Chinatown (1974)

I technically watched this on DVD before Cool Hand Luke, but I can't see any reason why I shouldn't just go ahead and write a review about it.  I own it, however, haven't seen it in at least a year and had forgotten the particulars.  I wasn't feeling well and had to cancel plans Sunday night but felt up to laying down and watching a good movie.

J.J. Gittes(Jack Nicholson)  is a private detective that specializes in the investigation of marital affairs.  He is hired by Evelyn Mulwray(Faye Dunaway) to tail her husband Hollis, builder of the city's water supply system. Gittes proves Mrs. Mulwray suspicions, however, it seems he was hired by an impersonator and not the real Mrs. Mulwray. When Mr. Mulwray is found dead, Gittes is plunged into a complex web of deceit involving murder, incest and municipal corruption all related to the city's water supply.

 46/50 eggs

I love Chinatown.  It truly is a perfect film.  It contains a whodunit mystery, plot-twists around every corner, and motives relating to the environment. Nicholson may lose some wow factor that he instead gets in movies like "The Shining" or "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" because he plays a character compatible with the social norm, however his performance still proves why he is considered one of the best actors of his generation.  Faye Dunaway is also not without noticing.  She captivates and lures us through each twist, leaving us unsure to trust her or not.

Polanski deserves much of the credit, as well.  A lot goes in to directing a perfect film: interesting angles, capturing the very best of the actors, making sure the movie is cohesive and understandable, while not adding any unnecessary material.  Polanski accomplishes all of these.   I don't know if it just me though, but the only scene that seemed off was the cameo by Polanski himself.  The feeling Polanski portrayed in the scene was brash and foreign.  I admit I regrettably don't understand his intentions.  Maybe his inner actor can't take his own constructive criticism. It stands repeated watching.   Against what some people say, I agree with Polanski's decision about the ending.  As they say "This is Chinatown."