[Quick Summary: A blunt, newly promoted police captain vows to clear Chinatown of the Asian mafia who is importing heroin.]
TWO RANDOM THOUGHTS:
1) A VERY BLUNT SCRIPT. Stan is a good, but unpopular, cop, who bulldozes anything blocking his mission to wipe out the Asian mafia.
He takes life like a linebacker - hit, move on, hit, move on. He feels things, but there is little contemplation. He is blunt, with little finesse.
This script mimics this: It is mostly action - hit, move on, hit, move on. It is also lonely and sad. Everyone else suffers the consequences of Stan's workaholism.
2) SHOWING RESPECT. There have been many criticisms about this film.
However, I liked one scene in particular because:
- It gives us a rare moment to breathe.
- It simultaneously is credible for this culture (showing respect for one's elders) AND shows irony.
Previous to the scene below:
- Uncle Yung was the mafia leader. Tai was hungry to be leader.
- Uncle Yung's restaurant was just ransacked by thugs.
- Uncle Yung does not know that Tai secretly hired these thugs.
- At the mafia meeting, Tai unseated Uncle Yung.
Notice how Tai is "smoothing Uncle's exit" with a show of respect, yet it is still ironic (we know Tai is responsible, but Yung does not):
ex. "INT. SHANGHAI PALACE - DAY
A half dozen PLASTERERS fill in bullet holes on the wall. Yung is having a cup of tea. two dozen workmen -- PAINTERS, ELECTRICIANS, GLAZIERS are at work already putting the restaurant back in shape.
Joey Tai is sitting with Harry Yung.
A WAITER pours tea for them. Yung's dark-spectacled wife circles in the background.
They sip tea. Pause.
TAI: When will you be able to reopen for business?
YUNG: There is much to do as you can see.
TAI: Yes. It was gracious of you to serve me tea. (stands up) I must go.
Yung stands. The ceremony is brief and private. Tai hands over a red envelop, fat as a small pillow and full of money, with both hands. Yung does not open it.
But gives a sign it has been accepted. If there is pain there is no sign of it on his face. Nothing shows. The transition of power in Chinatown is complete.
As Tai walk out of the restaurant, Yung's wife joins him. Looking at Joey Tai, she mutters in Chinese, which we subtitle.
YUNG'S WIFE: In the presence of your enemy, hide your broken arms in your sleeve."
WHAT I'VE LEARNED: It's ok to hide facts from the characters, but not the audience. I think this is why the irony works here.
Year of the Dragon (1985)(final draft, 9/4/84)
by Oliver Stone and Michael Cimino
Based on the novel by Robert Daley
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