A Pennsylvania detective goes to NYC in search of a friend who has disappeared. Sutherland is fine in the title role of a no-nonsense detective who's only clue is that the missing man wrote letters to a NYC prostitute. Fonda is sexy and believable as the call girl, a mesmerizing performance that garnered her her first Oscar. Pakula creates a suspenseful atmosphere, helped by the excellent cinematography and an eerie if repetitive score. Unfortunately, the pacing is too deliberate, with the film nearly coming to a standstill in the middle. Also, after the nice buildup, the denouement is rather disappointing.
