Chinatown – (Reliance BIG Home Video) Rs. 499/-

Cast: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway

Directed By; Roman Polanski

A classic will always remain a classic and more so loved, every time you watch it. 1974’s Chinatown is one such film that you can never tire watching again and again. The amazing crime – drama is so mangled that it’s a delight to watch.

The plot is set in Los Angeles of the 1930s where Jake.Gittes (Jack Nicholson), a private eye is hired by a stunning socialite Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway) to probe her cheating husband (Hollis Mulwray) and to find out who his killer was. Mulwray’s father, Noah Cross (John Huston), is also on the prowl to find the truth. With his daily investigations into the murder and his routine meeting with Evelyn, Gittes is gradually drawn towards the beautiful and sexy Evelyn.

Gittes who initially presumed it was a simple case of adultery is startled for while investigating the killing; he gets drawn closer and closer into a puzzle of clues and corruption. Both Evelyn and Noah is also the centre to the tale of treachery, incest, and political bribery. One scandal leads to another, and the biggest question Gittes has to answer to unravel the mystery is what, and who is at the centre of the problem. Gittes finds that both Evelyn and Noah are also the centre to the tale of treachery, incest, and political bribery. Though the fearless detective will get to the bottom of it all sooner or later, it’s the process of investigation that holds your attention all the time.

The film is a neat transfer onto DVD with the audio featuring 5.1 Dolby Digital, with an alternative of the original mono soundtrack for purists. Both sound very good. The film released the same year when ‘The Godfather II’ was released and won an Oscar for Best Screenplay, though it was nominated in 11 categories. 

A host of bonus features make this a much sought after DVD for your collection.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira