The Two Jakes

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Well, as promised, we’re fully in the era of neo – noir. And not just any neo – noir; this example will take some explaining. We chose it for specific reasons. Is it the greatest neo – noir ever? No --- its progenitor would likely take the prize there. But it’s fun, fills the bill, and is a great watch. We saw it in a theater on original release and it stuck with us. As we will highlight in boring detail… We’re going to untangle a true example of neo – noir --- in living color, set in the classic period of post – WWII LA, with a fantastic voice – over, femmes fatale to spare, a MacGuffin, twisted psychology, echoes of a tortured past, fate coming out of nowhere to step in and upset multiple carts. And a cast that’s nearly unmatched. It’s 1990’s production of The Two Jakes, shot for Paramount Pictures, a long - time home for film noir. Those in the know will say --- hey, why highlight Jakes? What about its direct forerunner and possibly the greatest neo – noir ever, Chinatown? Huh? What film has a more killer final line than Chinatown? Huh? Well, in that lies a tale… 

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