Forget It, Jake: 7 Shocking Secrets And The Tragic Legacy Of Chinatown (1974) 50 Years Later

The film Chinatown (1974) remains one of the most celebrated and darkest masterpieces in cinematic history, but its legacy has been dramatically reshaped by recent events and the passage of its 50th anniversary in June 2024. This neo-noir classic, a complex exploration of corruption, power, and generational trauma, is more relevant than ever, especially following the recent passing of its legendary, Oscar-winning screenwriter, Robert Towne. The film’s deep-rooted themes—from the real-life Los Angeles water wars to the shocking, unforgettable final line—continue to spark new analysis and debate today, December 13, 2025.

For decades, the movie has been hailed as the gold standard of screenwriting and 1970s American cinema, a perfect storm of talent involving director Roman Polanski, producer Robert Evans, and stars Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. As we reflect on its golden anniversary and the loss of its key architect, a fresh look at the film reveals secrets and controversies that continue to define its place in the pantheon of great American films.

The Life and Legacy of Robert Towne: Screenwriting Icon

The cinematic world mourned the loss of one of its greatest minds when Robert Towne (born Robert Bertram Schwartz) died on July 1, 2024, at the age of 89. Towne was widely regarded as a master of dialogue and structure, and his original screenplay for Chinatown is frequently cited as the best ever written.

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His work defined a generation of filmmaking, often focusing on complex moral ambiguities and the disillusionment inherent in the American dream.

• Full Name: Robert Bertram Schwartz
• Born: November 23, 1934
• Died: July 1, 2024 (Age 89)
• Hometown: Los Angeles, California
• Key Roles: Screenwriter, Director, Producer, Script Doctor
• Academy Award Win: Best Original Screenplay for Chinatown (1975)
• Notable Screenplays (The '70s Hat-Trick):
  • The Last Detail (1973)
  • Chinatown (1974)
  • Shampoo (1975)
• Sequel: Directed and co-wrote the 1990 sequel, The Two Jakes, which saw Jack Nicholson reprise his role as J.J. Gittes.
• Later Career: Was a prolific "script doctor," brought in to fix troubled projects, and was involved in the development of a *Chinatown* prequel series with director David Fincher.

Towne's death has prompted a wave of retrospectives, solidifying his status as the architect of the modern neo-noir genre. His script for Chinatown is a model of the art form, meticulously weaving a detective story around the dark, true history of Los Angeles water politics.

The Dark, True Story Behind the Screenplay: Water, Power, and Corruption

One of the most compelling aspects of Chinatown is its foundation in real-life historical events. The film is not merely a fictional detective story; it is a thinly veiled, fictionalized account of the political and economic corruption that built modern Los Angeles.

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The Los Angeles Water Wars

The central plot, involving the manipulation of water rights and the construction of the massive Los Angeles Aqueduct, is directly inspired by the infamous Los Angeles Water Wars of the early 20th century.

The film’s villain, the powerful and sinister Noah Cross (played by John Huston), embodies the ruthless figures who conspired to divert water from the Owens Valley to fuel the growth of Los Angeles.

• The Real-Life Conspiracy: Figures like William Mulholland (whose name is echoed in Evelyn Mulwray) and powerful land developers secretly bought up vast tracts of land in the San Fernando Valley.
• The Water Diversion: They then orchestrated the building of the aqueduct, using public funds and political influence to bring the water to their now-valuable land, creating the vast, modern city of Los Angeles.
• Thematic Resonance: Towne’s genius was using the classic structure of a private investigator (J.J. Gittes) in a film noir setting to expose this systemic, foundational corruption. The line "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown" has become synonymous with the idea that some forms of corruption are too powerful to fight.

This deep, historical context gives the film its unique topical authority, positioning it as a critique of the American West’s foundation built on greed and exploitation. The film’s examination of how a city’s infrastructure can be weaponized for personal gain is a theme that resonates strongly in current socio-political discussions.

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The Shocking Controversies and Lasting Cinematic Impact

Beyond its historical accuracy, Chinatown is famous for its dark, uncompromising conclusion and the controversies surrounding its production and themes. The film has been the subject of new critical analysis in recent years, particularly regarding its portrayal of violence and gender.

The Polanski-Towne Ending Debate

The film's most infamous element is the bleak, shocking ending, which sees Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway) killed and the cycle of corruption and abuse perpetuated. The original screenplay by Robert Towne had a less nihilistic ending.

• Towne’s Vision: Towne preferred a more hopeful, redemptive ending, consistent with the classical detective genre where the hero, J.J. Gittes, gets some form of justice.
• Polanski’s Insistence: Director Roman Polanski insisted on the darker, more tragic ending, arguing that it was truer to the film's theme that in Los Angeles, and in life, the powerful always win. This creative tension resulted in the iconic, devastating finale.

This final scene, where Gittes is pulled away with the famous line, "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown," cemented the film as a masterpiece of the neo-noir genre, where the detective fails and moral order is not restored.

The 'Proud Misogyny' and Incest Theme

The film’s central mystery revolves around the shocking revelation of incest—that Noah Cross is both the father and grandfather of Evelyn’s sister/daughter, Katherine. This theme of family abuse and the subsequent violence against Evelyn Mulwray has been a point of fresh debate in modern film criticism.

Some contemporary analyses discuss the film's "proud misogyny," noting how Evelyn is systematically victimized by the patriarchal figures in her life—first by her father, Noah Cross, and then by the narrative itself, which punishes her with death.

Despite these critical re-evaluations, the film’s technical and artistic merits are undeniable. Its influence is visible across decades of cinema, from modern thrillers to television dramas, proving that while its themes are dark, its craftsmanship remains unparalleled. The recent 50th Anniversary 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release, which also includes the sequel *The Two Jakes*, ensures that this cinematic milestone continues to be studied and appreciated by new generations of film fans.