Renowned screenwriter Robert Towne, famed for his Academy Award-winning script for the 1974 masterpiece Chinatown, passed away at 89. Towne's demise occurred at his residence in Los Angeles, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Over his illustrious career, Towne received Academy Award nominations for his scripts of The Last Detail (1973) and Shampoo (1975), highlighting his unique depiction of Los Angeles, combining elegance with sadness.
Beyond his notable screenplays, Towne significantly contributed as a script doctor, notably revising key scenes for films such as The Godfather and providing essential insights for projects like Bonnie and Clyde. Towne's magnum opus, Chinatown, stands as a pinnacle of noir cinema, influenced by Raymond Chandler and directed by Roman Polanski, featuring Faye Dunaway and John Huston. The film's deep narrative and Towne's screenplay garnered widespread critical acclaim, solidifying its status in cinematic history.
Although Towne's later works, including The Two Jakes (1990), received mixed reviews, his influence transcended traditional screenwriting to encompass blockbuster hits like Mission: Impossible and The Firm. In recent years, Towne collaborated on various projects and adaptations, showcasing his lasting impact on Hollywood. Survived by his wife Luisa, daughters Kathleen and Chiara, and other family members, details for a memorial service honoring his legacy will be announced soon, as stated by The Hollywood Reporter.
