How a morally ambiguous assassin and a spy ‘spoke to the moment’ in ‘The Day of the Jackal’

As a fan of thrilling, suspenseful stories that delve deep into human psyche, I found “The Day of the Jackal” to be an absolute treat. Lashana Lynch, who plays the lead character, brings a raw, gritty authenticity to her role that is truly captivating. Her life experiences as a British actress have undoubtedly contributed to her portrayal of a strong, independent woman in the world of intelligence.

Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch initially crossed paths at a gym located in London. At the time, Lynch was holding a plank position, and according to Redmayne’s description, she appeared relaxed and composed. Both actors were on the verge of embarking on their preparations for “The Day of the Jackal,” making their encounter in an environment demanding such focused attention particularly fitting.

Lynch notes that there’s a shared reaction that occurs when you’re on the verge of immersing yourself in an experience that will undoubtedly enrich you, yet may challenge, strain, and push you as an actor.

On the day following the London debut of the show, this duo is found seated together at the Corinthia Hotel, their excitement about the series clearly evident. “The gym session I went through kept me mentally balanced for a considerable time, allowing me to solely concentrate on the process,” she expressed. “We are two actors who deeply appreciate the intricacies of acting and the physical aspects of characters.

However, what made that initial moment at the gym unusual was that it happened right at the beginning of our encounter, and I responded with, “Alright, here we go.” After this, we barely crossed paths for approximately eight more months. – Redmayne explains.

The Day of the Jackal,” a 10-episode series written by Ronan Bennett, premiering on Peacock this Thursday, is a modern retelling of Frederick Forsyth’s 1971 novel and the 1973 film directed by Fred Zinnemann. Gareth Neame and Nigel Marchant from Carnival Films, who acquired the rights through a deal with Universal, initially hesitated to remake the classic movie. However, after much thought, Neame found a way to approach it similar to their strategy with “Downton Abbey,” which was inspired by the film “Gosford Park.

Neame states, “We won’t be re-creating that movie since it would be difficult to surpass it, but instead, we can explore the original idea further, emphasizing the advantages of serial television such as character growth and multiple seasons. We can transform it into a distinct narrative form.

The producers swiftly considered Redmayne for the role of Jackal, the title character – a diligent British long-range assassin with an air of mystery. As Neame explains, “We were well aware that he seems drawn to roles demanding extensive preparation, physicality, vocal work, accents, and makeup. Eddie, in our view, is a highly organized individual who pays close attention to details, which perfectly fits the character we envisioned.

Nevertheless, Redmayne admitted that he felt a “certain amount of apprehension” upon receiving the initial three screenplays.

He shares, “This movie was a significant part of my childhood and held great importance for me. However, when I read the first three scripts, I realized that it was incredibly modern, almost like another universe. Yet, it still had an analog feel. The plot revolved around espionage, but what truly captivated me was how engaging it was. It’s the kind of TV show I enjoy watching.

Following Redmayne’s involvement as both the lead actor and executive producer, the team sought out actress Lashana Lynch to portray Biana, a skilled intelligence officer with a deep interest in firearms who is equally dedicated to her work. Known for her portrayal of a fresh Bond girl in the movie “No Time to Die,” Lynch felt that she had delved sufficiently into the MI6 realm and was approached by Redmayne about the project, but he recalls that “she never picked up my call.” Redmayne praised her for her “sparkle, agility, and ability to express a wide range of emotions,” which made him believe she would be perfect for Bianca.

As a movie enthusiast, I must confess I had my reservations about the project at hand. After tackling all those thrilling stunts for “The Woman King,” I couldn’t help but feel that was a feat I might not dare to repeat. However, I found myself drawn towards “Woman King” by the tenderness and emotional depth it offered, which made me incredibly proud of my performance.

She stated, “It wasn’t just spying, but there were also unexpected performances.” Later, when she finally perused the initial three episodes, she felt, “Ah, now I understand,” and she could sense Eddie’s vibe even from afar.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by the nerve-wracking television series that unfolds like a thrilling cat-and-mouse game across the vast landscape of Europe. In this intricate narrative, Bianca is relentlessly pursuing ‘The Jackal’, an assassin who leaves a chilling wake of victims as he deftly eludes law enforcement.

