Rating: 
Summary: This is the original, great assassination thriller.
Review: This is an absorbing, large-scale methodical telling of an assassination story. It is not the lousy remake. Amazon.com will sell more copies of this DVD if they figure out which descriptions match which version of the film, and move it out of the comedy category into thrillers. This is perhaps the most confused entry I've found in the Amazon.com DVD catalog.
Rating:
Summary: A first rate thriller about a plot to assassinate de Gaulle
Review: Think of the problem here in terms of suspense: "The Day of the Jackal" is the story of meticulous hitman (Edward Fox) who is hired by disgruntled French generals to assassinate French President Charles de Gaulle. But we all know that de Gaulle was NOT assassinated, so how does this film achieve suspense? The answer is: extremely well. This is a superior thriller from the novel by Frederick Forsyth and directed by Fred Zinnemann ("High Noon"), who gives equal weight to the professional preparations of the assassin and the dogged efforts of the French detectives to run down the "Jackal." The audience is placed in the position of actually rooting for both sides as the story develops. The excellent cast includes Michel Lonsdale, Delphine Seyrig, Alan Badel, Cyril Cusack and Derek Jacobi. "The Day of the Jackal" offers an unforgettable conclusion in which you come to the moment you thought was impossible, as the Jackal finally gets de Gaulle in his sights.
Rating:
Summary: A First Rate Spy Thriller
Review:
Not so much "spy" as "assassin," though, for Edward Fox is cast as an assassin, doing a job that will earn him his retirement. He is to kill President Charles de Gaulle, "le Grand Charles" himself, in Liberation Day, as we eventually find out--but not until much later in the film.
The killer goes through many personalities, disguises, and changes, and manages to kill a few innocents on the way to his final conquest. He is unknown to the gendarme, who are on his trail early, with the help of an informer on the inside, but eventually his appearance becomes known to them--and even then, in spite of an alert commissioner of police in Paris who is every bit his match, Inspector Lebel (Michel Lonsdale)--he almost makes his kill. Had he done so, of course history would have had to be re-written because of a movie, an unlikely event--so we knew that he would fail, but still the plot was so well played that the suspense was never lost. Written by Frederick Forsyth and directed by Fred Zinneman, perhaps this film was predestined for greatness, but in any case it is one of the great ones. Joseph (Joe) Pierre
author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
and other books
Rating:
Summary: Excellent adaptation from Forsyth's novel. A winner!
Review: Why not the jackal?
This is the answer given by the hard and cold assasin who signs the agreement to kill De Gaulle.
The story runs through a set of historical issues who are part of the story. A group of officers decides by themselves to revenge the lost honor of France due the fact about the independence of Algiers.
Edward Fox - one of the best actors of his generation - played with sublime perfection the demanding role of the Jackal.
So from the first images of the film you'll be engaged with this chess film. All the movements of this exceptional mind are guided by an amazing sense of hunter behavior. He acts like a western samurai , without blinking , he kills when the circunstances don't let him other choice. The feelings don't exist in this professional.
You are invited to presence an authentical tour de force. And since the moment an important link is arrested , your histamina and cold sweat will invade you.
The efforts of Le Surete for following any possible clue leads to an unforgettable mind game to spark the human chase since the moment the Jackal decides to go ahead with the plan and drive to France from Niza.
The rest of the story runs for you when you acquire this legendary and hair raising punch thriller. And once more you'll admire how the famous film maker Fred Zinemann could win with this story.
The locations and the sense of the drama are extraordinary made. And the words are not enough to describe the countless sequences of hard beating you'll experience.
A perfect film and believe me ; you won't feel the 140 min of the picture.
This is the first and best version!
Rating:
Summary: Why can't they make movies like this any more?
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: I listened to all of them...
Review: This is by far the best spy thriller I have ever seen. Not a thing is out of place here. The attention to details is just amazing. Acting is very good, plot is excellent, and directing is great. It is amazing how dedicated and professional both Lebel and the Jackal are. One is the bad guy, and the other is the good guy, and yet you cannot help but have respect for both of them. No bells and whistles here, just pure storytelling at its best.
Rating:
Summary: The Drum Beat
Review: The drum beat at the beginning of the movie MEANS SOMETHING.
During the struggle for French Algeria around 1960, the Frenchmen born in Alergia (pieds noirs) would indicate their loyalty to Algeria's colonial status and against Arab independence by honking their horns Da Da Da DUM DUM -
"Al-ge-rie fran-caise!" (French Algeria).
Rating: 
Summary: My high school aptitude tests pointed towards assassin...
