The Day of the Jackal

Perfect conversion of Forsyth's book into a film. A thriller that can do without explicit and blatant brutality and relies on the demonic Fox in the lead role and a precise plot that was clearly not pulled out of the ass of a desperate screenwriter after consuming a bottle of whisky (as in the case of the Jackal "remake"). I was completely blown away by it! (31/01/2004)

This is one of the peaks of crime films with a spy theme, or rather with a theme of assassinations. A completely cold film that presses on you with its gloomy atmosphere, which is almost without a soundtrack. This remoteness from the characters and the focus on the killer is an example of how strong this genre can be. Recently, the film "One Must Leave the Ring" managed to achieve this. Similar atmosphere, similar coldness that penetrates to the marrow of your bones. (19/10/2013)

A film from the times when the quality of the screenplay and director were decisive, not the budget and the amount of digital special effects. Coldly and with distance, almost in a documentary style, a crime drama of the preparations and execution of an assassination, based on real events was made. The assassination of French President de Gaulle is mentioned at the beginning of Fred Zinnemann's film. The secret army organization indeed hired another killer back then, but the assassination did not take place due to police raids. Frederick Forsyth plays interestingly with these motifs and his book is among the best that has been written in the genre. The film does not disgrace the book, although it is naturally a different medium, so the story is somewhat simplified. A hired killer only needs a rifle with a good scope and the anonymity of the metropolis to commit the crime. He does not need a complicated conspiracy, destructive weapons, and crazy plot twists like the film's pathetic remake. A very good performance by Edward Fox in the lead role and professional direction. Overall impression: 85%. (20/06/2006)

Yeah, I can’t hold a candle to the book, but it’s still a very good adaptation that relies on a minimalist Edward Fox and, above all, on the atmosphere of a professional preparation for an assassination. (12/07/2007)

Probably one of the best political thrillers ever made. The 70s produced great crime films with an unforgettable atmosphere that today’s representatives are somewhat lacking. The Day of the Jackal may not have any big stars, but it’s so well crafted, original and brisk despite its length, that I can't fault it in principle. Compared to the more recent Jackal by Willis, Zinnemann’s is the clear winner. (30/11/2012)