The Two Jakes 1990
Made by
Paramount Pictures
Plot Summary
In the aftermath of the war in Los Angeles, a troubling wiretapping uncovers a scandal that turns deadly. The recording, made by private investigator J.J. “Jake” Gittes for his client, real-estate developer Jake Berman, aims to expose Berman’s unfaithful wife Kitty in an affair with Bodine, Berman’s own associate. The plot thickens when Berman commits cold-blooded murder, shooting Bodine as he seeks refuge in the motel’s bathroom. This horrifying act is captured on the tape, which also includes a cryptic mention of Katherine Mulwray, a name that brings painful memories to Gittes.
Katherine, the offspring of Gittes’s former client and lover, Evelyn Mulwray, was born out of a tragic and sordid past involving her father, Noah Cross. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that Gittes was ensnared in a scheme for profit; Berman killed with sinister intent, having orchestrated the murder to claim Bodine’s share of the lucrative B&B Homes. The situation is complicated further when it is revealed that Bodine’s will excludes his beautiful widow, Lillian Bodine, leaving Berman as the sole beneficiary, raising suspicions about a conspiracy between Berman and Kitty for financial gain.
Amid the chaos, Gittes uncovers the devious plans behind Berman’s real estate projects, which are secretly being exploited for their underground resources by the greedy oil magnate, Earl Rawley. In a pivotal court hearing where the recorded evidence is presented, Gittes makes a risky decision to manipulate the audio, effectively shielding Berman’s actions and protecting the enigmatic Kitty, who is actually the disguised Katherine Mulwray.
The tangled web of deceit grows as Gittes determines that unique legal shifts forced Katherine to relinquish her rights to the land and mineral wealth to the unscrupulous nightclub owner, Michael ‘Mickey Nice’ Weisskopf. Bodine’s blackmail over Berman regarding Katherine’s true identity ultimately fuels the fatal confrontation. Desperate to secure his wife’s future, Berman, who is suffering from terminal illness, makes the consequential choice to end his life dramatically amidst his properties.
In the somber conclusion, Gittes has a heartfelt exchange with Kitty/Katherine as she prepares to leave his office. Their discussion about the burdens of their shared history concludes with the poignant sentiment that “It (the past) never goes away,” underscoring the indelible impact of past choices on their lives.
Timeline
Wiretapping Scandal Uncovered
In the aftermath of the war in Los Angeles, private investigator J.J. 'Jake' Gittes is hired by real-estate developer Jake Berman. He initiates a wiretapping scheme to uncover Berman's unfaithful wife Kitty's alleged affair with Bodine, Berman's associate, leading to unexpected consequences.
Murder at the Motel
During an intense confrontation, Jake Berman commits cold-blooded murder, shooting Bodine as he hides in the motel's bathroom. This shocking event is recorded on Gittes's tape, forever altering the course of the investigation.
The Painful Connection
The murder tape hints at Katherine Mulwray, a name that resurfaces painful memories for Gittes. The connection is profound, as Katherine is tied to Gittes's past involving Evelyn Mulwray, dredging up old feelings and conflicts.
Financial Motives Revealed
Investigating further, Gittes discovers that Berman's motive for murder was financial gain. Berman orchestrated Bodine’s murder to secure his stake in the profitable B&B Homes, revealing the depths of his treachery.
Suspicion of Conspiracy
The intrigue deepens when it is uncovered that Bodine's will excludes his widow, Lillian Bodine. This raises red flags about a potential conspiracy between Berman and Kitty, suggesting ulterior motives behind their actions.
Devious Real Estate Plans
Gittes uncovers Berman's nefarious plans, where his real estate developments are being exploited for oil resources. This revelation points to a larger scheme involving the greedy oil magnate, Earl Rawley, complicating an already tangled situation.
Pivotal Court Hearing
In a critical court hearing, Gittes presents the recorded evidence of the murder. However, he makes a risky decision to manipulate the audio, shielding Berman's actions and protecting the enigmatic Kitty, who is revealed to be Katherine.
Legal Complications
Gittes learns that Katherine was forced to surrender her rights to valuable land and mineral wealth. This legal shift reveals the deceit that surrounded her and burdens her identity as she navigates the treacherous waters of manipulation.
Blackmail and Confrontation
Bodine's blackmail over Berman regarding Katherine's true identity leads to a fatal confrontation. As tensions escalate, the stakes are raised high, ultimately resulting in disastrous consequences.
Berman's Final Decision
Desperate to secure his wife's future amid his terminal illness, Berman chooses to end his own life. This dramatic act reflects his desperation and the extent to which he is entangled in the web of deception he created.
Heartfelt Exchange
In a somber conclusion, Gittes has a meaningful conversation with Kitty/Katherine as she prepares to leave his office. They reflect on the burdens of their shared history, culminating in the poignant realization that the past never truly disappears.
Characters
J.J. 'Jake' Gittes (Jack Nicholson)
J.J. 'Jake' Gittes is a seasoned private investigator who becomes embroiled in a tangled web of deceit. His sharp intellect and moral compass are put to the test as he navigates the complexities of war-torn Los Angeles and confronts his past. Despite his tough exterior, he grapples with the emotional weight of his decisions and the history shared with others.
Jake Berman
Jake Berman is a real-estate developer driven by ambition and plagued by desperation. His character embodies the dangers of unchecked greed, leading him to commit heinous acts in pursuit of wealth. Berman's choices reveal a man tormented by his own actions and the lengths one might go to secure their legacy.
Kitty/Katherine Mulwray
Kitty, also known as Katherine Mulwray, is a complex character shrouded in mystery and deceit. She navigates her relationships with a dual identity, reflecting the burdens of her past. Her interactions with Gittes highlight the emotional entanglements that arise from shared tragedies and the desire for a fresh start amidst chaos.
Setting
Time period
Post-War Era
The post-war era in the United States was characterized by significant social changes, economic growth, and an evolving landscape marked by technological advancements. Following World War II, individuals faced the challenges of reconciling their pasts with a rapidly modernizing society. This period is often associated with a growing discontent and desire for justice, as individuals grappled with their personal and communal histories.
Location
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a sprawling city known for its entertainment industry, diverse culture, and real estate developments. It serves as a backdrop for many stories of ambition, deceit, and the complexities of human relationships. The city's landscape reflects both its glamorous surface and the darker undercurrents of crime and corruption.
Themes
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Deception
Deception is a central theme in 'The Two Jakes,' where characters navigate a complex web of lies for personal gain. The protagonist, Gittes, is embroiled in a scenario where truth becomes malleable, leading to betrayal and uncovering hidden motives. The manipulative dynamics between Berman, Kitty, and Bodine highlight how deception can lead to dire consequences.
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Murder
Murder looms over the narrative, catalyzing the events that unfold in the story. Berman's cold-blooded act not only changes the course of his life but also intricately ties him to a conspiracy. This theme underscores the grisly realities of crime and the tragic outcomes that arise from selfish motives.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is woven throughout the relationships in the film, particularly as characters act in self-interest at the expense of others. Both personal and financial betrayals emerge, revealing how trust is broken within intimate relationships and business dealings alike. The fallout from these acts highlights the emotionally charged consequences of such treachery.
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