Review: So often it seems movies based on novels rarely live up to the expectations of those who've actually read the book, causing consternation and generally a slew of negative reviews involving commentary about how scenes are missing, subtleties not translating, and characters either marginalized or even removed. Well, that doesn't seem to be the case with The Day of the Jackal (1973), based on the bestseller written by Frederick Forsyth. Now keep in mind, I haven't read the book, so I gathered this by reading other reviews. Also, given the film is almost 2 ½ hours long, I would think the story presented to be fairly inclusive with regards to the book.
The film is directed by Fred Zinnemann, whose other credits include High Noon (1952), From Here to Eternity (1953), Oklahoma! (1955) and A Man for All Seasons (1966), to name a few. Starring in the movie is Edward Fox (The Duellists, Force 10 from Navarone) and Terrence Alexander (The Vault of Horror). By the way, am I the only one who thinks Alexander looks remarkably similar to the main bad guy in Moonraker (1979)? I checked, and it's not...that character, named Higo Drax, and was played by Michael Lonsdale. Also appearing is, well, a slew of mostly European actors I won't bother listing, not because they're not noteworthy, but there was just so dang many of them. If you're really curious, you can look it up (What? You expect me to do everything?)
The movie, described as a quasi-documentary, takes place in the early 60's, about the time the premier frog in chief President Gen.Charles De Gaulle relinquished France's control of Algeria to back its' native occupants. This upset quite a few Frenchies, especially those who were either serving or were retired from the military at the time reasoning being that the war over that particular country was hard and costly, and now, the country that forced them to go fight is now ready to give it up, basically nullifying all the effort and sacrifices put forth to secure Algeria. Some were so upset they formed a group called OAS, an underground resistance group whose sole intention seemed to be the assassination of De Gaulle for his perceived treasonous actions. After about five failed attempts on De Gaulle's life (only one of which we actually get to see), the group decides it's time to bring in an outsider, as they seem to blame their failures on leaks and moles within their own group (the fact they were a bunch of lame duck, grabasstic, knuckleheads had nothing to do with it, I'm sure). Based on their research, they finally narrow the field to one, highly experienced, foreign individual, code named The Jackal (I'd love to see his resume). The Jackal's (Fox) demands are few, but very specific, and his price is high, as his reasoning is that this type of job is a career ender, based on the level of importance of the target. The OAS agrees to the Jackal's terms, and thus begins his long and meticulous process of developing false identities, procuring a suitable weapon, and researching suitable locations where he may have access to his target. The French authorities get wind of a new scheme by the OAS, but little else as the shroud of secrecy around the Jackal is very thick. Given the difficulty of obtaining information through their regular channels, the French authorities put their best detective on the case (no, not Inspector Jacques Clouseau), played by Alexander. His resources are nearly unlimited, but he must keep a tight lid on things as not to tip off the OAS and the Jackal what little information they have, which severely hamstrings the investigation. Now it comes down to a race between a deadly, meticulous, calculating assassin intent on taking out his target and a smart, intuitive detective intent on stopping him.
I really enjoyed this lengthy film. Zinnemann does a wonderful job showing both sides of the story, that of the assassin, and that of the authorities intent on stopping him, the two stories slowly converging to create a climatic conclusion. The pacing may seem slow to some, but it serves well to examine many fine details regarding both the Jackal's preparations and planning, and also the French gooberment's exhaustive investigation which involves a number of gooberment agencies from different countries as the Jackal is a tricky sort, taking great, meticulous care to cover his tracks and keeping his identity hidden. Also, it's worth the payoff as the last 20 or 30 minutes are really worth waiting for...I really liked how the Jackal was able to keep a few steps ahead of the authorities (with a little help), anticipating danger and making the appropriate compensating actions. Along the way he had to dispose of certain elements (people), but it was only done as measured against perceived threats to his ultimate goal...he may be a cold, methodical murderer, but he's a professional cold, methodical murderer. I also really liked the thoroughness of the investigation, based on tedious, deductive, involved work and not on conjecture pulled from someone's behind. The detective work was presented as thorough, comprehensive, and intelligent. Casting Edward Fox as the Jackal was really inspired (Michael Caine wanted the role), maintaining a sense of anonymity over the character, allowing for the focus to be more on the story rather than the celebrity status of an actor playing the character. The use of locations, mostly in France, but also in England, Austria, and Italy, was wonderful, and added so much flavor and credibility to the story. I love seeing places I've never been (but may like to go someday, but just to visit, not assassinate anyone).
The DVD offers a pretty good wide screen picture (1:85:1) and decent audio. Special features include detailed production notes and a theatrical trailer. All in all, a great adaptation, and a great film. Avoid the 1997 remake with Bruce Willis and Richard Gere...I wish I had...
