So, _Klute_ is a mystery/thriller - in my eyes, a noir; were it made in Italy, it would be a giallo.
The movie is good. Slow, but it picks up in the second act, then slows down again. Ultimately, well made, although it felt very clunky and incomplete for a film that was almost two hours long.
I'll echo a sentiment that bothered me the entire movie: "why is this titled _Klute_, when it is about Bree Daniels?" Yes, John Klute is in the story from beginning to end, but this is all about Bree. Hell, we even get exposition-dump therapy sessions with her. Really, I just thought he needed more fleshing out. The movie can still have Bree as the lead, but who is this guy? He's just sort of there.
Another odd choice was to show us the villain early on. Which I suppose makes sense, because you need to set him up in the story, but once you know who he is... there's no tension.
In the end, what worked for me was the bond between Klute, and Bree. However, even that fell short. Given who they were, I figured the relationship would be that of friendship. Alas, it was a romance that felt forced. Was this already a cliche in 1971?
I get the feeling that _Klute_ would be better with more viewings, but once was enough for me.
I'd still recommend this to fans of '70s giallo or early Brain de Palma films. Flawed, but it has a great atmosphere.