Watch Day of the Jackal

The Day of the Jackal is a political thriller movie that was released in 1973, directed by Fred Zinnemann. Based on Frederick Forsyth's novel of the same name, the movie revolves around a plot to assassinate French President Charles de Gaulle in the early 1960s. The story is set against the backdrop of post-colonial France, with the Algerian War of 1954-62 creating a climate of political unrest and tension.

The plot of the film involves a group of dissidents belonging to the Organisation de l'armée secrète (OAS), a far-right French paramilitary organization, which seeks to eliminate the French President to prevent him from giving independence to Algeria. To carry out the assassination, the OAS hires a professional assassin known only as "The Jackal," played by Edward Fox, who possesses excellent marksman skills and has a reputation for being a lethal killer.

The police become aware of the plot and assign Deputy Commissioner Claude Lebel (Michel Lonsdale) to investigate and prevent the killing. But the Jackal, who is meticulous in his planning and execution, is a master of disguise, leaving behind no tangible clue of his identity or whereabouts, presenting a real challenge for the authorities.

As the Jackal goes about his mission, the movie builds up a feeling of tension and anticipation. The viewer is taken along as the Jackal employs his craft with precision and panache. The Jackal creates a highly complex and believable paper-trail to evade capture, with bank accounts in multiple countries and fake identities.

As the movie progresses, the Jackal's plan is slowly revealed, as is the extent of his preparation, and the number of lives he is willing to put at risk to achieve his goals. The Jackal takes on numerous identities as he crosses borders and evades authorities, making for an increasingly compelling thriller.

The Day of the Jackal is punctuated by several nail-biting action sequences, including a thrilling chase through a crowded Parisian metro station and a showdown at the end of the movie which is, fittingly, set in the town of Petit-Clamart, where a previous attempt to assassinate de Gaulle had taken place.

The acting in the movie is strong, with Edward Fox delivering a captivating performance as the Jackal. Michel Lonsdale does an excellent job as the determined cop. The film was also praised for its realistic portrayal of the investigative process.

One of the most significant strengths of the movie is its realism. The Day of the Jackal portrays a highly realistic picture of the planning and execution of a political assassination attempt. The narrative is relatively faithful to the book, which was itself based on real-life events.

The Day of the Jackal is an essential movie that explores the lengths to which extremist groups will go to achieve their goals. It also emphasizes the importance of intelligence-gathering and the diligence necessary to protect national leaders from threats. The movie captures the tension and sense of urgency that accompanies such circumstances, making for an unforgettable viewing experience.

In conclusion, The Day of the Jackal is a classic political thriller that has stood the test of time. With strong performances, intense action sequences, and a gripping narrative, the film is a must-watch for fans of the genre. It remains a benchmark for political thrillers to this day, and it's easy to see why it holds that status.

Day of the Jackal is a 2003 documentary with a runtime of 49 minutes.