University of Virginia Library

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.