Themes and motifs n stuff

Niki was kind enough to share that he had lost track of his notes

thought he might not be alone in that

so.......



Chinatown
Themes
• Greed
• Illicit sexuality & voyeurism
• Corrupt nature of society
• Seeing but not 'seeing'
• Doing good/does evil
• Investigation leads to confusion
• Knowledge is useful/dangerous
• Utopia - dystopia

'Chinatown' is a metaphor for a messed up state of mind, a place where you have no idea what's going on
It is then a synecdoche for the city of Los Angeles, a place where you have no idea what’s going on, and it's best to let it alone for good or ill.
Los Angeles in turn is a symbol for capitalism itself. The city is both a utopia and distopia of advanced capitalism.

Main character Jake Gittes;
Immediately introduced as a succesful, sharp dressed, capable, confident, even cock-sure
He has a sardonic manner and is alternately intimidating and coaxing with his clients.


Opening scene;
A set up for near the end

Paradoxes
• LA- utopia/dystopia
• Gittes as insider/outsider
• Water- life/death
• Doing good/does evil
• Investigation leads to confusion
• Knowledge is useful/dangerous

Motifs
Water
Sand
Chinatown