Review of The Day of the Jackal (1973) by Michael T — 27 Jun 2009
Fred Zinnermann directed this adaptation of the Frederick Forsyth novel about a fictional plot to assasinate French President Charles de Gaulle. The OAS did try to assasinate de Gaulle in the early 1960s as part of their attempted coup against the French government to keep France in Algeria.
Failing that, and with their leader executed by a military firing squad, the leadership of the OAS goes into exile and the fictious story of their ultimate assaniation plot begins. They hire Edward Fox, who now seems to specialize in playing upper-crust English twits.
In this movie he is a superbly skilled and ruthless assasin. Some may find the film overly long and too European for their tastes (no Americans) but this is a fine Euro-thriller that slowly builds its momentum.
Unlike the Bruce Willis modernized remake that hits you over the head with explosions and pyrotechnics.
This review of The Day of the Jackal (1973) was written by Michael T on 27 Jun 2009.
The Day of the Jackal has generally received very positive reviews.
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