“And for an hour… for an hour, I’m the best actress in the world”…Jane Fonda’s Most Revealing Role…
Great news for fans of classic movies. An upcoming blu-ray release from The Criterion Collection showcases an intense, award winning performance by Jane Fonda.
Fonda gives one of her most personal, candid and honest performances in the 1971 thriller “Klute” – a role that would win her the Best Actress Oscar.
Klute
“Klute” is a moody thriller about a call girl and the Detective who tries to save her…
Jane Fonda won the Oscar for her portrayal of a call girl who dreams of being a great Actress – and the killer she attracts in the process…here is the trailer:
Donald Sutherland is John Klute – a small-town Detective whose friend has disappeared in New York City. The only clue is his friend’s connection to a call girl, Bree Daniels…
The film is a mystery, a thriller and a meditation on 70’s New York as well. According to her autobiography, Jane Fonda hung out with call girls and pimps for a week before beginning this film in order to prepare for her role.
When none of the pimps offered to “represent” her, she became convinced she wasn’t desirable enough to play a prostitute and urged the director to replace her with friend Faye Dunaway.
Luckily he didn’t listen, because she is terrific in the role, including scenes with clients that capture her mindset perfectly!
The film highlights Jane Fonda’s ability to get under the skin of her character, making you believe she really is a prostitute who just wants to be a star…as she says:
“And for an hour… for an hour, I’m the best actress in the world, and the best fuck in the world.”
Jane Fonda’s Best Actress Oscar acceptance speech for this movie was one of the shortest in movie history:
“Thank you…thank you very much members of the Academy and thank all of you who applauded. There’s a great deal to say and I’m not going to say it tonight, I would just like to really thank you very much.”
A great film noir showcasing the seedy side of the early 70’s…and I’m excited to see that The Criterion Collection is releasing it on blu-ray in July, packed with great extras!
SPECIAL FEATURES
New, restored 4K digital transfer, supervised by camera operator Michael Chapman, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray
New conversation between actors Jane Fonda and Illeana Douglas
New documentary about Klute and director Alan J. Pakula by filmmaker Matthew Miele, featuring scholars, filmmakers, and Pakula’s family and friends
The Look of “Klute,” a new interview with writer Amy Fine Collins
Archival interviews with Pakula and Fonda
“Klute” in New York, a short documentary made during the shooting of the film
PLUS: An essay by critic Mark Harris and excerpts from a 1972 interview with Pakula
I cannot wait – bravo as always to Criterion for keeping great cinema alive!
2019 Annual Bloggers Bash Nominee
Time To Pander…
If you liked this story, please consider voting for me in the “best entertainment blog” category at the 5th Annual Bloggers Bash – here is the link to the ballot – open until April 24th!
https://annualbloggersbash.com/2019/04/10/the-annual-bloggers-bash-awards-2019-vote-is-live/
Thanks so much for your support – and let me know if you’ve seen this terrific movie!
Categories: 70's Cinema, Academy Awards, Cult Movies, Film Fight Club, Great Films, Hollywood, Movies, New York, Obscure Movies, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities, Uncategorized
johnrieber 
I have never heard of this movie but I do know both stars although they were a bit before my time, John. This actually sounds quite terrific.
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Robbie, that’s why I love the companies that are helping us rediscover classic cinema from all eras…this early 70’s piece is a master class acting!
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One of the best modern thrillers. Fingers crossed it doesn’t attract a ‘remake’. Good call, John.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Pete, yes our worst nightmare is that Ariana Grande stars as a struggling singer who “tricks” to afford the music video that will make her a star!
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Nooo! 🙂
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A great film. I love both Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland.
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Yes, it’s a great early 70’s film in tone and style, and as you say terrific acting!
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Loved him in Don’t Look Now with Julie Christie.
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Fabulous movie.. a huge Jane Fonda fan, including Grace and Frankie..
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Yes, she has a long career – controversial at times, but isn’t everyone?
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That is what makes people interesting. x
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I loved this movie
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Yes, it’s a great early 70’s film with terrific performances, a nice change of pace from some of the films today
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