Klute

Enigmatic small town private detective John Kiute (Donald Sutherland) is hired to track down a missing research scientist in New York city. His investigation leads him to a high class prostitute, Bree Daniels (Jane Fonda) whose life is being threatened by a homicidal sadist. Soon a hesistant relationship develops between the two.

Klute is both an excellent character study and a suspenseful, at times scary, thriller. Viewer interest is maintained throughout by some thoughtful direction by Alan J. Pakula and some outstanding acting by the two leads. Sutherland turns in a marvellously understated performance in the title role, but the picture nevertheless belongs to Fonda. She shows an innate understanding of her character, presenting her as a complex figure whose confident outward persona is nothing but a convenient mask to shield her inner vulnerability. Quite deservedly she won an Oscar for her performance.

Review by Stephen Townsend
Taken from EUFS Programme 1995-96