OVERLAY REPORT

At the time of its release in June 1974, **Jack Nicholson** was the most famous and culturally prominent actor in *Chinatown*. While his co-stars Faye Dunaway and John Huston were also major figures, Nicholson was the defining face of the "New Hollywood" movement of the 1970s, having just come off a string of critically acclaimed hits that made him the most sought-after leading man in the industry. ### **The Most Famous Actor: Jack Nicholson** By 1974, Nicholson had already transitioned from a cult figure in counterculture films to a mainstream powerhouse. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for *Chinatown*, marking his fourth Oscar nomination in just five years. His fame at the time was characterized by his "anti-hero" persona—a sharp-tongued, rebellious, and cynical lead that resonated with 1970s audiences. #### **Other Notable Films (Pre-1974 & Concurrent)** Prior to *Chinatown*, Nicholson appeared in several films that are now considered cornerstones of American cinema: * **Easy Rider (1969):** This was Nicholson’s breakout role. Playing the alcoholic lawyer George Hanson, he provided the film with a grounded, tragic humor that earned him his first Oscar nomination (Best Supporting Actor) and made him an overnight star. * **Five Easy Pieces (1970):** In this character study, Nicholson played Bobby Dupea, a former piano prodigy working as an oil rigger. The film’s "chicken salad sandwich" scene became an iconic piece of pop culture and solidified his reputation as a formidable dramatic lead. * **Carnal Knowledge (1971):** Directed by Mike Nichols, this controversial film explored the sexual anxieties of American men over several decades. Nicholson played the aggressive and deeply flawed Jonathan Fuerst, further establishing his range in playing complex, often unlikable characters. * **The Last Detail (1973):** Released just months before *Chinatown*, Nicholson played Billy "Badass" Buddusky, a Navy signalman escorting a young sailor to prison. His performance was hailed as a masterclass in controlled volatility and won him the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival. --- ### **Notable Co-Stars at the Time** While Nicholson was the primary draw, *Chinatown* featured two other "A-list" figures who contributed significantly to its prestige: * **Faye Dunaway (Evelyn Cross-Mulwray):** Dunaway was arguably as famous as Nicholson, having become a global icon through **Bonnie and Clyde (1967)** and **The Thomas Crown Affair (1968)**. By 1974, she was known for playing "cool," sophisticated, and often tragic women. Her other notable films before *Chinatown* included the revisionist Western **Little Big Man (1970)** and the swashbuckling hit **The Three Musketeers (1973)**. * **John Huston (Noah Cross):** Huston was a "living legend" in 1974, though primarily as a director rather than an actor. He had directed some of the greatest films in history, including **The Maltese Falcon (1941)** and **The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)**. His rare acting turn in *Chinatown* as the villainous Noah Cross was a massive event, as he brought the weight of Old Hollywood to clash with Nicholson’s New Hollywood energy.