The Day of the Jackal

Tags

1970's, Alan Badel, Cyril Cusack, Delphine Seyrig, Derek Jacobi, Edward Fox, Fred Zinnemann, Michael Lonsdale, Political Thriller, Ronald Pickup, The Day of the Jackal, Thriller

Director

Fred Zinnemann

Starring

• Edward Fox as The Jackal
• Michael Lonsdale as Claude Lebel
• Cyril Cusack as Gunsmith
• Ronald Pickup as the Forger
• Derek Jacobi as Caron
• Delphine Seyrig as Colette

A superbly crafted and tense political thriller based on the renowned novel by Frederick Forsyth , The Day of the Jackal has fine precision and the ability to make you sit up and concentrate.

It is 1963.  An underground group known as OAS in France is outraged by President Charles de Gaulle’s decision to award independence to Algeria. Various attempts are made on his life, yet none are fruitful or successful. After one such attempt, many members of the group are apprehended, arrested and the leader is executed via firing squad. In anger, the remaining members of OAS enlist the services of The Jackal. He is a mysterious assassin with no background but immense skill at his job. Around the time of hiring him to kill de Gaulle, the police learn after some interrogation of a OAS member of The Jackal and an assassination, but nothing further. The Jackal meticulously plans the assassination, getting what he needs from a number of people and often killing them when they cross him. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Claude Lebel is brought in to head the investigation by the Interior Minister. He is to uncover when the assassination will take place and hopefully prevent it. Lebel is a fastidious man who doubts he is cut out for this enormous job at first, but shows his worth and sharp mind in searching for the assassin. And so begins a cat and mouse game as both head towards their goals, each with the idea for a different outcome.

Fred Zinnemann is the shining star of The Day of the Jackal; his understanding of pace  and how to sustain a high level of unease is admirable and dexterous. The film may run for two and a half hours, but it sure doesn’t feel like it due to his handsome and taut handling of the material. Which isn’t to say that the film is rushed, instead its methodical and enthralling with how painstakingly it documents The Jackal’s planning of his job and Lebel’s analytical mind. You see it’s not about the main action of the piece; it’s all about the planning of it all. By cutting between the Jackal and Lebel, immediacy is created and used to spellbinding effect . You see how carefully and fastidiously both parties go about their business and objective. There’s real efficiency and uncertainty created in the viewers mind as Lebel closes in on the Jackal, but finds him most elusive at nearly every step. The editing is the second star of Jackal for how it combines the two characters in their fields of work and the inevitable confrontation between them. Add to that voice overs that carry over to other scenes and it’s a seamless way of telling a story  This is a thriller that is about intellect and plotting rather than over the top violence and blood. Granted, there is violence but most of it is hinted at rather than show, giving it a more chilling quality. The murders committed by The Jackal are skilled and briefly brutal, much like the man doing them. He is a man who is coldly ruthless and immensely determined, which is a deadly combination.  much like Jackal is a movie that demands your undivided attention as so much goes on. It’s largely compelling and there are only a few things that may have benefited from more explanation. But the vast majority of things are coolly and compulsively rendered for us to view and appreciate. Any little languors can be ignored because of how skilfully The Day of the Jackal tell it’s story and patiently but rewardingly pulls you in.

This movie features a wide cast, but there are those who really stand out. Heading things is Edward Fox as the eponymous killer. His boyish looks are employed with ruthless charm here, making him a charismatic but very dangerous fellow. This coupled with an icy stare and cool efficiency is perfect for the part. Seriously, I can’t imagine anyone bringing the menace and suaveness to the role that Fox does. Michael Lonsdale plays his part of detective with a sense of savvy and intellect. There’s a doubting quality there, but an immense dignity and steadfastness too. All of that compliments things greatly. In support there is Alan Badel as the hassled Interior Minister and look out for Cyril Cusack and Ronald Pickup as two men who aid The Jackal. Also a young Derek Jacobi makes an appearance as Lebel’s assistant and a tragic Delphine Seyrig as a woman romanced by the Jackal are worth praising.

A skillfully executed thriller with immense suspense and a keen eye for showing how the legwork of investigation can be, The Day of the Jackal is rightfully held in high regard.

The Riddle of the Sands

Tags

1970's, Adventure, Alan Badel, Jenny Agutter, Michael York, Simon MacCorkindale, Spy, The Riddle of the Sands, Thriller, Tony Maylam

Film Title

The Riddle of the Sands

Director

Tony Maylam

Starring

• Simon MacCorkindale as Arthur Davies
• Michael York as Charles Carruthers
• Jenny Agutter as Clara Dollmann
• Alan Badel as Dollmann

A ripping adventure/spy thriller, The Riddle of the Sands is delightfully old-fashioned and brimming with just the right amount of charm and excitement.

It is the very early years of the 20th Century and the adventurous Arthur Davies is on a boating holiday in the Frisian Islands. He comes into contact with a German man by the name of Dollmann, who seems very curious to know where he is going. Davies is more interested in his daughter Clara, who is sweet and wistful. Yet things take an unexpected turn for Davies when it appears that during a storm when he was trying to reach one of the islands, Dollmann tries to crash his boat into his. Wondering why this fatality nearly occurred, Davies writes to his old college friend Charles Carruthers, who works as a clerk for the Foreign Office, and asks him to join him. Carruthers himself has been bored so decides to join his friend. Initially, the cramped conditions on the boat are a bit much for the posh and privileged Carruthers to handle, but he eventually gets the hang of things. Both men become very curious about intentions of Dollmann for hiding the island, his inquisitive nature of their plans and what he could be planning himself. The smart Carruthers believes that is hiding something to do with the German fleet as he is always seen with officers. But as the duo do some more digging, what they uncover is something entirely different. They stumble onto a plot by Germany to invade Great Britain, with the help of boats that they can heavily disguise and passages in the sea that aren’t that well guarded to the east of England. Shocked by what they have unearthed both men know they must put a stop to the nefarious and dastardly plan. But can either of them foil it?

