Is "The Day of the Jackal" a true story? While the movie is based on Frederick Forsyth's 1971 novel, it is only loosely inspired by real events. The film revolves around a fictional assassination attempt on French President Charles de Gaulle by a professional assassin known as the Jackal. The plot draws from the actual 1962 attempt on de Gaulle's life by the OAS, a far-right French dissident group. However, the character of the Jackal and many details of the story are products of Forsyth's imagination. This blend of historical fact and fiction creates a gripping narrative that has captivated audiences since its release in 1973.
Key Takeaways:
- "The Day of the Jackal" is a thrilling movie based on a real-life assassination attempt, featuring a mysterious assassin and a determined detective in a cat-and-mouse game.
- The film's realistic portrayal of historical events and its suspenseful plot captivated audiences, leaving a lasting impact on the thriller genre.
Historical Inspiration
"The Day of the Jackal" is a 1973 political thriller film that blends fiction with historical events. The movie is based on Frederick Forsyth's 1971 novel, which itself draws from real-life incidents.
- The film is loosely based on the real-life assassination attempt on French President Charles de Gaulle in 1962. This attempt was carried out by the OAS (Secret Army Organization), a far-right French dissident terrorist group opposed to Algerian independence.
Plot Overview
The movie's plot is a gripping tale of a hired assassin's mission to kill a world leader. It keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
- The story begins with the failed assassination attempt on President de Gaulle, where 12 men from the OAS machine-gunned his car, but he escaped unharmed. The OAS leaders, including Jean-Marie Bastien-Thiry, were captured and executed. The remaining OAS leaders plan another attempt and hire a British assassin known as the Jackal for $500,000.
The Jackal’s Identity
The Jackal is a mysterious and deadly assassin, making him a fascinating character to follow.
- The Jackal is a mysterious and deadly assassin who always works alone, never looks the same, and never uses his real name. He is exceptional in his skills and evades capture with ease.
Custom Rifle
A key element in the Jackal's plan involves a specially designed weapon.
- The Jackal commissions a custom rifle from a gunsmith in Genoa. This rifle is concealed in a crutch, which he uses to pass through security checkpoints undetected.
Fake Identity Papers
To carry out his mission, the Jackal needs to assume different identities.
- The Jackal also obtains fake identity papers from a forger, whom he later kills when the forger tries to blackmail him.
Parisian Plot
The OAS relocates to Rome, but the French Action Service is hot on their trail.
- The OAS relocates to Rome, but the French Action Service kidnaps their chief clerk, Viktor Wolenski, who dies under interrogation. This information leads the French security forces to launch a secret investigation.
Investigation Led by Lebel
Claude Lebel is tasked with leading the investigation to stop the Jackal.
- Police Commissioner Berthier recommends his deputy, Claude Lebel, to lead the investigation. Lebel is given special emergency powers to handle the case, but de Gaulle's refusal to change his public appearances complicates matters.
Classified Information Leak
A careless mistake by a high-ranking official aids the Jackal's mission.
- Colonel St. Clair, a personal military aide to de Gaulle, carelessly discloses classified government information to his mistress, Denise, who is an OAS agent. This leak aids the Jackal in his mission.
Public Manhunt
The discovery of a body leads to a public search for the assassin.
- After Madame de Montpellier's body is discovered, Lebel launches a public manhunt for the Jackal. The Jackal picks up a gay man at a Turkish bathhouse and stays at his flat, killing him after seeing a TV news broadcast that "Lundquist" is wanted for murder.
Liberation Day Plot
Lebel deduces the timing of the Jackal's assassination attempt.
- Lebel determines that the Jackal will attempt to shoot de Gaulle during the commemoration of the liberation of Paris during World War II, scheduled three days hence. Lebel plays a recording of a phone call in which Denise provides information to an OAS contact, leading to the reinstatement of Lebel in the case.
Security Measures
Despite heightened security, the Jackal finds a way to get close to his target.
- Despite the security measures in place, the Jackal manages to disguise himself as an elderly French veteran amputee named Andre Martin and enters a building using a key he had earlier procured. He assembles the rifle hidden within his crutch and waits by the window for de Gaulle’s appearance.
Ceremonial Attempt
The climax of the film is a tense moment during a public ceremony.
- On Liberation Day, de Gaulle presents medals to a small group of Resistance veterans. The Jackal takes aim but narrowly misses when de Gaulle leans forward to kiss the cheeks of the veteran he is honouring. As he reloads the rifle for another shot, Lebel and the policeman burst in.
Final Confrontation
The movie reaches its thrilling conclusion with a showdown between Lebel and the Jackal.
- The Jackal shoots the policeman, but Lebel kills him using the officer’s submachine gun. This marks the end of the Jackal’s mission and his life.
Realistic Filming
The film's authenticity is enhanced by its realistic settings and props.
- The film was shot on location in various parts of France, including Paris and the Riviera. The French government allowed the filmmakers to use real security vehicles and men, adding to the documentary-like realism of the story.
Director’s Vision
Fred Zinnemann's casting choice added to the mystery of the Jackal.
- Director Fred Zinnemann wanted the Jackal to be played by someone anonymous and indistinct, so he cast the relatively unknown Edward Fox. This choice was intended to make the character more mysterious and anonymous.
Historical Accuracy
The film's opening sequence is based on a real event.
- The film’s opening sequence depicts the real attack on de Gaulle in 1962, where 12 men machine-gunned his car. Although no one was killed in the attack, two motorcycle guards were fatally shot. The skill of de Gaulle’s driver and the sturdy Citroen car received praise for their role in the president’s escape.
