The Day of the Jackal (1973)

Introduction

Released in 1973, "The Day of the Jackal" is a taut and thrilling political assassination drama that remains one of the best examples of the genre. Directed by Fred Zinnemann, the film is an adaptation of Frederick Forsyth's best-selling novel of the same name, which was published in 1971. Forsyth's novel and Zinnemann's film both revolve around the story of a meticulous plot to assassinate the French President Charles de Gaulle, an event which never actually occurred but is rooted in the real-life events of the time. The film is remarkable not only for its suspenseful narrative but also for its attention to detail, grounded in realism and meticulous craftsmanship.

A perfect mix of procedural thriller and political intrigue, The Day of the Jackal is often regarded as one of the finest examples of its genre. Featuring a chillingly methodical antagonist, a strong ensemble cast, and masterful direction, it holds an enduring place in cinematic history.

Plot Summary

The film is set in 1963 against the backdrop of political unrest in France. It begins with a failed assassination attempt on President Charles de Gaulle, orchestrated by a group of right-wing extremists known as the OAS (Organisation armée secrète), who oppose de Gaulle’s decision to grant independence to Algeria. Following the failure of this attack, the OAS contracts a mysterious and professional assassin—known only as The Jackal—to eliminate de Gaulle.

The Jackal is an enigmatic figure, an outsider without any personal political motivation, driven purely by money and professionalism. The film follows his meticulous planning as he prepares for the assassination, taking great care to cover his tracks and eliminate any trace of his identity. The story alternates between following the assassin’s methods and depicting the French authorities’ investigation, led by the tenacious Inspector Claude Lebel (played by Michael Lonsdale), who is determined to stop the assassination before it’s too late.

The tension throughout the film builds as the Jackal’s plan inches closer to fruition, while the authorities race against time to identify and apprehend him. The final act of the film is a tense, thrilling confrontation that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

Direction and Cinematography

Fred Zinnemann: A Master of Suspense

Fred Zinnemann, a director known for his proficiency in crafting taut, gripping thrillers, brings a sense of realism and urgency to The Day of the Jackal. Zinnemann is perhaps best known for his earlier work on "From Here to Eternity" (1953) and "High Noon" (1952), both of which display his skill for building tension through restrained, slow-burn storytelling. In The Day of the Jackal, Zinnemann uses this same meticulous, calculated approach, which heightens the intensity of the story. The pacing is deliberate, allowing suspense to gradually build as both the Jackal and the police close in on each other. Zinnemann’s decision to avoid over-dramatizing the action contributes to the film’s understated yet nerve-wracking tension.

One of Zinnemann’s standout choices is the film’s use of procedural details. Much of the movie is centered on the processes of investigation and planning. Whether it’s the Jackal’s methodical acquisition of a new identity or the police’s careful piecing together of clues, the film revels in its authenticity. This sense of grounded realism makes the stakes feel high and tangible, rather than cinematic or contrived.

Cinematography by Jean Tournier

Jean Tournier, the film’s cinematographer, complements Zinnemann’s careful pacing with his skilful visual storytelling. Tournier’s cinematography provides a stark, realistic depiction of 1960s Europe—from the bustling streets of Paris to the quiet countryside where the Jackal sets up his hideout. Tournier employs a muted colour palette and tight framing, which adds to the oppressive atmosphere of the story, particularly as the investigation unfolds.

The cinematography also does an excellent job of mirroring the Jackal’s personality: cold, clinical, and detached. The film’s sharp, often close-up shots, particularly when focusing on the Jackal or his preparation process, enhance the sense of precision and detachment that defines his character. The tension is palpable in these moments, as viewers are forced to witness his every action with unsettling intimacy.

Performances and Characters

Edward Fox as The Jackal

In what is undoubtedly one of the most memorable and chilling performances of his career, Edward Fox plays the titular character, The Jackal. Fox’s portrayal is one of quiet menace and understated professionalism. The Jackal is not a traditional “villain” in the sense that he is motivated by grandiose political ideology or personal vendettas. He is, instead, a purely objective figure—an assassin driven by money and his desire to complete a job with surgical precision. Fox’s performance is marked by minimal dialogue and a dispassionate, almost robotic demeanour, which makes his character even more unsettling. The Jackal is rarely seen in a situation where he is not in complete control of the situation, and Fox’s portrayal of this cold, calculating figure leaves a lasting impression.

Michael Lonsdale as Inspector Lebel

Michael Lonsdale, who plays the persistent Inspector Claude Lebel, provides a solid and thoughtful contrast to the Jackal. Where the Jackal operates with detachment, Lebel is driven by duty, responsibility, and a personal sense of determination to thwart the assassination. Lonsdale’s performance is steady and measured, but as the investigation intensifies, he subtly portrays the frustration of a man who knows that the clock is ticking. His interactions with his team, as well as his eventual confrontation with the Jackal, highlight his ability to project authority without overt aggression.

The dynamic between Fox and Lonsdale is one of the film’s key strengths. As the story unfolds, the cat-and-mouse chase between the two men builds slowly, and the film becomes more about their intellectual battle than physical confrontation.

Supporting Cast

The supporting cast is filled with nuanced, well-developed characters, many of whom are tasked with investigating the assassination plot or aiding the Jackal in his preparation. Tony Britton and Alan Badel are notable in their respective roles, providing strong secondary performances that add to the film’s overall intensity. The ensemble cast works effectively together to create a sense of a large, organized system—both in terms of the police investigation and the Jackal’s carefully coordinated operation.

Themes and Narrative Style

Political Intrigue and Realism

At its core, The Day of the Jackal is a film about political intrigue and the precision of assassination, but it’s also a meditation on the lengths to which people will go to achieve their aims. The film effectively combines a procedural thriller with a political drama, showcasing the way in which individuals and groups navigate the blurry lines between morality, loyalty, and professional duty.

The film’s narrative structure plays a significant role in its success. By switching between the Jackal’s preparation for the assassination and the investigative efforts of the French police, Zinnemann and screenwriter Kenneth Ross maintain a constant level of tension. The suspense in the film is palpable, with each new scene adding a small piece to the puzzle, both for the Jackal and for the police.

The film also explores the nature of anonymity and the idea of the assassin as a detached, faceless figure, creating a sense of alienation that is echoed throughout the film’s visual language. The Jackal’s very identity is a mystery, and he is both physically and emotionally distanced from the world around him, much like the nature of assassination itself.

The Cat-and-Mouse Game

One of the central elements that make The Day of the Jackal so thrilling is its cat-and-mouse structure. The film is not just a race to stop an assassination; it is a tense, intellectual contest between two highly skilled individuals: the Jackal and Inspector Lebel. Both characters are playing the same game, but each is operating from a different set of rules. Lebel’s task is to prevent the assassination, while the Jackal’s goal is to carry it out, and this delicate balance of opposing forces is what makes the film so compelling.

Conclusion

The Day of the Jackal is a superbly crafted thriller that remains one of the finest examples of the genre. Through Fred Zinnemann’s careful direction, Edward Fox’s chilling performance, and a gripping, detailed narrative, the film successfully creates an atmosphere of tension, suspense, and political intrigue. Its deliberate pacing, grounded in realism, provides an absorbing and immersive experience that remains captivating to this day.

With its emphasis on procedural details and psychological depth, The Day of the Jackal stands as a timeless classic of political thrillers. Whether you're a fan of tight espionage thrillers or simply appreciate films that balance suspense with intelligence, The Day of the Jackal is a film that continues to reward viewers with each viewing.