Review of Klute (1971) by Jonathan B — 08 Feb 2015

Both Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland are at the top of their games in this brilliant thriller from the 1970s. Fonda plays the role of Bree Daniels, an intelligent but emotionally damaged prostitute who is playing an unwitting role in the disappearance of a businessman.

Sutherland takes the role of John Klute, the seemingly cold and dispassionate private detective investigating the case. For both actors, I think that this is probably one of their best movies and Alan J.

Pakula directs with a believably naturalistic touch. Fonda in particular is amazing, whether she is in a scene with her tricks or her psychologist, she is captivating and wholly believable in this complex role.

The supporting cast have little to do as this film is almost a two-hander although Roy Scheider has a nice role as Bree's former boyfriend and pimp. As the villain of the piece is given away fairly early on, in true Columbo style, this not much of a "whodunnit" but manages to be a suspenseful and taught psychological thriller.

In particular, the climactic scene where Fonda comes face to face with the killer is skilfully handled. Set in New York, the city looks as it was in the 70s, a complete collision between glamour and grime and the story makes the best of these settings and the high fashion looks of the era.

Klute neither looks nor feels dated unlike many films of this age and remains a well made and brilliantly directed movie, rightly something of a classic of this genre.