Back in August 1962, France faced a major crisis as army members, opposed to the decision by De Gaulle to grant Independence to Algeria banded together into the OAS and sought to kill De Gaulle. Following their failed attempt in the Paris Suburb of Petit Clamart (very faithfully recreated in the film) this film asks the question, what if the OAS tried again with a professional assassin? Casting Edward Fox as the assassin, codenamed Jackal is probably one of the best decision in film history. He doesn't look dangerous and even for someone like me who abhors guns and violence, it's hard not to admire his coolness and professionalism. The film turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse when the French authorities learn of the plot but not wanting to create a panic, only one man, Comissioner Lebel (Michael Lonsdale) is given permission to find him. Lebel in many ways is similar to the Jackal, he doesn't look like your average cop but he is incredibly professional and diligent.
The film sticks faithfully to the early 1960s and is shot very stylishly, going to the real locations from Genoa, the French Rivieria and Paris. Zinneman's direction is also very precise, everything you see on screen has a meaning, nothing is superfluous and although it's fairly long, the film builds gradually to a climax rather than jumping in.
Please don't even consider the terrible 1997 remake, stick with the original and enjoy
The film sticks faithfully to the early 1960s and is shot very stylishly, going to the real locations from Genoa, the French Rivieria and Paris. Zinneman's direction is also very precise, everything you see on screen has a meaning, nothing is superfluous and although it's fairly long, the film builds gradually to a climax rather than jumping in.
Please don't even consider the terrible 1997 remake, stick with the original and enjoy