I hadn’t heard of this 1971 movie with Donald Sutherland and Jane Fonda. The neo-noir thriller is a movie of its time. The blocky framing in the cinematography provides a modern backdrop, while the lens still captures striking panoramas of skylines. Words like “freak” and “square” stand out in their use, which has been commonplace. Whereas when Fonda says, “It’s important to be able to let it all hang out.”
The cuts to Fonda’s counseling sessions with her psychologist are interesting in framing women’s issues of the time. Baby-faced Jane explains that prostituting herself is the only way to feel she is in control (over a man). The ease with which the actress becomes the activist face of women’s issues in the US is easy to understand.
Donald Sutherland is fantastic in this film. Fonda got the award nomination, but I doubt it would have happened without his strong performance. The scene where the two make some purchases at a fruit and vegetable stand is so well done. They feel like a couple.
On a sidenote, Ann Roth is responsible for the costumes.
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