Review of The Day of the Jackal (1973) by Melanie W — 01 Oct 2007

My reason to watch this is the fantastic central performance of Michael Lonsdale as the French cop assigned to the case, working in secrecy and using the old boys network to crack it - he and the best-of-British support cast give what would otherwise be a caper movie (albeit a real one) a sense of gravitas - the scene where the interrogation team are trying to understand the gurgling of an 'interviewee' through his screams is particularly powerful and sets the movie in a different place than some of the Frederick Forsyth adaptations.

Another treat for viewers is Paris in the 60s which is beautifully portrayed here - Citroen government vehicles included. Stylish and really thrilling. Those reviewers who found it boring, put your ipods down and give it another try.