Retreads

I note with extreme displeasure that a retreaded version of The Day Of The Jackal  has been made, fortunately only on Brit TV so we won’t be subjected to it Over Here.

Why am I so dismissive?  As I wrote on this here website many years ago, I consider Forsyth’s novel to be quite possibly the greatest thriller ever written, and Zinneman’s movie adaptation likewise excellent, for the simple reason that he followed the novel’s format almost to the letter.

Would that other directors followed his example;  his, and that of the late Franco Zeffirelli (Romeo and Juliet).  But no they don’t, of course:  mostly, the novels are twisted beyond all recognition into something else, something else of far lesser value (e.g. the dreadful remake of Jackal, with Bruce Willis and Richard Gere).

I’m sorry I mentioned that;  I too have the faint taste of near-regurgitation in my mouth now.

Anyway, I think it’s time to do something more valuable with my time, like heading off to the polling booth.

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