The Day of the Jackal (1973) is a British political thriller film directed by Fred Zinnemann and starring Edward Fox as the eponymous Jackal, a professional assassin hired to assassinate Charles de Gaulle. The film is based on the 1971 novel of the same name by Frederick Forsyth.
Director: Fred Zinnemann: High Noon (1952), From Here to Eternity (1953), From Here to Eternity (1953), Julia (1977)
Writer: Frederick Forsyth: The Odessa File (1974), The Dogs of War (1980), The Fourth Protocol (1987)
Release Date: March 22, 1973
Domestic Box Office: $22.9 million
Top 5 Cast:
- Edward Fox as The Jackal
- Terence Stamp as The Minister
- Jean Martin as The Police Commissioner
- Bernard Lee as The Director of the Surete
- Michael Lonsdale as The Interpol Chief
“It’s possible. The point is getting away with it. And speaking as a professional, that’s a very important consideration.” – The Jackal
Five critic reviews:
- Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film 4 out of 4 stars, calling it “a brilliant and suspenseful thriller. The Day of the Jackal is a brilliant and suspenseful thriller that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The film is beautifully shot and directed, and the performances are all excellent. Fox is particularly good as the Jackal, bringing a cold and calculating menace to the role. The Day of the Jackal is a must-see film for any fan of thrillers.”
- Pauline Kael of The New Yorker called the film “a masterpiece of suspense” and praised Fox’s performance. “Fox is perfectly cast as the Jackal. He is a cold and calculating killer, but he is also a man of intelligence and wit. The film is full of suspense, and it is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. The Day of the Jackal is a masterpiece of suspense.”
- Vincent Canby of The New York Times called the film “a stylish and suspenseful thriller” but found it “to be ultimately unsatisfying. The film is beautifully photographed and directed, and Fox gives a strong performance. But the film never quite comes together, and the ending is ambiguous and unsatisfying.”
- David Denby of New York magazine called the film “a minor classic” and praised Fox’s performance. “Fox is perfectly cast as the Jackal. He is a cold and calculating killer, but he is also a man of intelligence and wit. The film is full of suspense, and it is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. The Day of the Jackal is a minor classic.”
Cinematic Importance:Â The Day of the Jackal is a significant film for several reasons. First, it is a well-made and well-acted film that tells a compelling story. Second, it is a realistic and suspenseful thriller that was ahead of its time. Third, it launched the career of Edward Fox, who went on to star in many other films. The Day of the Jackal is a classic film that is still enjoyed by audiences today.
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