Sadly, these kind of movies can't be made now. Studio execs demand lots of totally unrealistic battles, with loads of 3 sec flash cuts, in low light, to generate cheap "excitement". Oh, and there must always be a romantic element to interest the ladies.
Even Fox's gestures and slight movements, like slinging the securing rope around the tree, are so balletic, intentional and well executed that this masterpiece becomes a visual treat that feasts each of the senses. "Day of the Jackal" is pure cinema.
Makes one wonder....he asks for a single bullet from the gunsmith......did he kill him as well so as not to leave any traces ? He kills just about everyone else he has close contact with......
This scene always reminded me of that episode of The Untouchables, where the assassin Pittsburg Phil meets underworld armorer. Two professionals that admire each other.
Think the film came out in India more than 5 years after its initial release when I watched it around 1977/78. Great film adaptation of a gripping book. Hard to tell which was better!!
Very nice thriller to watch.Based on Frederick Forsyth all time classic novel if the same name.Edward Fix st the best in a stellar role of Jackal.Great direction of Fred Zinnemann.
Ive seen this brilliant movie several times and always assumed he kills the gunsmith so as to cover his tracks. Then i read the book where the gunsmith is spared. Then in the movie in the forest practice scene, the Jackal produces the explosive tip bullet from the handkerchief, so he didnt use it on the gunsmith after all. Subtle.
