By C. J. De Mel, Jadetimes News
A Legacy of Cinematic Masterpieces
Robert Towne, the Oscar winning screenwriter renowned for his work on "Chinatown," "Shampoo," and "The Last Detail," passed away on Monday at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by family. His publicist, Carri McClure, confirmed his death but declined to comment on the cause. Towne was 89.
A Storied Career in Screenwriting
Towne's career is marked by a series of critically acclaimed films that have become classics of American cinema. His screenplay for "Chinatown" is widely regarded as a model of the art form, defining the jaded allure of Los Angeles. In addition to his Oscar win for "Chinatown," Towne received Academy Award nominations for "The Last Detail," "Shampoo," and "Greystoke." In 1997, the Writers Guild of America honored him with a lifetime achievement award.
The Hollywood Insider
In an industry often dismissive of writers, Towne held a unique prestige, comparable to the actors and directors he collaborated with. His friendships with Warren Beatty and Jack Nicholson, two of the biggest stars of the 1960s and '70s, led to significant contributions to some of the era's signature films. Towne's highly personal and influential vision of Los Angeles often shone through his work.
The Illusion of Los Angeles
"It's a city that's so illusory," Towne remarked in a 2006 interview with The Associated Press. "It's the westernmost west of America. It's a sort of place of last resort. It's a place where, in a word, people go to make their dreams come true. And they're forever disappointed."
From Television to the Big Screen
Towne's path to success included a long stretch of work in television, with credits on shows like "The Man from U.N.C.L.E" and "The Lloyd Bridges Show," as well as low budget films for "B" movie producer Roger Corman. His breakthrough came through an unexpected source, his psychiatrist, who introduced him to Beatty, a fellow patient. Towne contributed uncredited revisions to "Bonnie and Clyde," the landmark crime film released in 1967, solidifying his status as a sought after ghostwriter.
The Auteur of Screenwriters
Although Towne's work on "Bonnie and Clyde" went uncredited, he became a favorite ghostwriter, contributing to classics like "The Godfather" and "Heaven Can Wait." He referred to himself as a "relief pitcher who could come in for an inning, not pitch the whole game." However, his credited works, including "The Last Detail" and "Shampoo," established him as a formidable talent in his own right.
The Masterpiece, 'Chinatown'
Towne's career reached its zenith with "Chinatown," the 1974 thriller directed by Roman Polanski and starring Jack Nicholson as J.J. "Jake" Gittes. The film, set during the Great Depression, follows Gittes as he uncovers a web of corruption and violence tied to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Influenced by Raymond Chandler's fiction, Towne crafted a modern film noir, culminating in the iconic and despairing line, "Forget it, Jake, it's Chinatown."
Collaboration and Conflict
Towne's script for "Chinatown" has been a staple of film writing classes, highlighting the collaborative nature of filmmaking. He worked closely with Polanski, revising and tightening the story. They famously clashed over the film's bleak ending, which Polanski insisted upon and Towne later admitted was the right choice. Notably, no one has officially been credited with writing the film's most famous line.
Robert Towne's contributions to cinema remain influential, his vision of Los Angeles forever etched in film history. He leaves behind a legacy of timeless classics that continue to inspire and educate filmmakers and audiences alike.