you for your effort!

[@HowStoriesWork]

Did you watch the whole video? I guess I’d ask: What’s left that wasn’t explained? Did you have additional questions?

[@pninnabokov3734]

@@HowStoriesWork I've watched innumerable times, admired, studied, attended film classes and written essays (mostly A's), participated in numerous discussion groups all on this one film. In my humble opinion it is in the top 10 most significant and memorable English masterpieces of cinema. Any new analyses of my favorite films is of interest to me. Thanks again.

[@HowStoriesWork]

That’s cool! What’s your favorite interpretation of the work? What does the work say that makes you love it? I love noir and the characters and how they deal with these problems.

[@ktom5262]

I never understand how that ending makes sense. Why would a policeman shoot her? They could have easily caught her car later, and it was a very risky shot, in a busy street, plenty of people around, the bullet could have hit a passer-by.

[@theLeftHandedDog]

I think that was the whole point of the film.... that life is arbitrary and senseless and even meaningless. Also, the cop was aiming for the car's tires (let's hope) or - at this point - we know there are probably a few bad cops out there.

[@obasaz4904]

The policemen shoot at her because she is a murder suspect who just shot at someone. It couldn't have made any more sense than that.

[@ktom5262]

@@obasaz4904 In a street full of people? If he misses or the bullet goes through her body it could easily hit a different person. Also, she's running away, not pointing a gun at someone, she's not an imminent danger to anybody, police should have chased her car instead of shooting to kill. It couldn't have made less sense.

[@obasaz4904]

@@ktom5262 But how is she not an imminent threat? A murder suspect just shot someone and was fleeing the scene. And the street was not full of people when the police shot at the car, only the sidewalks. So their actions were very reasonable.

[@KalisJourney]

At the end she did state that her father owns the police and since she was going against her father they made a choice to get her out the way and let the father win again by getting away with murder of mulwray and getting the daughter/granddaughter it shows what power and money can do.

[@theLeftHandedDog]

Is this nitpicking?? After Gittes gets the call from Duffy that he's spotted Mulray and his girlfriend rowing a boat in Echo Park, Gittes and Walsh take pictures of them from another rowboat. HOW the hell did they get there so fast, AND in time to rent a rowboat? What, is Echo Park a half a block away from his office? Either Gittes has a supercharger in his car or Mulray takes a hell of a long lunch break.

[@michaelumucslie4410]

You're overthinking it.

[@giovanny30516]

@@michaelumucslie4410😂

[@tinabrooks8207]

Evelyn's father is Noah Cross, not Julian.

[@HowStoriesWork]

In the script it’s Julian… unfortunately, I think I edited out the part where I clarified that. But you’re right, it’s Noah in the film!

[@tinabrooks8207]

@@HowStoriesWork I figured that was the name in the script! Big differences between the script ending and the movie ending! I thin one reason it was changed may be that the script version would have been a nightmare to block.

[@seantudor9504]

NOAH Cross...where do you get Julian?

[@HowStoriesWork]

His name is Julian in the script. I mention that in the video. They changed it for the film.

[@seantudor9504]

Sorry..I guess I missed that. Good job on this. @@HowStoriesWork

[@RonGallagher]

💙🐾

[@theLeftHandedDog]

A couple things... First; I thought Cross's first name was Noah? I can't remember him being referred to as Julian in the film. (?). I wish you hadn't added the graphic explanations....it's hard enough to follow your narration! Even after seeing the film at least 15 times, and listening to your entire summary, I'm STILL confused about Hollis Mulray's girlfriend and Evelyn's sister/daughter. Are they the same person? WHY is Noah Cross so determined to find "the girl"? I guess he might've had personal reasons for objecting to the affair, but once Mulray is dead, what does he care? Was he having sex with her too? I guess I'm missing something here... I'd appreciate it if someone could explain it to me. The scenes you described that were cut definitely would have made the plot clearer; is there a person anywhere who can claim to have understood every nuance of the film on their first viewing? As I said - I STILL don't fully understand it. BTW, the script is hardly the only thing about this film that makes it great. The lighting and camera work are terrific; Polanski loves his hand-held camera with a 50mm lens - he used that combination on Frantic - another excellent film.

[@HowStoriesWork]

I know, I should have clarified (I swear I did, but must have edited it out) that Julian is Cross’ first name in the script. But you’re right, it’s Noah in the film. I liked the graphics! LOL. Yes, Hollis Mulray’s “girlfriend” is Evelyn’s daughter. Gittes just didn’t know it at the time. I think Noah just wants a relationship his daughter/granddaughter. I think the implication is that he feels he’s owed it. But since he’s a monster (since he had an incestuous affair with his daughter), nobody wants to let him be around his granddaughter. Hollis was trying to protect both Evelyn and her daughter from Noah. I can’t imagine understanding it all after one viewing! That’d be nuts. But you’re right, the movie is awesome for MANY reasons! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@klausperschbacher2805]

Evelyn war 15, mein Gott. So gut hast du dich wohl doch nicht mi dem Drehbuch beschäftigt....

[@aldodanilo]

Noah Cross.

