Chinatown (1974)

 Second viewing, and first with original audio and correct aspect ratio; previously viewed on or a little after January 25, 1986.

A private detective is hired on a case of adultery and stumbles upon a corruption scheme involving the water supply in 1937 California.

Here's the still which Christopher Mulrooney chose to illustrate his notes about this film:

Moderately entertaining drama whose structure transplants to the hard-boiled universe the Oedipus Rex idea of a hero trying to avoid a catastrophe and in the process causing it; here there is the added twist that it's the second time the protagonist goes through that tragic process. Also like that old play, it has some incest in the plot, though here it's not the final catastrophic element.

Rating: 66 (down from 75)