Chinatown (1974) Ending Explained
tl;dr: The ending of Chinatown is a devastating culmination of corruption, betrayal, and powerlessness. Private investigator Jake Gittes uncovers a web of incest, murder, and political conspiracy involving water tycoon Noah Cross, only to witness Cross's daughter/sister Evelyn Mulwray murdered by police in Chinatown. The film concludes with the haunting line, "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown," symbolizing the futility of fighting systemic corruption. The ending leaves Jake broken, the villain victorious, and justice unserved-a bleak commentary on the inescapable grip of power and moral decay.
The Ending Explained
The final act of Chinatown delivers one of cinema's most nihilistic conclusions. Jake Gittes, having unraveled the mystery behind Hollis Mulwray's murder, confronts Evelyn Mulwray in Chinatown, where she plans to flee with Katherine, her daughter and sister (the product of her father Noah Cross's rape). The police, manipulated by Cross, shoot Evelyn as she attempts to escape, killing her instantly. Cross then takes Katherine, his daughter/granddaughter, into his custody, while Jake is forcibly restrained by his former colleagues. The film ends with Jake's associate Walsh pulling him away, uttering the iconic line, "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown," underscoring the idea that corruption is an immutable force, and resistance is futile.
Symbolism of Chinatown
Chinatown serves as a metaphor for the unknowable, chaotic, and corrupt systems that govern the world of the film. Earlier, Jake mentions his past failure in Chinatown as a cop, where his good intentions led to tragedy. The ending mirrors this: despite his efforts, Jake cannot prevent Evelyn's death or stop Cross. The phrase "It's Chinatown" implies that some evils are too entrenched to overcome. The location itself-a place of cultural opacity to Jake-reflects his inability to navigate or fix the moral rot at the story's core. The ending suggests that justice is an illusion in a world where power consolidates itself through violence and exploitation.
Noah Cross's Victory and Jake's Defeat
Noah Cross, the film's villain, emerges triumphant. Not only does he evade punishment for incest, murder, and fraud, but he also secures control over Katherine and, by extension, the valley's water rights. His victory is absolute, reinforcing the film's theme that evil often wins when systems are rigged in its favor. Jake, the archetypal detective who believes in uncovering the truth, is left shattered. His arc subverts the classic noir trope of the hero achieving some form of justice; instead, he's rendered powerless. The ending forces viewers to sit with the uncomfortable reality that some battles can't be won.
Unresolved Questions
- What happens to Katherine?
- Cross likely raises her, continuing the cycle of abuse and control.
- Alternatively, she may eventually escape or rebel, though the film offers no hope for this.
- Does Jake ever recover?
- His final expression suggests permanent disillusionment.
- His past failures in Chinatown imply he'll never shake this trauma.
- Is there any consequences for Cross?
- The film suggests no-he's too powerful, and the system protects him.
- Real-world parallels (like the actual California water scandals) hint that such men rarely face justice.
Personal Opinion
Chinatown's ending is a masterstroke of bleak storytelling. Unlike traditional noirs where the hero gets a pyrrhic victory, Jake's total defeat feels brutally honest. The film's refusal to offer catharsis makes its commentary on corruption linger long after the credits. Roman Polanski's direction and Robert Towne's script create a world where evil isn't just present-it's institutionalized. The ending's power lies in its refusal to comfort the audience. It's a difficult but necessary conclusion, reminding us that some systems are too rotten to fix. This uncompromising vision is why Chinatown remains a timeless masterpiece.