Right from the start, The Riddle of the Sands sets up a real sense of atmosphere and adventure that can’t be faulted. Director Tony Maylam keeps the pace remarkably engaging yet languid, taking in the scenery and uncovering that both Davies and Carruthers finds themselves coming across. Modern viewers may be surprised at how leisurely the film’s pace is done, and there are times when it meanders, but winning verve and old-fashioned enthusiasm make sure the movie isn’t swept away by it. I mean while The Riddle of the Sands is a thriller in one respect, it is just as much an adventure too which audiences should remember. And speaking of scenery and visuals, the hues of gold, brown and misty white compliments this adventure with danger and a lot of excitement. Whoever did the location work for this movie was a really talented person because all of the locations add something to the story and bring airs of mystery. A splendid score, filled with a repeating motif of intrigue, further compliments this treat of a movie.

The Riddle of the Sands contains a very well assembled cast. As the two dashing heroes of the narrative, Simon MacCorkindale and Michael York are brilliant. They have a natural way with one another and it is good to see them work together, even though the characters are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Davies is adventurous and eccentric, whereas Carruthers is disdainful and entitled. Both actors bring out these necessary characteristics to their roles and do it with charm and style. The duo emerge as both likable and amusing as their adventures takes them into something that never saw coming. Jenny Agutter is beautiful and innocent as the daughter of one of the men suspected of being involved in the elaborate invasion and who captures the attention of Davies. Alan Badel makes the most of his role as the mysterious Dollmann, who is heavily involved in the huge plan.

So despite some shortcomings in terms of the pace and a longer than required running time, The Riddle of the Sands is jolly good fun for everyone.

Arabesque

Tags

1960's, Alan Badel, Arabesque, Gregory Peck, Kieron Moore, Sophia Loren, Spy, Stanley Donen, Thriller

Film Title

Arabesque

Director

Stanley Donen

Starring

• Gregory Peck as David Pollock
• Sophia Loren as Yasmin Azir
• Alan Badel as Beshraavi
• Kieron Moore as Yussef Kasim
• Carl Duering as Hassan Jena
• John Merivale as Sloane

Arabesque may not quite meet the heights of its predecessor Charade, but it is still an enjoyable, stylish spy yarn with a great cast. Backed by an ever reliable Henry Mancini score and some stunning camerawork, Arabesque is exciting and thrilling to watch.

Professor David Pollock is a an expert lecturer in hieroglyphics and is teaching in London. Out of nowhere he is contacted by Hassan Jena, a Middle Eastern Prime Minister who believes his life is in danger. Initially unsure and very reluctant, David Pollock accepts as the key to the mystery seems to lie in a hieroglyphic code. He infiltrates the organisation of Beshraavi, a wealthy man believed to be the ringleader of the plot against the Prime Minister. The mystery continues to enthrall as David tries to crack the code whilst under the villainous eye of Beshraavi, who has a pet hawk that is prone to attacking when someone disobeys the master. The plot becomes even more complicated because of Yasmin Azir, Beshraavi’s lover whose motives are enigmatic to say the least. So kick back and enjoy as the stylish, tongue-in-cheek espionage tale as it twists and turns like a serpent and sends the ordinary hero into an extraordinary web of international intrigue.

From the opening credits of geometric shapes and patterns designed by Maurice Binder, you know you’re going to get a very visually arresting film. And that’s just right as Stanley Donen employs his camera in inventive angles and makes incredible use of reflection and distortion. Nowhere is this more apparent than in David and Yasmin’s thrilling escape and subsequent chase through London Zoo, whilst being pursued by killers. The usage of reflection, cages and varying surfaces adds to the tense atmosphere as the two characters try to evade being found, whilst the reflections play havoc with the killer’s eyes. Only in one scene in which David is drugged and ends up in a psychedelic stupor does the film show it’s age, but for the most part the visual look is immensely spellbinding. Although comic in many aspects of the film, Donen still manages to crank up the suspense as mentioned prior and in later scenes. A tense Ascot sequence in which David attempts to regain the inscription whilst other men aim for it is reminiscent of Hitchcock. And a pursuit through a viaduct is also perfectly executed. Although it may become a little too complicated at times, Arabesque still retains a fun and enthralling edge as David finds himself in increasingly bizarre situations.

The other main asset to the film is the cast, led by Gregory Peck who excellently embodies the unlikely hero thrust into intriguing circumstances as a result of his gift for cracking codes. He has a sparkling chemistry with Sophia Loren, as we watch them suss whether the other is lying in the tangled web of intrigue. A particular highlight of this is when David is forced to hide in her shower and Yasmin playfully and seductively tries to get the code whilst Beshraavi prowls in search of her. Sophia Loren exudes exotic glamour and enigmatic splendor as Yasmin, looking ravishing in Christian Dior gowns while constantly testing David with her dubious methods. Fleshing out the supporting cast is Alan Badel as the sunglasses sporting, hawk loving slime ball Beshraavi, he cleverly emits oily charm as he puts his nefarious plot into motion. Keiron Moore is another enigmatic presence in the tangled web of lies and deception. John Merivale emerges as the most memorable of the many henchman in the film, enduring the put upon deeds and suffering when he doesn’t do the job properly.

If its international espionage with glamour, exotic characters and red herrings a plenty, Arabesque is a must watch for you.