Robert Towne, screenwriter of ‘Chinatown,’ Dies at 89

Oscar-winning screenwriter Robert Towne, known for ‘Chinatown,’ has died at 89, leaving a lasting impact on Hollywood.

Robert Towne, the screenwriter renowned for his Oscar-winning screenplay for Roman Polanski’s “Chinatown,” has died at the age of 89. Towne passed away on Monday at his home in Los Angeles, confirmed by his publicist Carri McClure on Tuesday. The cause of death was not cited.

Towne’s screenplay for “Chinatown” earned him an Academy Award in 1974, amid a remarkable period where he received best-screenplay Oscar nominations for three consecutive years, including for “The Last Detail” and “Shampoo.” His uncredited contributions also extended to significant films such as “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967) and “The Godfather” (1972).

Film historian David Thomson described Towne as “a fascinating contradiction: in many ways idealistic, sentimental and very talented; in others a devout compromiser, a delayer, so insecure that he can sometimes seem devious.” Despite his reputation for delivering long scripts past deadlines, Towne was celebrated for his mastery of dialogue.

Towne’s early career included writing for television shows like “The Outer Limits” and “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” and working on B-movies with Roger Corman. His work on “Chinatown,” which centers on a private investigator uncovering a conspiracy over Los Angeles’ water supply, became a hallmark of New Hollywood cinema. Polanski’s insistence on a darker ending, where the antagonist prevails, marked a significant creative conflict with Towne, who originally penned a more optimistic conclusion.

Despite challenges in his later career, including directing the less successful “Personal Best” and facing personal controversies, Towne remained an influential figure. He was born Robert Bertram Schwartz on November 23, 1934, in Los Angeles, and developed a passion for movies from an early age. He later collaborated closely with actor Jack Nicholson, contributing to his significant works.

Towne’s contributions to film extended beyond his credited works, leaving a lasting impact on Hollywood screenwriting.