Tough-minded Klute (1971), directed by Alan J. Pakula, is one of those urban film dramas of the Seventies, working better than most of what Scorsese and Lumet did at this time. There is a psychological focus on the prostitute Bree, enacted by Jane Fonda, who is nothing short of great, of course. Her Bree is bright and borderline sassy and professionally nice, and corrupt. She never wants her self-confidence to slip. Thanks to Fonda, we believe she aspires to become an actress. We see how a small-town detective like John Klute could fall in love with her. Klute is played by Donald Sutherland, in too subdued a fashion.

An artistic thriller, Klute loses some plausibility in its last 25 minutes. It is worthwhile, even so, blessed with capital performances by Charles Cioffi and Roy Scheider. And with Michael Small’s chilling music.