There are two officially recognized film adaptations directly inspired by Frederick Forsyth’s seminal novel, “The Day of the Jackal.” While thematic similarities and spy-thriller tropes exist in other films, only these two bear the title and directly adapt Forsyth’s chilling tale of an assassin hired to kill a prominent political figure.
A Tale of Two Jackals: Decoding the Adaptations
Frederick Forsyth’s “The Day of the Jackal,” published in 1971, remains a cornerstone of the suspense thriller genre. Its meticulous plot, realistic depiction of assassination planning, and gripping narrative captivated readers worldwide. Consequently, it became prime material for cinematic adaptation. However, the path from page to screen was fraught with adaptation choices that resulted in two distinct, albeit related, films. Understanding the differences between these two films is crucial to grasping the complexities surrounding the “Day of the Jackal” movie legacy.
The Original: 1973’s Cinematic Masterpiece
Released in 1973, the first adaptation of “The Day of the Jackal” remains the most critically acclaimed and faithful to the source material. Directed by Fred Zinnemann, this film stars Edward Fox as the titular Jackal, a professional assassin hired by the Organisation Armée Secrète (OAS) to assassinate French President Charles de Gaulle. This film adheres closely to the novel’s plot, meticulously detailing the Jackal’s planning and execution, as well as the tireless efforts of French detective Claude Lebel (played by Michel Lonsdale) to track him down.
The 1973 version is renowned for its documentary-style realism, meticulous attention to detail, and taut suspense. It earned nominations for multiple awards, including Best Film Editing at the Academy Awards. Critics lauded Fox’s cold and calculating portrayal of the Jackal, as well as Zinnemann’s masterful direction. The film’s success cemented its place as a classic of the thriller genre and a benchmark for future adaptations. It is considered by many the definitive film on assasination planning, tactics, and investigation.
The Reimagining: 1997’s Modern Thriller
Twenty-four years later, in 1997, a second film, titled simply “The Jackal,” was released. This version, directed by Michael Caton-Jones, takes significant liberties with Forsyth’s original story. While it retains the central premise of a hired assassin, the similarities largely end there. This iteration stars Bruce Willis as the Jackal, a ruthless hitman contracted to assassinate a high-ranking American official. Richard Gere plays Declan Mulqueen, a former IRA operative recruited to stop him.
This 1997 film diverges drastically from the original in terms of plot, characterization, and overall tone. It’s a more action-oriented thriller, relying heavily on explosions, gunfights, and dramatic set pieces. While it achieved moderate commercial success, it was met with mixed reviews and is often considered a loose adaptation, drawing only the core concept of a professional assassin from the book. Many argue that this version trades the suspense and meticulous planning of the original for a more bombastic and Hollywood-ized approach. The setting is updated and the antagonist’s motive is vastly different. The 1997 version also boasts a much bigger budget and incorporates technological elements that were not available to the 1973 production.
Comparing and Contrasting: Key Differences
The core distinction between the two films lies in their fidelity to Forsyth’s novel. The 1973 film remains faithful to the book’s plot, characters, and themes, while the 1997 version borrows only the premise of a hired assassin and creates an entirely new narrative. This divergence in adaptation philosophy results in two very different cinematic experiences.
The 1973 film prioritizes suspense, realism, and meticulous planning, while the 1997 film emphasizes action, spectacle, and high-octane thrills. Consequently, the original is often praised for its intelligence and psychological depth, while the reimagining is criticized for its reliance on clichés and lack of subtlety.
The Legacy: Which Jackal Reigns Supreme?
Ultimately, the legacy of the “Day of the Jackal” movies rests on the shoulders of the 1973 adaptation. Its critical acclaim, faithfulness to the source material, and enduring influence on the thriller genre have solidified its place as a cinematic masterpiece. While the 1997 film offers a different take on the assassin trope, it fails to capture the unique qualities that made Forsyth’s novel and Zinnemann’s film so compelling. It’s best viewed as an entirely separate entity, inspired by the idea rather than a direct continuation or improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3: What is the order I should watch the “Day of the Jackal” movies in?
The order is chronological by release date: first the 1973 film, followed by the 1997 film. This allows you to appreciate the original adaptation before experiencing the reimagining.
H3: Is the 1997 “The Jackal” a remake of the 1973 “The Day of the Jackal”?
Not exactly. While it shares the basic premise of a hired assassin, the 1997 film is more accurately described as a loose adaptation or reimagining of Forsyth’s novel. The plot, characters, and motivations are significantly different.
H3: Which “Day of the Jackal” movie is more faithful to the book?
The 1973 version is far more faithful to Frederick Forsyth’s novel. It adheres closely to the plot, characters, and overall tone of the book.
H3: Who plays the Jackal in the 1973 film?
Edward Fox delivers a chilling and iconic performance as the Jackal in the 1973 film.
H3: Who plays the Jackal in the 1997 film?
Bruce Willis portrays the Jackal in the 1997 reimagining.
H3: Is there a “Day of the Jackal” TV series?
While there isn’t a direct “Day of the Jackal” TV series adaptation, the success of Forsyth’s novel and the 1973 film influenced many spy and thriller series that followed. There may be future adaptations announced, but currently, there are none.
H3: Where can I watch the “Day of the Jackal” movies?
Availability varies by region and streaming service. Check popular platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Criterion Channel, as well as rental services like Apple TV and Google Play.
H3: Are there any sequels to either of the “Day of the Jackal” movies?
No, there are no direct sequels to either the 1973 or 1997 “Day of the Jackal” movies.
H3: Which “Day of the Jackal” movie is better?
This is subjective, but generally, the 1973 film is considered the superior adaptation due to its faithfulness to the source material, suspenseful atmosphere, and strong performances.
H3: What is the OAS in “The Day of the Jackal”?
The OAS stands for Organisation Armée Secrète, a French far-right paramilitary organization that opposed Algerian independence and sought to assassinate President Charles de Gaulle. They are a key element of the plot in both the book and the 1973 film.
H3: Did Frederick Forsyth have any involvement in either of the film adaptations?
While Forsyth received credit for writing the source material, his direct involvement in the film adaptations was limited. He expressed mixed feelings about the 1997 version.
H3: What makes “The Day of the Jackal” novel so popular?
The novel’s popularity stems from its meticulous planning, realistic portrayal of assassination, and suspenseful narrative. Forsyth’s detailed research and believable characters contributed to its enduring appeal. The procedural approach to the subject matter, combined with the political intrigue, resonated strongly with readers.