The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years of Hollywood

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From the New York Times bestselling author comes a revelatory account of the making of a modern American masterpiece. Chinatown is hailed as the Holy Grail of 1970s cinema, known for its notorious twist ending and haunting closing line. This narrative unveils the incredible true story behind its creation, spotlighting the colorful characters of a vibrant Hollywood era. Jack Nicholson shines at the peak of his fame, entangled in a passionate yet doomed romance with Anjelica Huston. Director Roman Polanski, both predator and prey, grapples with the haunting memory of his wife’s brutal murder as he returns to Los Angeles, where his own self-destruction begins to unfold. The narrative also captures the fevered deal-making of Robert Evans, a quintessential producer, and Robert Towne's legendary script, often regarded as the greatest original screenplay ever written. Wasson strips away layers of myth to reveal the true account of this classic film's creation. The story is set against the backdrop of the decline of '70s filmmaker-friendly studios, marking the transition to corporate Hollywood. This exploration will join the ranks of classics like Easy Riders, Raging Bulls, and The Devil's Candy as one of the great movie-world books. Praise for Wasson highlights his talent for chronicling old Hollywood and his flair for style.