Gritty City Romance
Added 3/2/2010
This 1971 film is a product of its time, like a fine wine, born of the golden era of 'New Hollywood' or 'American New Wave' movies as they're being called today. A lot of great character driven, slice-of-life movies were produced in the first few years of the 70s. "Scarecrow" ('73) or "5 Easy Pieces" (1970) come to mind. This one shares with them the cornerstone of subtle and complex character work that almost forms the fabric of the story. The movie is presented in widescreen, which looks great, with rich hues, dark like mahogany, and fine camerawork. I was pleased with the clarity of the film though the volume seemed to vascilate. Fortunately THERE ARE SUBTITLES! Yes, and not just in English, but in French, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, Thai & Korean. There's also a nice special feature promo for the film made during the time of this movie, which has the actors touring Harlem and 1970 NYC - a real time window, and you can compare the feeling of 'movie land' with the documentary style shooting that's part of this feature. Wonderful this was included.
As for the film, Roy Scheider's work as the the pimp was understated, beleivable and excellent, showing his real talent as an actor. Klute (Sutherland) also gives a very memorable performance as honorable 'yet human' countryside detective on a murder case in New York City. Sutherland really impresses. He looks so young too. Fonda took all the awards for this picture and she WAS good - there wouldn't have been a picture without her - but oddly perhaps, I was more impressed by Klute and Scheider. I liked Jane Fonda in this movie as I've liked her in all her early stuff. If you get the chance, check her out in "Walk On The Wild Side" (1962) - she's gorgeous! Joy House (Les Felins) (1964), might be worth a look as well, though not as good as 'Wild Side' (Jane Fonda doesn't get as much screen time either, being more of a supporting than main role). But I digress. Klute is a winner not only due to its fine performances, camera work and setting, but mainly it's because the plot is fundamentally interesting - we get to study the mind/psychology of a call-girl. What could be more interesting than that? Throw in a murder case and a budding romance, and you've got the poetry that is "Klute".
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Good performances in a mediocre film
Added 1/16/2010
The Bottom Line:
Donald Sutherland does a good job underplaying his role and every moment Jane Fonda is onscreen is fascinating, but the thriller aspects of Pakula's Klute never manage to interest, let alone raise the pulse, and so I have difficulty recommending it despite the leads; if you're a big fan of Fonda or Pakula check it out, but otherwise seek out a less moribund thriller.
2.5/4
0 out of 2 people found this helpful.
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Always interested in the 1 star reviews...
Added 12/30/2009
... of great films like this. (And this is a great film.) Notice how all the 1 stars are from the 2000's. No special effects and no buildings blowing up or car chases just baffles many today. Character seems to be of little importance and suspense is now "boring". Don't force anyone to pay attention to the actual words of the script for information, just pictures for today's audience. And of course god forbid you can't get up and fix a snack, talk on the phone or text your friends while watching without still being able to get it.... who wants to have to pay attention to the whole thing????
However, if you are not ADD and can watch a movie for adults, this is a good, creepy character study with a bit of suspense and a lot of good acting. Y'see...there's more to it than the plot!
4 out of 4 people found this helpful.
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Remains a Gem
Added 3/13/2009
Jane Fonda's classic performance remains entrancing decades after the film's release. For "Klute," she won the Oscar, Golden Globe, National Society of Film Critics & New York Film Critics Circle awards. Her performance as Bree Daniels triumphed over other Oscar nominees Julie Christie, Glenda Jackson, Vanessa Redgrave & Janet Suzman. Critic Pauline Kael called her the finest actress of her generation. Jane Fonda seems electrically wired, moving with lightning speed between emotions & intentions. She's incredible to watch. One classic moment is where she pauses during work with a man on top of her long enough to check the time & then resumes without missing a beat. While the film is good, Fonda makes it remarkable.
Donald Sutherland's performance as detective John Klute is so understated that it is easy to miss how well he performs. At moments, you see the hunger he has in his eyes for Bree; at others, compassion. The scene where he returns tape recordings, she tries to demean him by seeing if he'd been seduced by the big city. Klute shoots back that her response is "pathetic."
