"In this work you simply can't afford to be emotional." The Jackal
The Day of the Jackal had me on the edge of my seat!
Directed by Fred Zinnemann ( High Noon ), The Day of the Jackal is a tightly wound psychological thriller starring Edward Fox, known only as “the Jackal,” an international hit man who is hired to assassinate French President Charles DeGaulle. Do not confuse this movie with the relatively blasé "Jackal" starring Bruce Willis and Richard Gere! The Day of the Jackal is the real thing, baby!
Based upon a purportedly true story by master storyteller Frederick Forsyth, the movie begins showing a failed assassination attempt by opponents of DeGaulle, members of a faction of ex-army officers called the OAS who object to DeGaulle's support of Algerian independence. When the cabal realizes it cannot penetrate DeGaulle's security, it looks for professional help... enter the Jackal.
Jackal's credentials are impressive, he apparently assassinated Moise Tchombe a few years earlier, a least nobody can prove otherwise, because the killing remains unsolved. Following negotiations, the Jackal is hired for $100,000, to take out DeGaulle. From that point forward, the Jackal operates alone, and leaves NO witnesses. The viewer is in the position of accomplice as Fox dons various disguises, crosses international borders, obtains his fake identification, weapon, etc., and begins his hunt of DeGaulle.
On the side of good fights the lonely inspector of the French police, Claude Lebel (Michel Lonsdale). Who will win this deadly game of chess? To find out, you will have to watch The Day of the Jackal, since the suspenseful climax is too exciting to reveal!
Finally, the epilogue is even stranger than the tale itself, which you will have to see, as I‘m not spoiling it, either!
The location filming is exceptional, shot by cinematographer Jean Tournier, and capturing the director’s vision completely. Fred Zinnemann’s film adaptation has to be one of the most faithful to the book, even though most anybody would tell you the book, an exceptionally fine read, is far better. Notwithstanding, the film is a five-star viewing experience and should be seen by all film buffs.
The Universal DVD is presented in color, in 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio, and runs ~ 140 minutes, fairly long, but actually so enthralling that you won’t notice the time.
Suspense fans and espionage aficionados will love this film!
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