In Reply to: I saw it as more about the futility of trying change the system posted by Dr.J on March 13, 2024 at 18:15:05
Look, I'm no expert, just conversing with DSC. To me, Chinatown was a different world. Where different expectations should apply. It's futile to enter a different world and expect the norms of your world to apply. That's the perspective of the cop that said it. And, since almost nothing in the movie except the final scne (as I recall the movie) maybe everything is "Chinatown." So, I guess I've talked myself into what you said.
Great observation!
Another possibility is they needed a line to end the movie so someone came up with that and it became legendary. It happens. But, I'm going with your interpretation.