Charles Cioffi does a good job as Peter Cable, the wealthy businessman. Andy & David Lewis had an Oscar nomination for their original screenplay. Director Alan J. Pakula gives us a gritty drama that is part character study, part thriller. While the clothing styles may become dated, Fonda's brilliant performance remains a gem. Enjoy!
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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A SUBTLE, CHARACTER-DRIVEN THRILLER
Added 3/7/2009
Pakula built the suspense quietly in this film, but it is the fascinating complexities of Fonda's, and Sutherland's characters that elevate the movie far beyond the average who-done-it, detective pic it could have been. Fonda, in particular, is simply astonishing as Bree, a call girl, and aspiring actress. The dialogue is also refreshingly crisp, provocative, and intelligent. It is a must for any Fonda, or Sutherland fan.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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Gritty City Romance
Added 3/2/2010
This 1971 film is a product of its time, like a fine wine, born of the golden era of 'New Hollywood' or 'American New Wave' movies as they're being called today. A lot of great character driven, slice-of-life movies were produced in the first few years of the 70s. "Scarecrow" ('73) or "5 Easy Pieces" (1970) come to mind. This one shares with them the cornerstone of subtle and complex character work that almost forms the fabric of the story. The movie is presented in widescreen, which looks great, with rich hues, dark like mahogany, and fine camerawork. I was pleased with the clarity of the film though the volume seemed to vascilate. Fortunately THERE ARE SUBTITLES! Yes, and not just in English, but in French, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, Thai & Korean. There's also a nice special feature promo for the film made during the time of this movie, which has the actors touring Harlem and 1970 NYC - a real time window, and you can compare the feeling of 'movie land' with the documentary style shooting that's part of this feature. Wonderful this was included.
As for the film, Roy Scheider's work as the the pimp was understated, beleivable and excellent, showing his real talent as an actor. Klute (Sutherland) also gives a very memorable performance as honorable 'yet human' countryside detective on a murder case in New York City. Sutherland really impresses. He looks so young too. Fonda took all the awards for this picture and she WAS good - there wouldn't have been a picture without her - but oddly perhaps, I was more impressed by Klute and Scheider. I liked Jane Fonda in this movie as I've liked her in all her early stuff. If you get the chance, check her out in "Walk On The Wild Side" (1962) - she's gorgeous! Joy House (Les Felins) (1964), might be worth a look as well, though not as good as 'Wild Side' (Jane Fonda doesn't get as much screen time either, being more of a supporting than main role). But I digress. Klute is a winner not only due to its fine performances, camera work and setting, but mainly it's because the plot is fundamentally interesting - we get to study the mind/psychology of a call-girl. What could be more interesting than that? Throw in a murder case and a budding romance, and you've got the poetry that is "Klute".
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
Good performances in a mediocre film
Added 1/16/2010
The Bottom Line:
Donald Sutherland does a good job underplaying his role and every moment Jane Fonda is onscreen is fascinating, but the thriller aspects of Pakula's Klute never manage to interest, let alone raise the pulse, and so I have difficulty recommending it despite the leads; if you're a big fan of Fonda or Pakula check it out, but otherwise seek out a less moribund thriller.
2.5/4
0 out of 2 people found this helpful.
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Always interested in the 1 star reviews...
Added 12/30/2009
... of great films like this. (And this is a great film.) Notice how all the 1 stars are from the 2000's. No special effects and no buildings blowing up or car chases just baffles many today. Character seems to be of little importance and suspense is now "boring". Don't force anyone to pay attention to the actual words of the script for information, just pictures for today's audience. And of course god forbid you can't get up and fix a snack, talk on the phone or text your friends while watching without still being able to get it.... who wants to have to pay attention to the whole thing????
However, if you are not ADD and can watch a movie for adults, this is a good, creepy character study with a bit of suspense and a lot of good acting. Y'see...there's more to it than the plot!
4 out of 4 people found this helpful.
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