Day Of The Jackal
1973
This suspense thriller about a daring plot to murder Charles De Gaulle is based on Frederick Forsyth's best-seller. The movie's suspenseful pace is tied to the incredibly careful and intricate planning the man code-named "the Jackal" does in preparation for the hit. This classic was watered down and remade in 1997 as The Jackal. Read more
| Starring | Edward Fox, Cyril Cusack, Ronald Pickup, Donald Sinden |
|---|---|
| Director | Fred Zinnemann |
| Run time | 137 mins |
| Genres | Thriller |
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Critics' reviews (3)
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A magnificent script from Kenneth Ross and a masterly central performance from Edward Fox form the backbone of this big-screen version of Frederick Forsyth's bestselling novel. But it's Fred Zinnemann's matchless direction that makes it such compelling viewing and an object lesson in suspense. The pacing of the picture is superb, a methodical accumulation of detail that is as fastidious as Fox's preparation for his mission to assassinate General de Gaulle. Although the action crisscrosses Europe, there's no postcard prettiness, just a sure grasp of the atmosphere of each place before getting down to the business of the scene. The supporting cast is also first rate, with Cyril Cusack, Michel Lonsdale and Tony Britton outstanding.
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An incisive, observant and professional piece of work based on a rather clinical bestseller. Lack of a channel for sympathy, plus language confusions, are its main drawbacks.
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Most helpful member's review
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16 out of 16 people found this review helpful
The ultimate assassination movie
Edward Fox plays the Jackal a hitman hired by French terrorists to kill the President for pulling the troops out of Algeria.
The film is an almost verbatim rendition of the novel of the same name by Frederick Forsyth.
The tension is beautifully built up as we watch the Jackal take all the necessary steps to carry out his plan, and follow the police as they attempt to prevent him.
Although it is now a little dated it is alot better than the updated version with Bruce Willis and Richard Gere and is very believable, especially when you consider how many times De Gaulle had attempts on his life.
I would definately recommend this to anyone who enjoys thrillers and also try reading some of Forsyths other masterpieces. -
Most recent members' review
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
An excellent adaptation of a thrilling book
One of the strongest films in this genre. An excellent adaptation of a thrilling book, characterisation is excellent, and the action sweeps you along. Simple plot, with a complex background.
Impressively we know the ending but this is not the important part. In fact the book covers actually used to give away the ending in case you didn’t realise and if you don’t stop reading now. The film is still a thriller, and in stead of wondering about the conclusion, we wonder how far he will get, how he will do it, and might even start to hope he succeeds.
Ingenious plot, plenty to keep most entertained. It dates well, but it is dated. It is also meticulously researched - fascinating fact: the methodology the Jackal uses to get a false passport was pretty solid, and only last year (2003) parliament passed a bill to stop it working. Only took thirty years. -
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