The Day of the Jackal
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Movie Reviews of The Day of the Jackal
Movie Review: Why can't they make movies like this any more?
Summary: 5 Stars
Rarely does a movie do justice to a book, but Fred Zinneman's production of "The Day of the Jackal" is wonderful adaptation of Frederick Forsyth's novel which, I continue to believe, is one of the greatest thrillers ever written.It's hard to put a finger on what exactly makes this film great: excellent performances by relatively unknown actors, a wonderful plot, fantastic location shooting or a complete desire to avoid the bells and whistles, special effects laden movies that are all that makes up the "suspense" genre of films these days. Like other reviewers have said, be this the first or the fiftieth time that you watch this film, you will be left on the edge of your seat with its "cat and mouse" plot of the search for a lone assassin hired to murder President De Gaulle. The young Edward Fox is brilliant in the title role and the supporting cast excellent.
If anything, this film proves that you do not need big named stars, explosions around every corner or computer generated effects to make a fantastic film. The only downside to watching this film is that you realise that the movie industry just does not make films like this any more.
Highly, highly recommended.
Movie Review: Enthralling!
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie is simply amazing. I have read reviews of how it is "dated..." but I completely disagree. Last night, almost 30 years later, I watched this movie for the first time. Being a stundent that hasn't studied European History that well yet, I had no idea if he would be sucessful, which I think was a great advantage I have over other viewers who do know. You feel as though you are right there while Fox (the professional assasin) does his job. My dad who rented and watched this with me read the book, and says Fox is exactly who he imanged the Jakal would be while he read the book. The detail and incredable lengths he goes to in order to get the job done is amazing, and completely believeable at the same time. His adversary, the detective, who's name eludes me at the moment is equally fit to the role. He is great. Most of the acting is.
I love the ending, and it reminds me quite a bit of Agatha Christie's endings. Speaking of her... the man who plays the detective would make a great Hecule Peroit... (I just had to mention that)
To sum this up... Rent it, buy it, borrow it... anyway you can see it, see it. It is a great film that will instantly become one of your favorites!
Movie Review: 1963 France
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie is a top notch, tense political thriller, set in the era of Charles de Gaulle's ruled France of the early 1960's.
The fine British actor Edward Fox brilliantly portrays the cold hearted hired assassin called 'the Jackal' by the French police.
Michel Lonsdale as 'Lebel' is superb, as is Alan Badel as 'The Minister', coupled with Michel Auclair playing the part of 'Colonel Rolland'. The rest of the cast is equally casted, all doing a great job.
This movie is very realistic.
The French Citroën DS, Charles de Gaulle's official head-of-state automobile, is an additional 'actor' in this picture.
Best Film (win) - Fred Zinnemann - 1973 British Academy Awards
Best Editing (win) - Ralph Kemplen - 1973 British Academy Awards
Best Picture - Drama (nom) - - 1973 Golden Globe
Best Director (nom) - Fred Zinnemann - 1973 Golden Globe
Best Screenplay (nom) - Kenneth Ross - 1973 Golden Globe
Best Editing (nom) - Ralph Kemplen - 1973 Academy
Renowned French film composer, Georges Delerue (1925-1992) composed an edge-of-your-seat score.
Movie Review: If only it had had a happy ending
Summary: 5 Stars
_Day of the Jackal_ is one of the best film adaptations of a book ever done, the directors managed to keep the vital elements of the plot and the pacing of the book and successfully transfer them from one medium to another. When I read the book after seeing the movie I was amazed at how much they had managed to keep. Edward Fox was perfect as the Jackal, it's a pity that he's ended up starring in so many bad films in his career as he is truly a fantastic actor. There are some wonderful moments of irony such as when the leader of the French terrorists says that no soldier of France will ever raise a weapon against him and then is shown being shot by firing squad the next day. The only thing that would have improved this movie is if the Jackal had succeeded in blowing Charles DeGaulle's head all over the pavement in Paris, I mean really, the guy goes to all of this work and fails in the end, and come on, he's trying to shoot DeGaulle, it's not as if he was attempting to shoot a decent human being or something, heck, even Eisenhower and Churchill wanted to shoot DeGaulle because he was such a useless, vainglorious prick.Movie Review: Different versions...
Summary: 5 Stars
OK, Fans,
We know you all love this terrific movie but there is a looming question that has bothered me for years. I would appreciate any insight anyone can offer...
In the second meeting between the jackal and the gunsmith (Cusack), the jackal is reviewing Cusack's handiwork and admiring the gun. Cusack then brings out the explosive bullets he has made. In almost all available versions that I have seen, this scene ends with a close-up of the jackal's hands as he loads the gun.
THERE IS ANOTHER VERSION. It is possible that I have completely lost my mind but I am convinced that I have seen a version of this scene wherein the jackal kills Cusack with the bullet he has just loaded.
This makes perfect sense in light of what we know of the jackal (that he would off any possible witnesses). Am I nuts? Has anyone else seen this version? Where did it go? Did the studio edit it for time? (It couldn't be more than a few seconds.) Did they edit it to make the jackal a more sympathetic character? (C'mon!)
Anyone? Anyone?
Thanks.