51 Years Later, The “Greatest American Crime Thriller” Is Finally Streaming Again on Paramount+

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Some films truly stand the test of time, and a classic has just become available on Paramount+. Featuring stellar performances by and Faye Dunaway, this movie is a landmark neo-noir crime drama – many consider it the best ever made, and it’s a must-see for all movie fans.

There are few movies that come with almost unanimous praise, a bounty of awards, and a legacy that has not diminished over the last 51 years, but Chinatown is that enigma. Released in 1974, Chinatown was, first and foremost, a box office hit, with its budget of $6 million being turned into a $29 million gross. However, it was much more than just a cinematic hit, it was – as was confirmed in 1991 with its preservation in the US National Film Registry at the Library of Congress – a movie that had “cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance.” For many people, it could have all three. What is Chinatown actually about? The synopsis reads:

I was completely drawn in by the story of J.J. Jake Gittes, a private investigator in Los Angeles played by Jack Nicholson. It starts simply enough – a woman, Evelyn Mulwray, hires him to look into her husband. I thought it would be a typical cheating spouse case, but things quickly got complicated when Jake actually meets Evelyn! Turns out, the woman who hired him wasn’t who she claimed to be. Then, when Mr. Mulwray unexpectedly dies, Jake finds himself tangled in a web of corruption and family secrets. The suspicion even falls on Evelyn’s powerful father, played brilliantly by John Huston. It’s a really captivating mystery!

Critics and audiences alike overwhelmingly praise Chinatown, with the film currently boasting a 98% score from critics and 93% from viewers. It’s frequently called the best noir film ever made, but many reviews go further, describing it as a timeless masterpiece that gets better with each viewing. Others highlight it as one of the most impactful American films ever created, and note that its themes of corruption and power remain powerfully relevant today.

Chinatown was a major awards contender, receiving eleven nominations at the 47th Academy Awards, including for Best Picture, Director, Actor, and Actress. While it ultimately only won Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars, the film also led nominations at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and other award shows that year.

‘Chinatown’ Could Be Getting a New Prequel


Paramount Pictures 

Hollywood often revisits familiar stories, trying to bring old favorites back to life with revivals or reboots. Netflix’s series Ratched offered a decent take on the villain from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, expanding her backstory. Similarly, Netflix announced plans in 2019 for a prequel to the classic film Chinatown, to be directed by David Fincher.

I’m really excited about the possibility of a Chinatown prequel series from David Fincher and Netflix! I heard back in 2024 that it was pretty much ready to film, focusing on Jake Gittes and Lou Escobar’s partnership – Perry Lopez was fantastic as Lou in the original. But it’s been almost a year since we’ve heard anything new, and Fincher’s got a few other things on his plate now, so I’m starting to wonder when, or even if, we’ll actually get to see it. I’m still hoping though!

Sometimes, it’s actually better when a project doesn’t move forward. The sequel to the film Chinatown, called The Two Jakes, proved to be very controversial and is a good example of why Netflix might be wise to abandon plans for a prequel indefinitely. Instead, we can all simply enjoy the brilliant 1974 original Chinatown, knowing that no follow-up or remake could ever live up to its quality.

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2025-11-02 19:24