The Script: "A private detective hired to expose an adulterer finds himself caught up in a web of deceit, corruption and murder." - IMDb What You'll Learn: In a weird sort of way, Robert Towne's dense, rich and masterfully written screenplay for Chinatown has become more famous than the movie itself. Often cited by experts as one of the most accomplished screenplays in Hollywood history, Chinatown really does live up to its reputation as a source of creative inspiration. There's no denying the fact that every one of its 17 pages feels immaculately polished and produced, but the beauty here is in Towne's handling of the movie's many sub plots, enigmatic characters, and overarching symbolism. Because Chinatown moves relentlessly forward, never lagging for a moment, and yet we still don't get our heads around the central mystery until the very end - such momentum, coupled with a sense of genuine intrigue, is rarely glimpsed nowadays. What's more, Towne plays with film noir tropes and refuses to follow through in the ways we expect. An immaculate triumph, and one that is just as enjoyable to read in script format as it is to watch as a fully-fledged motion picture. You can read Robert Towne's script for Chinatown here.Like this article? Agree or disagree with the choices we've assembled here? Which other scripts would you add to the list that we might've missed that could also help wannabe screenwriters to master their craft? There are obviously hundreds of potential screenplays to choose from that could've made the final list, given the span of cinematic endeavour, so let us know in the comments section below.
