The Jackal
In Moscow, the FBI and their Russian counterpart, the MVD, are working on a joint mission to apprehend Russian mobster Ghazzi Murad specifically for the murder of Mayor Nikolai Semankho. During the arrest, they are forced to kill Ghazzi. Ghazzi's brother, Terek Murad, also a mobster, begins his own form of deadly retribution against the MVD for Ghazzi's death. But the FBI and MVD also get wind that Terek has hired an assassin by the code name Jackal to carry out a hit on a high profile but unknown American target for the Americans sticking their nose in Russian affairs. Intelligence points to that target being Donald Brown, the Director of the FBI. The Jackal is known only by name and reputation but no one in authority knows who he is, what he looks like or if he even really exists. They learn of only one person alive who they know has had ties to the Jackal: former Basque separatist Isabella Zanconia, whose whereabouts are unknown. As such, the FBI and MVD decide to turn to the one person they know who has had ties to Isabella: Declan Mulqueen, who is currently in an American prison serving twenty-five years for his deadly IRA activities. To their surprise, Declan purports to have met the Jackal. Although they are unable to meet all his demands including not being able to guarantee his release and return back to Ireland after all is said and done, Declan agrees to help them on the promise that they will do their best to meet that request. What happens is largely a function of Declan's relationship with his two handlers, the MVD's Major Valentina Koslova and FBI Deputy Director Carter Preston, the latter in particular who does not fully trust Declan. It is also affected by the nature of the history between Declan, Isabella and the Jackal. Through it all, Declan may, if given the opportunity, do what Carter believes he will do, which is run without keeping to his side of the bargain.
Despite a respectable budget of $60.0M, The Jackal became a financial success, earning $159.3M worldwide—a 166% return.
1 win & 4 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Jackal (1997) exhibits deliberately positioned plot construction, characteristic of Michael Caton-Jones's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 4 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.6, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes The Jackal executes a high-level Russian official in a nightclub massacre, establishing him as a ruthless, methodical killer. This cold open sets the stakes and introduces the primary antagonist.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 16 minutes when Intelligence reveals the Jackal has been hired to kill a major American target. The FBI learns of the threat but has no leads. The clock starts ticking on a political assassination.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 31 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Declan agrees to help hunt the Jackal in exchange for his freedom. He crosses into the world of international manhunt, leaving prison behind to pursue a ghost from his past., moving from reaction to action.
At 63 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat False defeat: The Jackal kills Isabella, Declan's former lover and their only solid lead. The team realizes how ruthless and untouchable their target is. Stakes raise as the trail goes cold and the hunt becomes personal for Declan., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 94 minutes (76% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, All is lost: The team's best lead dies, and they realize the target is the First Lady. The Jackal is already in position with an untraceable super-weapon. Declan faces the possibility he cannot stop the killer this time., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 100 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. Breakthrough: Declan synthesizes all clues and deduces the Jackal's attack plan and location. The hunter becomes the pursuer. Armed with new clarity, they race to intercept at the public event., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Jackal's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping The Jackal against these established plot points, we can identify how Michael Caton-Jones utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Jackal within the action genre.
Michael Caton-Jones's Structural Approach
Among the 5 Michael Caton-Jones films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The Jackal takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Michael Caton-Jones filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Michael Caton-Jones analyses, see Rob Roy, Doc Hollywood and City by the Sea.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
The Jackal executes a high-level Russian official in a nightclub massacre, establishing him as a ruthless, methodical killer. This cold open sets the stakes and introduces the primary antagonist.
Theme
FBI Deputy Director Carter Preston discusses the nature of professional killers: "He's not a terrorist, he's a businessman." Theme stated - can you fight monsters without becoming one?
Worldbuilding
Setup establishes the Jackal's professionalism, the FBI/MVD investigation, and introduces Declan Mulqueen in prison - the only man who's seen the Jackal and lived. The world of international intelligence and assassination is established.
Disruption
Intelligence reveals the Jackal has been hired to kill a major American target. The FBI learns of the threat but has no leads. The clock starts ticking on a political assassination.
Resistance
FBI Agent Carter Preston and Russian Major Koslova travel to retrieve Declan from prison. Declan resists, debates his involvement, and negotiates terms. Introduction of the uneasy alliance and Declan's former lover Isabella who may have information.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Declan agrees to help hunt the Jackal in exchange for his freedom. He crosses into the world of international manhunt, leaving prison behind to pursue a ghost from his past.
Mirror World
Declan's relationship with FBI handler Carter Preston develops - two professionals from opposite sides learning to trust. Preston represents the lawful path Declan might take toward redemption.
Premise
The cat-and-mouse game begins. Parallel tracking: the Jackal acquires weapons and identities while Declan and team chase leads. The Jackal's meticulous planning versus Declan's instinctive hunting. The premise delivers on the thriller promise.
Midpoint
False defeat: The Jackal kills Isabella, Declan's former lover and their only solid lead. The team realizes how ruthless and untouchable their target is. Stakes raise as the trail goes cold and the hunt becomes personal for Declan.
Opposition
Pressure intensifies. The Jackal gets closer to his target while staying ahead of pursuers. Declan's methods clash with FBI protocol. The team follows breadcrumbs but always arrives too late. The Jackal's weapon is completed and the assassination approaches.
Collapse
All is lost: The team's best lead dies, and they realize the target is the First Lady. The Jackal is already in position with an untraceable super-weapon. Declan faces the possibility he cannot stop the killer this time.
Crisis
Dark night - Declan and Preston regroup in desperation. They process the weight of potential failure and mass casualties. The emotional low point before the final push.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Breakthrough: Declan synthesizes all clues and deduces the Jackal's attack plan and location. The hunter becomes the pursuer. Armed with new clarity, they race to intercept at the public event.
Synthesis
The finale: Declan and team converge on the public event. The Jackal begins his attack with the mounted weapon. Intense confrontation through the crowd. Declan uses both his sniper skills and his understanding of the criminal mind to outmaneuver the Jackal, ultimately stopping him in a fatal shootout.
Transformation
Declan stands over the dead Jackal, having prevented the assassination. The killer has stopped the killer - but through sacrifice and law, not murder. Preston honors their deal. Declan earns redemption and freedom.