Cookieman108
Rating:
Summary: The coldest villain in the hottest thriller...
Review: The coldest villain in the hottest thriller...
When Frederick Forsyth's 'The Day Of The Jackal' first hit the shelves, it became an instant classic. It reached such popularity that a movie was but a natural consequence. Movies have never faithfully reproduced the core essence of books simply because of the minute details only a book could offer. Try showcasing The Iliad in 3 hrs!
But the movie version of The Day of the Jackal far exceeded expectations. Not only does it stick to the original plot but also even to this day, it sets the benchmark for how spy thrillers should be.
If you haven't read Forsyth's epic yet, then let me clue you in. General Charles De Gaulle was considered a hero amongst his men when he fought for the liberation of France from the Germans in WWII. After becoming France's President, the same hero was considered a 'betrayer' after granting Algeria independence. A clandestine group in the Army, calling itself the 'Secret Army Organization' or OAS for short, launches a series of assassination attempts on De Gaulle, only to see each one destroyed by the highly informed and efficient French Secret Service. After the capture of its key lieutenants and its presiding leader, things become desperate for the OAS. It's new leader in hiding, believes that a foreign assassin of exceptional caliber is the only means left to dethrone De Gaulle. The assassin is known only by his code as "Jackal". This way the entire security network would be crippled for want of the man's identity. If you don't have a name, you don't have a face. If you don't have face?.... you don't exist. You are untraceable.
The premise is simple enough. It is how the Jackal plans and executes his operation that takes the bulk of the movie. The Jackal is a man of perfection and his attention to detail is something to be seen. A slight lapse in secrecy by his employers alerts France to begin searching for him, though they have no idea who or what he is. The job of finding him and 'disposing' him off in total secrecy falls into the unwilling hands of a simple French Detective. It is how these two protagonists move forward at breakneck speed in achieving their goals that takes the movie to a truly riveting, thrilling finale.
Edward Fox as the Jackal is beyond doubt, the coldest, most ruthless assassin to date. Fox is perfect for the role. His dull cowering gaze is chilling. From a staid English gentleman to a remorseless killer, Fox displays tremendous versatility and poise. Every action of his has a meaning and behind an immediate plan, he has a backup. Such is Fox's repertoire in impersonating as the Jackal. When I read the book, midway through it, I was actually rooting for the assassin. I felt the same way when watching this movie though I knew the end. To my knowledge, very few actors have so far delivered such a convincing negative-role performance than Fox.
Michael Lonsdale as the quaint Detective Lebel is probably the most "uncharacteristic" hero in any movie. He isn't your be-all end-all savior, with hands of steel and body of a superman. He does not fit into a mould which you can distinguish as "Okay, I know this kind of a guy..." and that itself is a tribute to this superb actor. He displays coolness in equal measure to the Jackal and comes across as a shy and timid man. In short, he acts as, just a detective doing his duty. His character is one of intelligence, resourcefulness and humility on one side with a quiet steely determination and resolve on the other. And Lonsdale is magnificent in displaying all of these aspects.
Together these two protagonists take an already exciting thriller to an explosive finale that is hard to imitate.
The rest of the cast add a lot of depth and meaning to their respective roles and each character has a major part in pushing forward the story to its worthy conclusion.
In short, The Day of the Jackal is a masterpiece. Considering the movies we watch today, this is slow paced, but with reason. Cheap thrillers always show you how a character dies from the bullet of an assassin but never the preparation for doing so. The Day of the Jackal shows you just how the assassin comes to that point of success. From the assassin's meticulous planning to his ultimate execution of that fatal shot, the movie shares the same perfection. Director Fred Zinnemman has set the standards for future thrillers by foregoing flashiness and instead focusing on the core issues of the book. He remains loyal to it and displays a rare cinematic flair that is very hard to beat. And do not mistake this movie to the recently released "The Jackal" featuring Bruce Willis and Sydney Poitier. One movie is a disappointment while the other is a classic..........
Watch Fox and Lonsdale square off each other....
Watch The Day of the Jackal in all its glory.........
Rating:
Summary: Good Film!
Review: I watched this film many years ago in TV but started from the middle; it was no actions, no car tracing...but it just catched my attention. I watched this film several times but all were not from the start. Eventually I have my frend to buy it from UK and sent it to me. I love this film because the detective the method used was so simple but effective. Further, this is very interesting to imagine the days when it was no internet, no (cheap, fast and powerful) computers to help the police. The police force just depended on their logical thinking and, of course, luck to find the Jackle. I still cannot say precisely why I love this film so much, maybe it recalls the days when our world was not so complicated. Anyway, it is a good film and worth to buy it.
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