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The realationship between Bree and John Klute

posted 9 years ago by Maddyclassicfilms
7 replies | jump to latest

I think their relationship is one of the most interesting I've ever seen in a film.

Bree is such an interesting character she's trapped in a world she'd like to escape from, what she doesn't realise yet is that she can if she chooses to leave that way of life.

John Klute helps her realise she can leave and he helps her realise that not everybody is out to use her. I think this is why she's puzzled by him when they first meet, he doesn't want anything from her except to find the man responsible for calling her, she doesn't quite know how to deal with him. Jane does such a wonderful job portraying Bree's tough exterior but also her deep vulnerability which she has learnt to hide.

I think if this film was just about Bree and Klute it would still be superb. The scenes between them are my favourites and they have such an interesting developing relationship. Klute is so gentle and tender with her and he sees her at her worst and most damaged and doesn't run away, he stays with her and looks after her and he doesn't expect anything from her in return for doing so.

I'd like to think they stayed friends and maybe had a proper relationship, he would have been good for her and accepted who she was both the good and the bad. In the end though this film is really about Bree learning she can leave her current life and start a new one that she can be in charge of.

Go to bed Frank or this is going to get ugly .

[–] L0GAN5 9 years ago

Their relationship feels authentic, and it came as little surprise to me to discover they were involved with each other at the time. I think a large part of it is that the plot gave the relationship space to breathe. Take for instance this fabulous scene at the fruit market, where Bree realizes she has fallen for Klute:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_cIkilyKEM

You just wouldn't get a scene like that today; for one films are so much more fast paced that they don't have the time to allow something to slowly develop, and secondly the modern day equivalent would probably be a montage of them set to some sappy love song. That fruit market scene is absolutely fantastic: it is intimate, it has some great physical acting by Jane Fonda and most of all it actually captures the reality of being in love i.e. doing ordinary everyday things together.

[–] Maddyclassicfilms 9 years ago

Their relationship feels authentic, and it came as little surprise to me to discover they were involved with each other at the time. I think a large part of it is that the plot gave the relationship space to breathe.

Hi LoGan5.

Wow I didn't know they had a relationship while making the film. Interesting that would explain why their chemistry and relationship seems so real.

You just wouldn't get a scene like that today; for one films are so much more fast paced that they don't have the time to allow something to slowly develop, and secondly the modern day equivalent would probably be a montage of them set to some sappy love song. That fruit market scene is absolutely fantastic: it is intimate, it has some great physical acting by Jane Fonda and most of all it actually captures the reality of being in love i.e. doing ordinary everyday things together.

So true. I much prefer films and series that take their time with characters and show scenes like this. It feels more true to life and as you say people do ordinary things together.

Go to bed Frank or this is going to get ugly .

[–] EmmaPopell 9 years ago

Check out a little-watched movie called "Mike's Murder", starring Debra Winger. Equally as frightening and good. Klute is a great film, just for the chemistry of the two performers. I did not know they were involved while shooting it. Interesting!
I think it is Jane Fonda's best role, still.

With our thoughts, we make our World.

[–] Maddyclassicfilms 9 years ago

Hi EmmaPopell.

I've never heard of Mike's Murder. Many thanks for the recommendation, I'll have a look for it.

Go to bed Frank or this is going to get ugly .

[–] EmmaPopell 9 years ago

You are so welcome! I don't know why Mike's Murder is so out of the showing. It is as haunting as Klute, to me....

With our thoughts, we make our World.

[–] Duragizer 9 years ago

Is "realationship" supposed to be a portmanteau of "real" and "relationship"? If so, I applaud your neologism.

A Superman without trunks isn't worth watching or reading about.

[–] BelleDay 8 years ago

Well put, Maddy!
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