One of the best thrillers ever is this documentary-style film of a contract killer's preparation and stalk of President Charles de Gaulle. British actor Edward Fox is the blonde foreigner who moves from one European capital to another as he prepares to cash in on the biggest assignment of his career. The film is long but moves at a good clip and is gripping throughout and the suspense and planning are what carry the film to its climactic endgame. There is almost no musical accompaniment in the movie as the Jackal meticulously plans for the big moment. His path crosses with interesting, if not sympathetic, characters as he closes in on his quarry, and the film becomes a game of chess between the assassin and French detective Claude Lebel. Director Fred Zinnemann's picture is truly a classic work that may never be equaled for its professional look and presentation, great cast, and wonderful drama.
Review of The Day of the Jackal
