Transforming a mediocre novel and movie into a great remake

The novel first. I read it after watching the film. Since I have read thousands of novels, I consider myself a fair judge in literary arena. I was expecting something akin to Thomas Harris Hannibal Lecter series where not just the main character, but the novel also is excellent. Forsyth novel was just OK with Jackal character being the only strong point. Nothing else to write about.

Then saw “The day of the Jackal”. Fellow who was playing Jackal did his best, I’ll give it to him but only in the perspective of 70s. In today’s cinema, his “menace” seems comical. The problem with this film is…it stuck too much with the novel. It do not have it’s own identity. Screenwriter and director did absolute nothing to make any change in story of Forsyth to make the film a bit exciting. It has the same lazy pace of the novel. And mediocre acting by Edward Fox didn’t helped.

And along came BRUCE WILLIS…

This man was born to do this role. BRUCE WILLIS is JACKAL and JACKAL is BRUCE WILLIS.

This movie is a prime case study where you see line between an actor and a character diminish. WILLIS is cold, malicious, cunning, calculating, smart, icy, charming, ruthless… a JACKAL so real that you don’t see WILLIS but only JACKAL and you wonder if BRUCE WILLIS is really such kind of person in real life? I won’t be amazed if he really is.

Michael Caton- Jones made the movie so taut that it’s impossible to turn your face from screen. Great direction! Background score whenever Jackal comes on screen is awesome. Jack Black is excellent as always in his small role. Other character artists were good. Richard Gere is hugely overshadowed by Willis. Poor fellow is barely noticeable.

Powerhouse direction by Caton-Jones and deadly acting by Willis is the reason why this is such a thrilling thriller. Only other movie in these lines is SWORDFISH.

And yes, I was disappointed when JACKAL fails in his mission.

Score 4 outa 5.