Chinatown
In 1937 Los Angeles, private investigator Jake 'J.J.' Gittes specializes in cheating-spouse cases. His current target is Hollis Mulwray, high-profile chief engineer for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, whose wife suspects him of infidelity. In following Mulwray, Gittes witnesses some usual business dealings, such as a public meeting for construction of a new dam to create additional water supply for Los Angeles, as fresh water is vital to the growing community during the chronic drought; Mulwray opposes the dam. Eventually Gittes sees Mulwray meeting with an unknown young woman who isn't his wife. Once news of the supposed tryst between Mulwray and this woman hits the media, additional information comes to light that makes Gittes believe that Mulwray is being framed for something and that he himself is being set up. In his investigation of the issue behind Mulwray's framing and his own setup, Gittes is assisted by Mulwray's wife Evelyn, but he thinks she isn't being forthright with him. The further he gets into the investigation, the more secrets he uncovers about the Mulwrays' professional and personal dealings, including Mulwray's former business-partnership with Evelyn's father, Noah Cross. The identity of the unknown woman may be the key to uncovering the whole story.
Despite its modest budget of $6.0M, Chinatown became a box office success, earning $30.0M worldwide—a 400% return. The film's unconventional structure attracted moviegoers, confirming that strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
1 Oscar. 21 wins & 24 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Chinatown (1974) showcases carefully calibrated dramatic framework, characteristic of Roman Polanski's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 10 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 3.9, the film takes an unconventional approach to traditional narrative frameworks.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Jake Gittes shows a client photographic evidence of his wife's infidelity in his office, establishing him as a successful private detective specializing in matrimonial cases in 1937 Los Angeles.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when Jake photographs Hollis Mulwray with a young woman, believing he has evidence of the affair. The photos are published in the newspapers, publicly humiliating the water chief.. At 11% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 28 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 22% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Hollis Mulwray is found dead in a freshwater reservoir. Jake chooses to actively investigate the murder, moving beyond his usual divorce work into dangerous territory., moving from reaction to action.
At 59 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 45% of the runtime—arriving early, accelerating into Act IIb complications. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Jake discovers the massive land fraud scheme: someone is buying up the Northwest Valley cheaply before water arrives. He believes he is close to solving the case and exposing the conspiracy. False victory - he thinks he understands what is happening., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 86 minutes (66% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Jake finds the young woman from the photos drowned in the Mulwray's saltwater pond. He believes Evelyn has murdered her, confronting her as she tries to flee. The case seems to collapse into another sordid murder., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 93 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 72% of the runtime. Jake synthesizes what he learned - this is not about water or money, but about power and Cross's need to possess everything. Jake decides to help Evelyn escape to Mexico with her daughter/sister, planning to meet in Chinatown., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Chinatown's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Chinatown against these established plot points, we can identify how Roman Polanski utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Chinatown within the drama genre.
Roman Polanski's Structural Approach
Among the 11 Roman Polanski films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.5, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Chinatown takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Roman Polanski filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include Eye for an Eye, South Pacific and Kiss of the Spider Woman. For more Roman Polanski analyses, see Tess, Carnage and Frantic.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Jake Gittes shows a client photographic evidence of his wife's infidelity in his office, establishing him as a successful private detective specializing in matrimonial cases in 1937 Los Angeles.
Theme
Jake is warned by associates: "You may think you know what you're dealing with, but believe me, you don't." The theme of inadequate knowledge and the danger of thinking you understand forces beyond your control.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to Jake's world of divorce cases and Los Angeles in drought. A woman claiming to be Evelyn Mulwray hires Jake to follow her husband, the chief engineer of the water department. Jake follows Hollis Mulwray, documenting his activities around the city's water infrastructure.
Disruption
Jake photographs Hollis Mulwray with a young woman, believing he has evidence of the affair. The photos are published in the newspapers, publicly humiliating the water chief.
Resistance
The real Evelyn Mulwray appears, threatening to sue Jake for being set up. Jake realizes he was used. He investigates who hired him and why, following leads to water department corruption. He discovers Hollis investigating water being dumped at night while the city suffers drought.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Hollis Mulwray is found dead in a freshwater reservoir. Jake chooses to actively investigate the murder, moving beyond his usual divorce work into dangerous territory.
Mirror World
Jake meets with the real Evelyn Mulwray to discuss her husband's death. She becomes both his client and the subplot that will reveal the truth about power, corruption, and his own limitations from his past in Chinatown.
Premise
Jake investigates the water conspiracy, discovering that water is being diverted from the city. He uncovers a scheme involving the Northwest Valley and land purchases. He follows leads through retirement homes, water department records, and encounters escalating danger including having his nose slashed by a thug.
Midpoint
Jake discovers the massive land fraud scheme: someone is buying up the Northwest Valley cheaply before water arrives. He believes he is close to solving the case and exposing the conspiracy. False victory - he thinks he understands what is happening.
Opposition
Jake traces the land scheme to Noah Cross, Evelyn's powerful father and former business partner of Hollis. Cross offers to hire Jake but cryptically warns him. Jake and Evelyn grow closer. The conspiracy deepens as Jake discovers the extent of Cross's control. Jake is beaten and warned to back off.
Collapse
Jake finds the young woman from the photos drowned in the Mulwray's saltwater pond. He believes Evelyn has murdered her, confronting her as she tries to flee. The case seems to collapse into another sordid murder.
Crisis
Jake forces the truth from Evelyn through brutal questioning. She reveals the horrific reality: the girl is both her sister and her daughter, the product of incest by Noah Cross. Jake realizes the true depth of evil he is facing and his own inadequacy to stop it.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Jake synthesizes what he learned - this is not about water or money, but about power and Cross's need to possess everything. Jake decides to help Evelyn escape to Mexico with her daughter/sister, planning to meet in Chinatown.
Synthesis
Jake arranges for Evelyn and the girl to escape. They meet in Chinatown, where Jake once worked as a cop. The police arrive, tipped off by Cross. A confrontation ensues as Cross demands his "daughter." Evelyn drives away with the girl, and police open fire.
Transformation
Evelyn is shot dead. Cross takes possession of the traumatized girl as Jake is held back. His associate tells him "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown." Jake is returned to helplessness, having failed again in Chinatown - transformed by the revelation that some evil cannot be defeated.