Movie - Oscar for "Chinatown" - screenwriter Robert Towne is dead
Robert Towne, an esteemed Hollywood screenwriter and author of films such as "Chinatown," "Tequila Sunrise," and "Mission: Impossible," has passed away. The California native, who provided the source material for movies like "Chinatown," was reportedly peaceful in the presence of his family at his Monday passing, according to his spokesperson Carri McClure. He was 89 years old.
His most famous work is the screenplay for the 1974 crime film "Chinatown" about power, corruption, and affairs in 1930s Los Angeles. Roman Polanski directed the film, with Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway starring. The film received eleven Oscar nominations, and Towne was the only nominee to win for the original screenplay.
Collaborations with Stars
Towne wrote several scripts for films featuring Tom Cruise, including "Days of Thunder," "The Firm," and "Mission: Impossible." He also worked with Warren Beatty ("Shampoo," "Heaven Can Wait") and Jack Nicholson multiple times. Towne was also hired to polish scripts, such as for the classics "Bonnie and Clyde" and "The Godfather."
Directing Career
As a director, Towne worked behind the camera on the action film "Tequila Sunrise" (1988), starring Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Kurt Russell. He gathered stars like Salma Hayek, Colin Farrell, and Donald Sutherland for the immigrant drama "Ask the Dust" in 2006.
Oscar Nomination under a Pseudonym
Besides his Oscar triumph with "Chinatown," Towne had three other Oscar chances with the scripts for "The Last Command," "Shampoo," and for "Greystoke – The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes." Towne had worked on the Tarzan comedy script for several years but eventually disagreed with the producers. He withdrew his author name and instead used his dog's name - "P.H. Vazak" - in the film credits. Under this pseudonym, Towne was nominated for an Oscar in 1985. The award ultimately went to the script for "Amadeus."
Jack Nicholson, known for his iconic roles in Hollywood, has a notable collaboration with Robert Towne, having starred in the critically acclaimed film "Chinatown." The film, set in the corrupt world of 1930s Los Angeles, also featured Faye Dunaway.
Hollywood legends Roman Polanski and Robert Towne teamed up to direct and write the screenplay for "Chinatown," respectively, earning the film numerous Oscar nominations and securing Towne's victory in the original screenplay category.
Chinatown, the crime movie directed by Roman Polanski and starring Jack Nicholson, was filmed in the bustling streets of Los Angeles, which served as a backdrop for the corruption and power struggles depicted in the story.
Robert Towne's "Chinatown" garnered eleven Oscar nominations, with stars such as Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway delivering impressive performances in front of the movie camera.
The 1974 film "Chinatown" is a testament to Robert Towne's writing talent, showcasing his ability to create a gripping story with themes of power, corruption, and affairs in the glamorous world of Hollywood.
The production of "Chinatown" featured a mix of established stars like Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway alongside promising newcomers, such as Michelle Pfeiffer, who played a significant role in the film.
Robert Towne's career as a screenwriter spanned several decades, including working on classics like "Bonnie and Clyde" and "The Godfather," as well as penning original screenplays like "Chinatown," which continues to be recognized as a masterpiece in the world of cinema.
