Chinatown

(USA, 1974) Crime/Drama
As bruised and cynical as the decade that produced it, this noir classic benefits from Robert Towne’s brilliant screenplay, director Roman Polanski’s steady hand, and wonderful performances from Faye Dunaway and Jack Nicholson as Los Angeles private eye J.J. “Jake” Gittes, hired by Evelyn Mulwray to investigate her husband’s activities. He believes it’s a routine infidelity case, but his investigation soon becomes anything but routine.