University of Virginia Library

CINEMA

Psychodrama Will Jangle Nerves

By PAUL CHAPLIN

"Klute" is the type of film that
one can go to and be pleasantly
entertained, while enjoying all the
stock tricks used to scare the living
daylights out of an audience. Since
thrillers belong to an audience
participation genre, I recommend
going to see the film with anyone
who gets nervous about phone calls,
loud noises, and the thought of
being alone.

Bree Daniels is a woman who is
always alone. Sometimes a model,
sometimes an actress, but always a
prostitute, she builds a barrier
around her to shield her from
conflicts presented by the world of
New York, and the world of her
own mind. The tough talking, bitter
loner, who must be in control is a
perfect role for Jane Fonda. Her
performance shows that "They
Shoot Horses" just touched the
surface of her acting abilities.

Quiet Acting

Into her unstable life comes
John Klute, a private investigator,
quietly played by Donald
Sutherland. I say "quietly" since
this role, like that of the lord in
"Joanna," shows Sutherland at his
best, namely in creating characters
so complete we forget we're
watching Donald Sutherland on a
screen.

The plot of the film concerns
the disappearance of a friend of
Klute's and his efforts to find him.
Bree Daniels refuses to give any
information, yet it is clear to the
audience, as well as Klute, that she
knows a lot more than she is willing
to admit. Together, they explore
the slums of the city, uncovering a
web of murders committed by a sex
pervert.

Still shots

In addition to the talents of
Fonda and Sutherland; the film's
success is due to director Alan J.
Pakula's ability to create intriguing
shots and sustain our interest. Like
his "Sterile Cuckoo," this film
features shots held for what can
seem like an eternity. By no means
a flaw, these shots take on the
aspects of still photos, allowing the
audience to develop sympathy
for the characters. In a way, the
longer you look at Bree Daniels
looking at you, the better you
know and feel the emotions within
her. In addition to these long-held

shots, Pakula has numerous images
which are visually refreshing and
interesting.

The only problem with the film
lies in the killer character. The film
is a "psychological thriller," but the
pervert-murderer has some very
laughable lines coming from his
lips. I don't know if this is the fault
of authors Andy and Dave Lewis,
whose script is otherwise very good,
or if the dialogue problem originated
with the actor portraying the killer.
It is quite possible that the scene in
which he confesses was improvised,
which might also be the case with
the scenes of Bree and her
psychiatrist.

This minor point aside, "Klute"
is a very good film which will win
kudos for Fonda, Sutherland, and, I
hope, Pakula. This film, along with
"The Sterile Cuckoo," presents a
fascinating viewpoint of an outsider
struggling for survival in a world
which looks upon such people as
Bree Daniels and Pookie Adams as
freaks. Unfortunately for them, as
Pakula shows us, they end up on a
bus, heading for some new place
where they still are alone.

(Now at the Cinema)