Klute (1971)

Bravo for Fonda, 17 September 2005

John Klute (Donald Sutherland) is a small town detective who has been sent to New York to find a missing man. Bree Daniels (Jane Fonda) is a New York prostitute who may hold the key to the man's whereabouts. If Bree is to help Klute unravel the mystery, he must first protect her from a deranged stalker who seems to always be one step ahead.

I've always found it difficult to watch Jane Fonda and not let my personal feelings towards her get in the way of enjoying her work. I had no such difficulties while watching Klute. Fonda brings such life to Bree Daniels that it's easy to forget your watching a movie. It's one of the more convincing pieces of acting I've ever seen. While I've probably not seen all of the great performances from 1971, it would be difficult for me to imagine anyone deserved the Best Actress Academy Award more than Fonda.

Klute is also one of the more smartly written thrillers I've seen. Pakula uses the well written script to create believable characters who face realistic danger around every corner. The atmosphere and tension are almost palpable. There are moments that are as frightening as any horror movie. But Pakula refuses to go too far or over-the-top. I can well imagine that in the hands of a lesser director, Klute might have easily become a cheesy, throw-away slasher. Well done!

8/10