Chinatown, undeniably a masterpiece, continues to spark debate among viewers, primarily due to its association with Roman Polanski. Beyond the controversies, allegations, and legal charges that emerged after the film’s release, there was a palpable tension on set. This tension was particularly heightened due to Polanski’s conflicts with the Oscar-winning actress Faye Dunaway. Despite the feud making significant headlines and captivating several tabloid attention to this day, the actress revisited this feud in her autobiography, Looking for Gatsby: My Life, stunning fans with the intricate details and revelations of what happened behind the scenes while making the movie.
Faye Dunaway Accused Roman Polanski Of Humiliating Her on the Sets of Chinatown
The feud, involving acclaimed director Roman Polanski and Oscar-winning actress Faye Dunaway, on the sets of the highly acclaimed movie, Chinatown has been a topic of intense fascination for years. Although the actress was later dubbed difficult to work with by many in the industry. Within the pages of her autobiography, she described the director as someone “incessantly cruel”, driven by a “never-ending need to humiliate” her at every turn during their time on set as reported by Far Out Magazine.
On the flip side, Polanski maintained that the actress exhibited signs of “insanity” when she abruptly left the set, attributing her reaction to his act of plucking a hair from her skull whenever she disrupted what he perceived as a ‘perfect’ scene.
Further revelations unveiled that the actress was denied even a basic bathroom break between takes. Despite these challenges, she claims she maintained her composure, responding only when the situation demanded it. Although Dunaway endured those hardships without quitting, she made it clear that she was far from okay with the behavior, which she regarded as “bordered on sexual harassment”.
Jack Nicholson Slapped Faye Dunaway During a Scene
While filming a harrowing scene, Evelyn Mulwray, portrayed by Faye Dunaway, discloses a hidden truth to J.J. Gittes, played by Jack Nicholson, amidst a flurry of repeated slaps. Initially, Nicholson attempted stage slaps, but unfortunately, they failed to achieve the desired impact that both the actors had in mind.
Dunaway, demonstrating her commitment to the scene and to the movie even after facing several hardships throughout, urged Nicholson to abandon the pretense and deliver real slaps. Though hesitant at first, Nicholson ultimately gave in to her request. The raw intensity of the moment was then captured on film. The film is still considered one of the best works in the industry and has garnered several awards and praises from critics as well as audiences.
Source: Looking for Gatsby: My Life (Faye Dunaway’s autobiography)
