After just watching Chinatown, I noticed many different camera shots the director decided to use and how unique they are compared to regular shots. The more interesting shots, however, were done when Mr. Gittes was spying. When he was using the binoculars, they made the screen give his perspective and how it looked to him. The director also use the mirror on the car as a different view for spying. Lastly, the lens on the camera was used as a reflection as a form of spying. I felt these were all very unique ways to portray was was occurring and made the spying more interesting and intriguing than normal. One thing I also found interesting was that in some of the car the scene that the person was in the back of the car. I found this interesting not focusing in on the drivings thoughts or viewing what the driver saw, but in a way created our own perspective.
I, as well, really loved the different camera shots in “Chinatown” because I really felt as if I was a part of the film. Through the different point of view shots, it made the audience feel as if they took the role of Mr. Gittes, and were doing the spying themselves. Out of the entire film, my favorite shot in “Chinatown” was the scene in the back of the car. With this unique scene, the audience significantly becomes an individual a part of the film where they can see what the actors are experiencing. I believe that feeling a sense of association allows the viewer to have a better experience than in different films.
These shots that allow the viewer to feel more a part of the film also contribute to the unexpected quality of Mr. Gittes character; the fact that at times he can appear unexpectedly human. Like a classic film noir detective he is a hard-boiled private investigator, makes crass jokes, and willingly gets violent with either sex when they cause him trouble. Some more compassionate characteristic of his character include being reluctant to take on a job that won’t satisfy a client, he tends to be wrong more often than right and an inability to see the bigger picture. The viewer is often on par with the information that Gitte is getting instead of him being a step ahead of the game. I feel like these character traits added with the personal feel of the cinematography connect well to convey the Neo-Noir elements of Chinatown.