47/38
The Jackal is an elusive assassin who makes a living by carrying out hits for the highest fee. He soon meets his match in a tenacious British intelligence officer who follows him on a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase across Europe as a freelance journalist covering the Biafran War. When it’s over, he’s back in the UK, unemployed and unsure of what to do next. I have no chance of getting a job, I have no flat, no car and no savings. That’s when I got this crazy, crazy idea to write a novel. ‘Everyone said you must be joking or mad, because the chances of it getting published are hundreds to one, even thousands.’ Within weeks of publication, the film rights were snapped up. Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars vied to play the Jackal in the 1973 film, but the role went to then-unknown Edward Fox because director Fred Zinnemann thought he could pass invisible in a crowd. (Airmail). Referenced in The Graham Norton Show: Denzel Washington/Paul Mescal/Saoirse Ronan/Eddie Redmayne/Blossoms (2024). I have to agree with many other reviewers, this is a great production with a good atmosphere and Eddie Redmayne does a great job in the lead role as the Jackal, but the female lead ruins everything. It’s a total mistake to use an actor who can’t show any facial emotion whatsoever and who almost borders on overacting, possibly, in an effort to make up for a lack of understanding or appreciation for the character. The character is obviously meant to be confident and experienced, but her portrayal is one of a “I know best” looking woman who, for one, has no appreciation for evidence walking her suitcase around the general office. She’s so irritating and unbelievable.
