Bound by Water, Blinded by the Sun: Corruption and Power in Chinatown

Chinatown is widely regarded as one of the greatest films in American cinema, nominated for 11 Academy Awards, and winning Best Original Screenplay. The Writer’s Guild of America selected it as the third greatest US script (after Casablanca and The Godfather). It is celebrated for its performances and intricate narrative, blending historical realities with a complex mystery that exposes the darker side of power and corruption in Los Angeles.

Set in the 1930s, Chinatown is inspired by the California Water Wars, a series of conflicts over water rights that fueled the growth of Los Angeles and which continue to this day. These real-life struggles serve as the backdrop for the film’s fictional mystery, in which private detective Jake Gittes uncovers a conspiracy involving water manipulation. Gittes’ past working as a cop in the “Chinatown” neighborhood is critical—it’s not just a physical place but a symbol of his own disillusionment, since it was here that he lost a loved one due to his inability to navigate the lawlessness of corruption of the place.

Though Chinatown came decades after the classic era of film noir, it revitalized the genre, merging noir’s signature style—cynical heroes, intricate plots, and dark moral themes—with a fresh political edge. It modernized noir by engaging with contemporary anxieties about institutional corruption, environmental control, and unchecked power. Polanski’s decision to leave certain mysteries unresolved, especially in its devastating finale, gives Chinatown an enduring resonance and realism, setting it apart from earlier, more formulaic noir films.

Pay attention to how water symbolizes power and control throughout the film. From the dispute over water rights to the hidden reservoirs of wealth and corruption embodied by Noah Cross (John Huston), the struggle for water is a metaphor for greed. Also, observe how Gittes’ character evolves—from a detached detective to someone personally invested in the moral consequences of his investigation. Finally, enjoy the film’s atmosphere and visual language. Polanski’s use of sunlight in this noir is unique—rather than darkness, it’s the brightness of L.A. that blinds Gittes to the truths around him.

Chad Gracia
Co-Founder, Kyiv Cinema Society

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