Gunsmith Character
The character of the gunsmith was altered for the film.
- In the book, the gunmaker is a skilled Belgian who had formerly worked for the FN arms company. In the movie, he was changed to an Italian character, adding another layer of realism to the plot.
Silencer and Telescopic Sight
The Jackal's weapon is designed for precision and stealth.
- The Jackal’s rifle is equipped with a silencer and telescopic sight, which he uses to ensure precision in his shots. This detail adds to the chilling nature of the character.
Realistic Settings
The film's lack of a traditional soundtrack adds to its tension.
- The film features no soundtrack music after the first five minutes, except for diegetic background music from marching bands, street musicians, and radios. Director Fred Zinnemann deliberately refused to use a soundtrack to maintain tension and movement.
Historical Context
The Algerian War provides the backdrop for the OAS's actions.
- The Algerian War, which was a conflict over whether Algeria should remain a French territory or be recognized as its own nation, provides the historical context for the OAS’s actions. This conflict fueled the OAS’s opposition to de Gaulle’s policies.
OAS’s Activities
The OAS engaged in various acts of terrorism to oppose Algerian independence.
- The OAS engaged in various terrorist acts to demonstrate their opposition to Algerian independence. Their activities included the Petit-Clamart attack, where they attempted to assassinate de Gaulle but failed.
Jean-Marie Bastien-Thiry
A key figure in the real-life assassination attempt.
- Bastien-Thiry was a lieutenant colonel in the French Air Force who collaborated with the OAS in the Petit-Clamart attack. He was captured, tried, and executed for his role in the assassination attempt.
French Security Measures
The French government took extensive measures to protect de Gaulle.
- After the failed assassination attempt, the French security forces launched a massive manhunt for the OAS members. They infiltrated the organization and eventually uncovered the plot to hire a professional assassin.
International Manhunt
The search for the Jackal spans multiple countries.
- The French security services initiated an international manhunt to capture the Jackal. This led to a cat-and-mouse game between the Jackal and Lebel, with the Jackal always staying one step ahead.
Edward Fox’s Portrayal
Edward Fox's performance as the Jackal was a career-defining role.
- Edward Fox’s portrayal of the Jackal turned him into a star. Despite being relatively unknown at the time, his performance added to the film’s success and made him a household name.
Fred Zinnemann’s Reputation
The director's skill contributed to the film's success.
- Fred Zinnemann was a renowned director known for his work on classic films like "High Noon" and "From Here to Eternity." His reputation and skill in directing added to the film’s success and realism.
Cinematography and Locations
The film's use of real locations adds to its authenticity.
- The film was shot in various historic locations around France, including the Presidential Palace and Notre Dame. The use of real security vehicles and men added to the documentary-like realism of the story.
Real Military Parade
A real event was used to film a key scene.
- The Liberation Day scenes were filmed during a real military parade in Paris. This added a great deal of spectacle and realism to the story, with many extras unaware of how close the actor Adrien Cayla-Legrand bore to the actual President de Gaulle.
Final Sequence Filming
The final sequence was filmed with unsuspecting extras.
- The final sequence where President de Gaulle is presenting medals to veterans was filmed with many extras unaware of how close the actor bore to the real President. This added to the tension and realism of the scene, with an elderly extra fainting in shock when de Gaulle exited his limousine.
Diegetic Music
The film's unique use of music enhances its tension.
- The film features no soundtrack music after the first five minutes, except for diegetic background music from marching bands, street musicians, and radios. This deliberate choice by director Fred Zinnemann maintained tension and movement without distracting from the action.
The Jackal’s Skills
The Jackal's abilities make him a formidable opponent.
- The Jackal is portrayed as a skilled and ruthless assassin who is always one step ahead of the police. His ability to change identities and evade capture makes him a formidable opponent.
Lebel’s Deduction
Lebel's insight leads to the final confrontation.
- Lebel deduces that the Jackal will attempt to shoot de Gaulle during the commemoration of the liberation of Paris. This deduction leads to a massive manhunt and a final confrontation between Lebel and the Jackal.
Public Reaction
The film's realistic portrayal of events captivated audiences.
- The film’s portrayal of real historical events and its suspenseful plot made it a hit among audiences. The film’s realistic settings and cinematography added to its appeal, making it a classic in the thriller genre.
Awards and Recognition
The film received critical acclaim and numerous awards.
- The film received critical acclaim and won several awards. It was nominated for several Academy Awards and won the Edgar Award for Best Novel from the Mystery Writers of America for Frederick Forsyth’s book.
Legacy and Influence
"The Day of the Jackal" has left a lasting impact on the thriller genre.
- "The Day of the Jackal" has had a lasting impact on the thriller genre. Its influence can be seen in many subsequent films and TV series that have followed in its footsteps. The film’s portrayal of a cat-and-mouse game between a professional assassin and a determined detective continues to captivate audiences to this day.
The Last Word on "The Day of the Jackal"
"The Day of the Jackal" stands as a gripping political thriller that masterfully blends historical events with fiction. Edward Fox's portrayal of the Jackal, a cunning and elusive assassin, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Director Fred Zinnemann's choice to shoot on location in France and use real security vehicles adds a layer of authenticity rarely seen in films. The movie's lack of a traditional soundtrack heightens the tension, making every scene feel urgent and real. From the custom rifle hidden in a crutch to the final, nail-biting confrontation, the film is a testament to meticulous storytelling and attention to detail. Its influence on the thriller genre is undeniable, and it remains a must-watch for fans of suspense and historical drama. If you haven't seen it yet, you're missing out on a true classic.
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