Lynch points out that it’s not accurate to say that only good people make good decisions and only bad people make bad ones. He explains, “People often act in ways that stem from past experiences, traumas, or circumstances that lead them to make poor choices.” He adds that watching such characters on screen can prompt us to reflect on our own potential to make a wrong choice, serving as a reminder that we are just one decision away from doing something harmful.

In Redmayne’s words, every character on the show resides somewhere along a “moral continuum.” This applies to characters like Bianca’s superior, Osita Halcrow (played by Chukwudi Iwuji), and the main target, Ulle Dag Charles (portrayed by Khalid Abdalla). For Redmayne, this ambiguous territory between right and wrong mirrors our current times particularly well.

He mentions that the characters he’s referring to are remarkably similar – meticulous, obsessive, relentless, and extremely talented. Yet, they seem destined for a clash. However, these individuals exhibit a deep moral complexity. In simpler terms, the characters share many traits but are ethically ambiguous.

In addition to being an executive producer, Lynch played a significant role in shaping Bianca’s character. He invited Morris Roots, known for his work on “Bob Marley,” to design and style her wigs.

Lynch remarks, “Hair holds significant value for me. I rarely come across individuals sporting such an abundance of hair, even in mainstream media, except perhaps within the context of Rastafarianism. My aim was to bring this unique style into a more formal, professional setting.

Apart from working with the costume crew, she also contributed to Bianca’s unconventional style in clothing, characterized by sneakers, T-shirts, and bomber jackets. As Lynch explains, “This break from tradition offered a more innovative work environment for women, contrasting the usual polished, high-heeled, well-groomed image of a woman. It challenges industry norms about what intelligent men and women should appear like, demonstrating that elegance can come in various forms, not just being neat and tidy, but always uniquely beautiful.

Redmayne also played a significant role in shaping not only his character but also the broader scope of the series. According to Neame, this level of careful engagement from the actors significantly enhanced the end result.

He expresses that the process was both delightful and crucial, as they found themselves deeply immersed in the details. “With so many collaborators on the series,” he explains, “Lashana and I, being on set daily, served as a bridge connecting each episode and the four directors. Normally, actors are encouraged to contribute ideas, but in this case, we made it clear that we were eager to do so.

Lynch admits that for the past few years he’s been resolved not to watch the screen or introspect, but here he found himself doing just that. He was even examining discarded items and visualizing potential edits. It’s like assembling a jigsaw puzzle, fitting together small pieces – fleeting moments – that will ultimately form a larger picture on-screen.

The storyline moves swiftly with an intense, disquieting pace, yet provides ample time for viewers to delve into the motivations behind the assassin and the hunter chasing him. Redmayne characterizes the initial on-screen Jackal as captivating but enigmatic. His background and reasons are somewhat obscure, but this adaptation offers a more compelling explanation. Redmayne recalls an interview with David Bowie where the musician discarded his personas. In this context, it refers to how this version of the Jackal provides a clearer insight into his character and motivations.

Redmayne mentioned that it was one of the first interviews he’d done without a disguise, and he was struck by how calm he seemed in his eyes, his listening abilities, as well as what he shared about those disguises and his comfort level when portraying other characters. This reminded him deeply. He’s not suggesting this performance is Bowie-inspired, but he found it intriguing. It seems there might be more comfort in adopting different personas than being unsure of one’s true self.

Fundamentally, “The Day of the Jackal” is an exhilarating journey that explores the blurred lines between what’s right and what’s wrong in our actions. The ending deviates slightly from its original storyline, hinting at potential continuations of the series if it proves popular.

Neame admits that both the book and the film have clear endings. However, as we’re known for producing episodic content, if our large-scale show becomes successful, there’s usually a desire to attempt bringing it back in some form or another.

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2024-11-13 14:35