The Day of the Jackal is a gripping political thriller that has captivated readers and moviegoers for decades. Written by Frederick Forsyth in 1971, the novel dives into a fictional assassination plot against French President Charles de Gaulle. Set in the early 1960s, it draws inspiration from real-life events, including the 1962 assassination attempt by Jean-Marie Bastien-Thiry. The story follows a professional assassin, known only as the Jackal, hired by the Organisation de l’Armée Secrète (OAS) to carry out the mission. With meticulous planning, multiple identities, and a custom-made sniper rifle, the Jackal's journey is both thrilling and chilling. The novel's success led to a critically acclaimed film adaptation in 1973, directed by Fred Zinnemann.
Key Takeaways:
- The Day of the Jackal is a thrilling political thriller set in 1960s France, inspired by real events and featuring a cat-and-mouse game between a professional assassin and a determined detective.
- The novel and film adaptation of The Day of the Jackal have left a lasting legacy, influencing the thriller genre with their realistic and suspenseful portrayal of political intrigue and pursuit.
Historical Context and Inspiration
The Day of the Jackal, a novel by Frederick Forsyth, is a gripping political thriller set in the early 1960s. This period was marked by significant political tension in France, particularly surrounding the issue of Algerian independence.
- The novel is set against the backdrop of the early 1960s, a time of significant political tension in France.
- The Organisation de l’Armée Secrète (OAS) was a French dissident paramilitary organization determined to prevent Algeria from gaining independence.
- Frederick Forsyth was inspired by the real-life assassination attempt on French President Charles de Gaulle in 1962 by Jean-Marie Bastien-Thiry.
- The novel explores what might have happened if the OAS had hired a professional assassin to carry out the deed.
The Intricate Plot
The story revolves around a professional assassin known as the Jackal, hired by the OAS to kill de Gaulle. The Jackal's meticulous planning and execution make for a suspenseful narrative.
- The Jackal is an Englishman who speaks fluent French, making him the perfect candidate for the job.
- His real identity remains a mystery throughout the novel, adding to the suspense and intrigue.
- The OAS, aware of their group’s penetration by French security services, decides to hire an outsider to carry out the assassination.
- The Jackal meticulously prepares for his mission, acquiring a legitimate British passport under the name Alexander Duggan.
- He steals passports from two foreign tourists to use as contingency identities.
- The Jackal commissions a master gunsmith to build him a special suppressed sniper rifle.
- He also acquires forged French identity papers.
The French Security Response
French security services, led by Commissioner Claude Lebel, are alerted to the potential threat. Lebel's investigation and the Jackal's evasion create a thrilling cat-and-mouse game.
- Commissioner Claude Lebel is tasked with tracking down the Jackal.
- Despite his efforts, the assassin remains elusive, always staying one step ahead of the detective.
- Lebel deduces that the killer plans to target de Gaulle on a specific day, commemorating the liberation of Paris during World War II.
- The French authorities release the Jackal’s updated picture and name to the newspapers, initiating a massive manhunt.
The Jackal's Contingency Plans
The Jackal's ability to blend in and evade capture is a testament to his meticulous planning and resourcefulness.
- The Jackal uses multiple contingency plans to evade capture.
- He masquerades as a one-legged French war veteran and uses a crutch to conceal his custom-made rifle.
- This disguise allows him to pass through security checkpoints undetected.
The Final Confrontation
The climax of the novel takes place during a ceremony where de Gaulle is presenting medals to Resistance veterans. The tension reaches its peak as the Jackal makes his move.
- The Jackal makes his way to an apartment building overlooking the Place du 18 Juin 1940.
- Lebel realizes what the Jackal is planning and rushes to the scene.
- The Jackal is killed by Lebel in a shootout.
Reception and Adaptation
The Day of the Jackal received widespread acclaim and was adapted into a successful film in 1973, directed by Fred Zinnemann.
- The novel received admiring reviews and praise upon its publication in 1971.
- It won the 1972 Best Novel Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America.
- The novel was listed on the BBC's survey The Big Read in 2003.
- The film adaptation features Edward Fox as the Jackal and Charles de Gaulle as himself.
- The movie was shot on location in France, adding to its realism and historical accuracy.
Behind the Scenes of the Film
The film adaptation brought a level of sophistication and realism to the story, thanks to the efforts of director Fred Zinnemann and the cast.
- Fred Zinnemann was a renowned director known for his work on classic films like High Noon and From Here to Eternity.
- Edward Fox was chosen for the role of the Jackal because he was relatively unknown at the time.
- The film was shot on location in France, providing a documentary-like realism to the story.
- The French government allowed Zinnemann to film in historic locations such as the Presidential Palace and Notre Dame.
- The Liberation Day scenes were filmed during a real parade, with most spectators unaware that they were part of a movie.
- The film features no soundtrack music after the first five minutes, except for diegetic background music from marching bands, street musicians, and radios.
Legacy and Influence
The Day of the Jackal has left a lasting legacy in both literature and film, influencing numerous works in the thriller genre.
- The novel and film both explore the cat-and-mouse dynamic between the Jackal and Commissioner Lebel.
- Frederick Forsyth’s experience in journalism helped him craft a compelling narrative that was both realistic and suspenseful.
- The Day of the Jackal remains culturally relevant today, with its themes of political intrigue and cat-and-mouse dynamics continuing to captivate audiences.
The Lasting Impact of The Day of the Jackal
The Day of the Jackal stands as a timeless classic in political thrillers. Frederick Forsyth's novel, inspired by real events, offers a gripping tale of suspense and meticulous planning. The Jackal's character, a professional assassin, keeps readers on edge with his cunning and resourcefulness. The 1973 film adaptation, directed by Fred Zinnemann, brought the story to life with Edward Fox's portrayal of the enigmatic killer.
Forsyth's background in journalism and his intense writing process contributed to the novel's realism and depth. The story's historical context, set against the backdrop of 1960s France, adds layers of intrigue and authenticity. The Day of the Jackal has influenced countless works in the thriller genre, leaving a lasting legacy in both literature and film. Its exploration of political tension, moral complexities, and the cat-and-mouse dynamic between the Jackal and Commissioner Lebel continues to captivate audiences.
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