The Klute Contest

Here's the big question

Was it the morphing objects?

On movie night, once the end credits rolled, we discussed the story’s key objects. And someone said, “Well, it wasn’t a bra…” Someone else remarked on the film’s cat: First Bree feeds it… later she cuddles it… finally, when she might balk at leaving with the detective, he lifts the crated cat and walks out, essentially making the choice for her.

And the Big Voice device that allows Bree to externalize her feelings?

Yeah, that’s the analyst. Just like in The Sopranos.

But what is the contest question, Chuck?!?

You know how I’m always hammering on you to use attribution and gesture to pace your dialog better? There’s more to it than clarity. You can play a million tricks by stating dialog, but then presenting body language that negates what’s being said. Klute does this often. I’ll not give an example, here, that’s your quest. That’s the contest.

What’s your best example in the film where the spoken dialog contrasts most with the physical action, be it body language or whatever?

That’s the big question.

You have until Tuesday to give your favorite example. The first person to name my favorite instance wins.