The Day of the Jackal

The Day of the Jackal

Year: 1973

Runtime: 143 min

Language: English

Director: Fred Zinnemann

DramaThrillerCrime

In this gripping thriller, an elusive assassin known only as "The Jackal" is hired to eliminate President Charles de Gaulle, but his meticulous planning and cold-blooded executions of potential threats ignite a cat-and-mouse game with detective Lebel. As the stakes escalate, the pursuit of justice becomes a deadly dance between hitman and investigator.

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Timeline & Setting – The Day of the Jackal (1973)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Day of the Jackal (1973). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1962

Set during the early 1960s, this period is marked by political unrest in France, particularly regarding Algerian independence. The assassination plot against President de Gaulle reflects the tensions of this time, showcasing how terrorism and political violence intersected with significant historical events.

Location

Austria, Genoa, Paris, Rome

The movie takes place in several key locations. Austria serves as a hideout for the OAS leaders plotting their assassination attempts. Genoa is where the Jackal acquires his custom-made rifle and forges a new identity. The heart of the story unfolds in Paris, where the Jackal aims to carry out his deadly mission, while Rome is where the OAS regroup after previous failures.

🏙️ City 🌍 Europe

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:32

Main Characters – The Day of the Jackal (1973)
Meet the key characters of The Day of the Jackal (1973), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jackal

The Jackal is a cold and calculating British assassin who carefully plans the assassination of President de Gaulle. He showcases remarkable skills in disguise and manipulation, often using charm to interact without raising suspicion, all while ruthlessly eliminating anyone who poses a threat to his mission.

🔪 Assassin 🎭 Deception 🌍 Identity

Claude Lebel

Claude Lebel is a dedicated and resourceful police commissioner tasked with uncovering the Jackal's plot. He is portrayed as a determined figure, showcasing intelligence and leadership as he navigates through bureaucratic challenges to safeguard the President and the public.

🕵️ Investigator 🚓 Law Enforcement

Charles de Gaulle

The French President is central to the film's conflict, as he becomes the target of the assassination attempt. De Gaulle is depicted as a steadfast leader, committed to his public duties and policies that evoke both loyalty and ire among different factions, especially during the tumultuous Algerian War.

🏛️ Historical Figure 🇫🇷 Leadership

Viktor Wolenski

Wolenski, the OAS chief clerk, serves as a tragic figure whose harsh interrogation leads to his demise, yet he divulges vital information about the Jackal. His character underscores the brutal lengths to which extremist organizations may go to maintain secrecy and loyalty.

📜 Informant ⚖️ Martyrdom

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:32

Major Themes – The Day of the Jackal (1973)
Explore the central themes of The Day of the Jackal (1973), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔪 Assassination

The central theme of the movie revolves around assassination, as the plot follows the meticulous planning and execution of an attempt on a world leader. It explores the lengths individuals may go to fulfill political agendas, highlighting the moral complexities surrounding lethal intent and the consequences of such actions.

🕵️ Espionage

Espionage plays a critical role in the storyline, with intricate plot twists involving deception and betrayal. The character of the Jackal epitomizes the archetype of a spy, navigating through layers of secrecy, identity theft, and covert operations, all to achieve a deadly goal.

⚖️ Justice

The pursuit of justice is a recurring theme in the film, as the French government and security forces strive to thwart the Jackal's assassination plans. The investigation led by Claude Lebel showcases the determination of law enforcement to bring a criminal to justice, even against overwhelming odds.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:32

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