The Big Goodbye summary

The Making of a Masterpiece

In The Big Goodbye by Sam Wasson, we are taken on a journey through the making of the classic film Chinatown. Wasson begins by setting the stage in 1970s Hollywood, a time of transition and turmoil. The old studio system was crumbling, and a new wave of filmmakers, including Roman Polanski, was challenging the status quo.

Wasson then delves into the genesis of Chinatown, starting with the script by Robert Towne. Towne's screenplay was a complex, noir-inspired tale set in 1930s Los Angeles, and it was a departure from the more straightforward detective stories of the time. Wasson highlights Towne's meticulous research and his dedication to capturing the essence of the era.

The Players and Their Roles

As Wasson continues, he introduces us to the key players in the making of Chinatown. We meet Jack Nicholson, who was cast as the film's protagonist, private investigator J.J. "Jake" Gittes. Nicholson's portrayal of Gittes would become one of his most iconic roles, and Wasson provides insight into the actor's approach to the character.

We also learn about the casting of Faye Dunaway as Evelyn Mulwray, the enigmatic and tragic figure at the heart of the film. Wasson explores the challenges Dunaway faced in bringing Evelyn to life and the tensions that arose between her and Polanski during filming.

Behind the Scenes Drama

Throughout The Big Goodbye, Wasson doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of the film's production. He delves into the personal tragedies that haunted Polanski, including the brutal murder of his wife, Sharon Tate, by the Manson Family. These events deeply influenced Polanski's direction of Chinatown, infusing the film with a sense of impending doom and moral ambiguity.

Wasson also explores the tumultuous relationship between Polanski and producer Robert Evans. Their clashes over creative control and budget issues threatened to derail the film, but ultimately, their collaboration resulted in a cinematic masterpiece.

The Legacy of Chinatown

As The Big Goodbye nears its conclusion, Wasson reflects on the impact of Chinatown. Despite its bleak and uncompromising narrative, the film was a critical and commercial success, earning eleven Academy Award nominations. Its haunting conclusion and the famous line "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown" have become indelible parts of cinematic history.

Wasson also examines the film's enduring legacy, its influence on subsequent neo-noir movies, and its place in the pantheon of great American films. He argues that Chinatown remains relevant because of its exploration of power, corruption, and the elusive nature of truth.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, The Big Goodbye is a captivating exploration of the making of Chinatown. Wasson skillfully weaves together the personal stories of the film's creators with the broader cultural and historical context of 1970s Hollywood. The result is a rich and immersive narrative that sheds new light on one of cinema's most enduring classics.