A few days ago I wrote about Hannibal Lecter and how campy I find him. Today I’m going to write about one that gives me the skin crawling creep: Noah Cross from Chinatown played by the immortal John Huston.
The movie’s surface plot is about the theft of water ftom Los Angeles County being pumped into the Northwest Valley preparing it for annexation and development. (I know a long description but it is a complicated film.) But that is only part of what’s going on because this movie has one of the all-time great twist in any tale…
Noah Cross.
When you see John Huston you know that he’s the villian, you just don’t know how much because this is not your standard baddie. Cross is later revealed as the father of a child by his own daughter. When confronted he. delivers an absolutely chilling line, “I certainly don’t blame myself. You see Mr. Gittes, most men never have to face the fact that given the right circumstances they’re capable of anything.” Truly cringe worthy.
The movie finally comes to a climax in Chinatown (not only a place but a metaphor for the film) where Gittes confronts Cross but things do not go as planned (I’d say more but I don’t want to give anymore away) closing with Gittes partner saying, “Forget it Jake.. It’s Chinatown.”
I don’t have visceral reactions to movie characters very often but I did to Noan Cross and the feeling was revulsion, proving John Huston was not only a great director ( he didn’t direct this movie) but also a great supporting actor. A double threat and talent. Still didn’t like him for a while after this part though. Until next time.
A Fifth of Brian 