[@HowStoriesWork]

In the movie, yes, but not in the script. In the script it’s Julian. I should have made reference to that in the video, but I think that’s in another one of my videos on Chinatown.

[@jilliestormesom5779]

Why did he ask the resting home director if they accept Jews?

[@HowStoriesWork]

Phenomenal question. Here's my take: At that point, Gittes needs access to the retirement home grounds (in order to find more info on what's going on). I think he asks that question for one reason... He likely thinks, given the timeframe in which the story takes place, that the retirement home will either: (1) Be primarily for Jewish people, or more likely (2) Be a place for rich white bigoted white people. When he asks that question, he can respond one of two ways: (1) If the employee says, "Yes, of course, we have many Jews here." Gittes can respond with: "Excellent, her father is Jewish and you know how bigoted people can be." Or it can go like it does in the film. Either way, Gittes immediately becomes "on the same team" as the employee, who will be more likely to let them in and let them peruse the grounds. At least, that's how I see that scene playing out.

[@Doghouse-6]

@@HowStoriesWork If I may offer another explanation, Jake's main purpose in going there is getting the names of the residents to see if they match those on the property transfers he found at the Hall of Records. When his direct request for a list fails, he smooth-talks his way in and is able to find those names on the Activities board.

[@HowStoriesWork]

@@Doghouse-6 Oh, that's very true. I was just answering why the conversation plays out the way it does. Slightly different question. But, you're right!

[@tecumsehcristero]

You are terrible at explaining this movie

[@HowStoriesWork]

🤣🤣🤣 Your constructive criticism is super helpful! Thanks!

[@ivanjulian2532]

I disagree. I think the video creator did a magnificent job of explaining this movie.

[@HowStoriesWork]

Thanks,@@ivanjulian2532! I appreciate it!

[@robertmartinez4174]

the plot lost me after around 15 or 20 minutes.

[@HowStoriesWork]

Yeah, one of the reasons I wanted to do an explainer video is that the plot is SO INTRICATE that it’s super hard to follow. And since I had just read the script AND watched the video, it made more sense to me.

[@theLeftHandedDog]

....And... When Ida Sessions calls Gittes, she tells him to check the obituaries, where she says he'll find "one of those people". How would Ida Sessions know that kind of information about Cross's plan, if she was just a hired dupe? Why would they have told her? I think Robert Towne just needed to connect that part of the plot. Thanks.

[@macduggles]

The weakest part of the plot is why was Ida Sessions killed and by whom? If she was hired by Yelburton to pose as Mrs Mulray then it’s safe to assume she was killed by Mulvihill because she knew too much, but how would those who had her killed know that. Seems she’s just a convenient plot point.

[@aniket385]

Maybe she worked for that Family? Or was a caretaker at the old people home

[@CsuarezFla]

I think Ida sessions is Noah cross's mistress. She admits to being a working girl later. In the film which means she is a prostitute or escort.

[@CsuarezFla]

Ida Sessions says she's a "working girl" meaning prostitute or escort. She probably is Noah Crosses mistress or she works for Noah Cross in some way. She probably over heard or ease dropped on a conversation that Cross had about his plans to secure the land.

[@CsuarezFla]

I think Ida Sessions was Noah Crosses mistress and that's how she knew so much about the land owner scheme. She could have overheard Noah having a conversation or seen papers or documents that were about the scheme.

[@theLeftHandedDog]

Hey thanks for responding. Here's another thing I don't understand... The newspaper clipping with the names of land buyers... When Gittes and Evelyn go to the Mar Vista retirement home, they see the names on the board, but they also meet some of the people listed in the newspaper obituaries. I thought the people were supposed to be dead? - Gittes makes that remark to Evelyn in the car, "They died two weeks ago, and a week ago they bought the land.... that's unusual." This is part of the plot that I just don't get; if Cross needs the people to be dead and out of the way, how is he accomplishing that? What if they live another 15 years?! I get he has a lot of power, but he can't be knocking off dozens of old folks, or waiting years for them to check out.. I think I noticed something odd about Mulvehill's role too. Gittes really gives him a hell of a beating at the Mar Vista club, with a lot of vicious-sounding punches to his head and face. But just a day later - or maybe two - when he and Cross meet Gittes by the Mulray's garden pond, he doesn't have a scratch on him. (At least I don't remember any bandages or anything.) (P.S. I don't think I'm ever going to completely understand this film.)

[@chrisp.frye-noodles8761]

Is it Julian Cross in the script and Noah Cross in the movie?

[@HowStoriesWork]

Yep! Great catch. I meant to say that in the video, but I think I might have edited it out… 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@chrisp.frye-noodles8761]

@@HowStoriesWork I guess it's kind of obvious!

[@patriciabutler651]

Noah Cross, Dude

[@HowStoriesWork]

Yeah, he’s Julian in the script and I THOUGHT I had mentioned that in the video, but I must have edited it out… 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@carlosarreolajr2863]

Amazing video !!! Would love to collaborate with you @ razor cut information

[@HowStoriesWork]

Thanks for the comment! I appreciate it!