Weekly Review -- Eminent history

The Day of the Jackal (1973) -- One of the works that re-defined thrillers, this film, based on a novel by Frederick Forsyth, is a masterpiece of the genre. After the Algerian War of Independence ends in 1962, l'Organisation armée secrète or OAS, a French nationalist organization, conducts a series of assassination attempts at president Charles de Gaulle. After all of them prove to be unsuccessful, the organization decides to hire an untraceable someone to finish the job, and a merciless contract killer who calls himself "The Jackal" (Edward Fox) enters the picture. He has never operated in France, is a master identity thief and never stays in one place for too long, a combination of factors that proves to be a nightmare for the team of investigators headed by Inspector Lebel (Michael Lonsdale). Who will get to de Gaulle first? The film is incredibly effective in its cold, businesslike approach to the proceedings. The Jackal is a very appealing villain. Although it is easy to despise him -- his interests are solely financial and do not even have anything to do with the OAS cause -- his intelligence and calculated demeanor make him intriguing. His thought process is fascinating to watch, and Fox brings ruthless charisma to the part. Lonsdale, on the other hand, brings a meticulous patience and even a dose of humor to the role of the tortured inspector. His detailed briefings with the investigative committee are one of the screenplay's many strong points. The film's atmosphere of historical realism makes the audience feel like we are watching an archived file instead of a fictitious work, while Fred Zinnemann's direction is subtle and precise. Every aspect of this film is well thought out, intelligent and thrilling. It sets a high cinematic standard for the genre, but also for filmmaking in general. Watch it if you would like to see cinema at its classiest.

10/10