In the film Chinatown, Jake Gittes embodies the characteristics of a typical indifferent private investigator. He handles his clients’ marital issues by capturing evidence of their infidelity. Jake remains unfazed by any situation and often employs provocative humor, even when he reaches dead ends despite having strong instincts. Throughout the movie, Jake is portrayed as an underdog, evident from his shabby brown jacket that sets him apart from his well-dressed associates and suggests his lower social status. Additionally, he is continuously mocked by others throughout the entirety of the film.
Gittes always used racy humor to lighten the mood, which is why his current job is a joke to him. He had previously worked as a police officer in Chinatown, where he took on a deceitful case that resulted in a woman getting hurt. The film doesn’t provide details about this event, but it had such a profound impact on Gittes that he left the police force. It is well-known that Gittes’s current case symbolically brings him back to Chinatown. It is believed that as humans, we unconsciously seek out people, situations, and events that resemble our past traumas in order to ultimately overcome them.
The film portrays Jake as a relentless character who is unfazed by threats or failures. Interestingly, he does not rely on physical force and never carries a weapon, which is ironic considering his robust characteristics. Despite his lack of vulnerability to physical threats, he frequently encounters them and wears a band aid throughout most of the film. Unlike other protagonists, Jake does not overlook important information or inaccurately interpret hints. However, he does struggle to understand the bigger picture, which becomes a defining aspect of his character in the film.
Jake Gittes consistently displayed a passion for detective work, as evident in his encounter with Lt. Escobar. His dedication to police work and unraveling mysteries is apparent. Right from the start of the investigation, he expressed his desire to assist Mr. Mulray, and subsequently extend his help to Mrs. Mulray and her sister/daughter. This showcases his true ambition of utilizing his investigative skills to aid individuals in overcoming their own personal struggles. However, when tragedy once again struck in Chinatown, Jake muttered the phrase “as little as possible,” which serves as a thematic representation of his character. He found himself once more witnessing a malevolent event and failing to protect another woman in Chinatown. This concluding resolution leads to the realization that evil is not exclusive to Chinatown, just as it is not solely attributed to Noah Cross or Mrs. Mulray’s inevitable involvement. Chinatown serves as a peculiar reflection of the world at large. Rather than redeeming himself from his past, Jake’s actions only further destroy him, transforming him into a tragic figure rather than a hero.
