The Day of the Jackal Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Some disgruntled French dudes hire a British hitman to take out De Gaulle because they’re mad about Algeria, but a frumpy detective is like, “Not on my watch!” and chases him around Europe until a disappointingly brief showdown.

🍿 The Day of the Jackal: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The OAS Hires an Assassin

Following several failed attempts to assassinate French President Charles de Gaulle, the remaining leaders of the OAS (Organisation Armée Secrète), a French militant group, decide to hire a professional assassin. They seek an outsider with no ties to their organization to increase their chances of success. This sets the stage for the arrival of the Jackal.

The Jackal’s Preparations

The assassin, known only as the Jackal, demands a substantial fee of half a million dollars and complete autonomy in his operation. He meticulously plans every detail, acquiring false identities, a custom-made sniper rifle disguised as a crutch, and scouting locations for the assassination. His professionalism is contrasted by his ruthlessness as he eliminates anyone who poses a threat or could compromise his mission.

The French Authorities Investigate

French authorities, led by Deputy Commissioner Claude Lebel, learn of the assassination plot and the existence of the Jackal. Lebel, a determined and resourceful detective, is tasked with uncovering the assassin’s identity and stopping him before he can strike. A cat-and-mouse game begins as Lebel and his team race against time, facing numerous obstacles and dead ends in their pursuit.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• The Jackal (Edward Fox): A meticulous and ruthless professional assassin hired to kill French President Charles de Gaulle.
• Claude Lebel (Michael Lonsdale): The determined and resourceful French detective tasked with identifying and stopping the Jackal.
• Viktor Wolenski (Jean Martin): The OAS chief clerk whose knowledge of the Jackal leads to his capture and interrogation.
• The Minister (Alan Badel): A key figure in the French government who convenes a secret cabinet to address the Jackal threat.
• Colette De Montpellier (Delphine Seyrig): A French woman seduced by the Jackal who becomes a victim of his ruthlessness.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Minister: “There is one thing: how did you know whose telephone to tap?” – The Interior Minister asks Lebel how he knew which phone to tap to uncover the plot.
• Lebel: “I didn’t, so I tapped all of them.” – Lebel’s response to the Minister, highlighting his thorough and resourceful approach.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $16,056,255
• Worldwide Gross: $16,056,255

💥 The Day of the Jackal Reviews

Personal Review

I first saw ‘The Day of the Jackal’ years ago, and it completely blew me away. I remember being on the edge of my seat, even though I knew De Gaulle wasn’t assassinated in real life. Edward Fox is so cool as the Jackal, and the way the movie shows his planning is fascinating. I particularly loved the scenes where he’s creating his disguises. The ending, while abrupt, is so effective and the lack of music really adds to the tension. It’s a film that stayed with me long after the credits rolled, and I still think it’s one of the best thrillers ever made.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of political thrillers”
  • “Those interested in suspenseful cat-and-mouse stories”
  • “Viewers who appreciate meticulous attention to detail”
  • “Fans of classic 1970s cinema”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A gripping thriller that meticulously details both the assassin’s preparations and the police investigation. Edward Fox delivers a chilling performance, while Michael Lonsdale provides a grounded counterpoint. The film’s documentary-style approach adds to the tension.
• Variety: “A superbly crafted thriller that maintains suspense throughout its lengthy runtime. Fred Zinnemann’s direction is masterful, and the performances are uniformly excellent. The film’s realistic portrayal of assassination and police work makes it a standout in the genre.
• RogerEbert.com: “A classic of its kind, ‘The Day of the Jackal’ is a masterclass in suspense. The film’s strength lies in its detailed portrayal of the assassin’s preparations and the relentless pursuit by French authorities, devoid of unnecessary action sequences.

Audience Reactions

Edward Fox’s icy portrayal of the Jackal is mesmerizing and unforgettable.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s suspenseful pacing, detailed plot, and realistic feel.

The absence of a traditional musical score enhances the film’s gritty realism.: Many appreciate the film’s departure from typical Hollywood action tropes.

Overall Consensus: A taut, suspenseful thriller praised for its detailed plot, strong performances, and realistic portrayal of assassination and police work.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The special lightweight rifle that The Jackal concealed in a crutch was a genuine working model. Two of them were made for this movie; one was handed over to the British authorities, the other resides in the Paris Cinematheque.”
• “The opening five minutes of the film are almost completely devoid of dialogue, portraying visually more story than most modern thrillers can fit into two hours.”
• “The film was shot on location in England, France and Italy to enhance realism.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Day of the Jackal?

The Day of the Jackal is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential broadcast options. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Day of the Jackal, you might like these similar films:

• Three Days of the Condor (1975): Features a lone protagonist caught in a conspiracy, racing against time while being hunted by powerful enemies.
• The French Connection (1971): Known for its realistic portrayal of police work and gritty atmosphere, similar to the procedural aspects of ‘The Day of the Jackal’.
• Marathon Man (1976): A suspenseful thriller with a protagonist caught in a web of intrigue and danger.
• Zero Dark Thirty (2012): Presents a detailed, procedural account of intelligence work and the hunt for a high-profile target.
• In the Line of Fire (1993): Another assassin-themed movie where a Secret Service agent is tormented by a former CIA assassin who threatens the life of the President of the United States.

🛒 The Day of the Jackal Related Products

• The Day of the Jackal (Blu-ray): Own the classic thriller in high definition, with improved picture and sound quality. The Blu-ray edition offers a visually stunning experience of this timeless film.
• The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth (Paperback): Read the original novel that inspired the film, diving deeper into the Jackal’s mind and the intricacies of the plot. Forsyth’s writing is known for its detailed research and suspenseful storytelling.
• Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider 1:18 Scale Model: A detailed replica of the Jackal’s iconic Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider. This scale model is a must-have for collectors and fans of the film.
• The Jackal (1997) [4K Ultra HD]: Compare and contrast this explosive remake starring Bruce Willis and Richard Gere to the original. Featuring action-packed thrills and twists of its own, The Jackal, will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat

🎧 Soundtrack

The Day of the Jackal features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Colonel Bogey March” – performed by Kenneth Alford

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Day of the Jackal: A Masterclass in Assassination Tactics

Ever wondered about the realism behind the Jackal’s methods? This video breaks down the assassination tactics from the movie. Seriously interesting stuff!

The Day of the Jackal – Same Story, Told Better

This video essay explores what makes The Day of the Jackal great. It highlights the suspense and tension that make every scene unforgettable and offers a different perspective on the ‘hitman story’ genre.

✨ Rate