Key Takeaways:
– The iconic film, Chinatown, reveals rocky behind-the-scenes dynamics between stars Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway amidst the tough directing style of Roman Polanski.
– Dunaway endured a notorious incident in which Polanski yanked a hair off her face, earning her the nickname, “The Dreaded Dunaway”.
– Nicholson had to resort to real slaps on Dunaway for a scene, upon Polanski’s insistence.
– The unforgettable 1974 film leading Nicholson and Dunaway earned them both Oscar nominations.
Behind the Scenes of Chinatown
When we think of the age of classic Hollywood, 1974 often comes to mind. It was within this year that Hollywood was crafting masterpieces that would eternally remain in the hall of fame. Among such landmark films was Roman Polanski’s iconic film, Chinatown, which brought together the genius of Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway.
Strains on the Set
While the film soared into cinematic greats, it wasn’t without its share of backstage trials. Tensions simmered between Nicholson and Dunaway, with Polanski’s work behavior adding to the stress. Polanski was known to be a tough director, often pushing boundaries for cinematic excellence, a trait that triggered many controversies on the set of Chinatown.
Faye Dunaway’s Struggles
The veteran actress spoke about her experiences in the recent documentary, Faye, where she walked through her journey of stardom. The documentary highlighted her struggles during the shooting of Chinatown, particularly her interaction with Polanski. When a strand of hair persistently fell onto Dunaway’s face during shooting, an enraged Polanski forcefully plucked it out. This incident led Nicholson to give Dunaway the nickname, “The Dreaded Dunaway”.
Cinematic Challenges
The hair incident was merely one of many dilemmas that peppered the filming of Chinatown. Despite their off-screen friction, Nicholson and Dunaway formed a friendly bond. However, their on-screen roles stood in stark contrast to their camaraderie. At Polanski’s insistence, Nicholson had to resort to physical violence against Dunaway, even in real-life scenes.
A Necessary Slap
In a confrontation scene, Nicholson’s character, J. J. ‘Jake’ Gittes had to slap Dunaway’s character, Evelyn Mulwray. Though they initially attempted to fake the slap, it wasn’t convincing enough. At Dunaway’s suggestion, Nicholson slapped her for real, resulting in a raw and authentic scene used in the final film.
A Silver Lining
Despite the grueling emotional and physical toll, the stars’ efforts were rewarded when both Nicholson and Dunaway received Oscar nominations for Best Actor and Actress in a Leading Role. Their commendable work in Chinatown remains one of cinema’s finest to date, earning an 8.1/10 rating on IMDB and a stunning 98% on Rotten Tomatoes.
In Reflection
The trials faced by Dunaway and Nicholson reflect the rigors of the then Hollywood environment. Their tales weave a nuanced narrative, offering a window into the power struggles, artistic excellence, and resilient spirits that lie behind the silver screen.
Chinatown, a product of grit, talent, and turmoil, is an emblem of Hollywood’s golden era. Reminiscent of a time when artists pushed limits and held their ground, this remarkable movie is a testament to cinematic history.
