Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
Moderate coarse language, Moderate violence
| Director: | Sidney Lumet |
| Actors: | Al Pacino, Charles Durning, John Cazale, James Broderick, Chris Sarandon |
On a hot Brooklyn afternoon, two optimistic losers set out to rob a bank. Sonny (Al Pacino) is the mastermind, Sal (John Cazale) is the follower, and disaster is the result. The robbery should have taken ten minutes. Four hours later, the bank was like a circus sideshow. Eight hours later, it was the hottest thing on live TV. Twelve hours later, it was all history. And it was all true.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 119mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 1.78:1 |
| Run Time: | 119mins |
|---|---|
| File Size (Approx): | 1.1 GB |
Play It Again
by Jess Lomas, 9/04/2013 12:14:00 PM
There are few actors who could hold one’s attention for a two-hour film about a bank robbery; luckily for Dog Day Afternoon, Al Pacino is one of them. Of course, having director Sidney Lumet (12 Angry Men) on board, as well as screenwriter Frank Pierson (Cool Hand Luke), and actor John Cazale (The Godfather) helps immeasurably, and with their combined efforts Dog Day Afternoon stands as an impeccably crafted crime caper and time capsule of a period of distrust and unrest in America following the Vietnam War. Pacino stars as Sonny Wortzik, who sets out with his friend Sal (Cazale) to rob a Brooklyn bank, the proceeds of which, we later discover, will go towards a sex change operation for Sonny’s second “wife,” Leon (Chris Sarandon). The heist, which should have taken ten minutes, turns int...
There are few actors who could hold one’s attention for a two-hour film about a bank robbery; luckily for Dog Day Afternoon, Al Pacino is one of them. Of course, having director Sidney Lumet (12 Angry Men) on board, as well as screenwriter Frank Pierson (Cool Hand Luke), and actor John Cazale (The Godfather) helps immeasurably, and with their combined efforts Dog Day Afternoon stands as an impeccably crafted crime caper and time capsule of a period of distrust and unrest in America following the Vietnam War.
Pacino stars as Sonny Wortzik, who sets out with his friend Sal (Cazale) to rob a Brooklyn bank, the proceeds of which, we later discover, will go towards a sex change operation for Sonny’s second “wife,” Leon (Chris Sarandon). The heist, which should have taken ten minutes, turns into an hours-long ordeal as everything that could go wrong does. From their third accomplice backing out as the robbery begins, to the money Sonny had banked on being there having been collected before they arrived, Lumet cleverly balances the silliness and the seriousness of the scenario in an organic way.
After the pair takes the bank manager and tellers hostage, the threat of harm against them dissolves as we see the desperation - and sweat - escalate as the police close in around them. Heading up the operation is Moretti (Charles Durning), who negotiates directly with Sonny and embodies the stereotypical police chief; overweight and choking for air as he barks order. As the public learns of the situation, and the news cameras encircle the bank, Sonny is projected as an underdog and hero, and those who come into contact with him revel in his presence.
Sonny and Sal's story, based on real life events, is doomed to end in tragedy, and knowing their fate is not on the private jet they request, the picture becomes gripping and bittersweet. Dog Day Afternoon is gritty and unflinching in its portrait of an impoverished Brooklyn; one where the audience can feel the summer sun pounding down and can sense Sonny’s future disintegrating in front of his eyes.
5/5
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Member Reviews (17)
17 Member
Reviews
Lynnieb
says
A classic that I had never seen and always wanted too. And it was worth it. Though dated it's still worth watching. Incredible it was a true story. Chris Sarandon was amazing in his relatively small role. And there is nothing you can say about Pacino that hasn't been said before. Brilliant.
Mamaluchka
says
Such a circus is only possible in America in the 60's. The villain becomes the hero, the police goes soft and only the FBI finally comes down with the iron hand of justice. The family background of the main character is potentially tragic, were it not in line with this whole melodramatic unfolding real life story!
CC
says
A classic - early Al - not if you don;' like dated movies
MichaelC
says
Pretty good overall. I'm really surprised it's based on a true story.
Nathan C.
says
Based on a true story, an ending you would not expect, brilliant performances by all involved. One not to miss!
Earth.W
says
Now here's an example of how not to rob a bank and who not to help you rob it.
Once again Al Pacino has done a tremendous job as did John Cazale who played Fredo on The Godfather. Have to feel sorry for him as he keeps getting shot in the head at the end of the movie.
Robert B.
says
Enjoyable, but not gripping. I got a bit bored at points, but there are equally excellent bits. Excellent screenplay.
Peter C.
says
A tremendous performance from everybody in this film, directors, actors, extras, designers, the whole gamut.
Norman G.
says
A 70's effort but like all that era they are so real and raw. lt's a brilliant picture, if you liked "taxi driver" or "reservoir dogs" this will rock your world. Extra bits only include a director's voice over. "no l'm staying, their my girls in there!"
says
willow
says
Sidney Lumet's heist gone wrong movie is one of the classic 70's films. Up there with 'One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest', and Pacino's performance confirmed him as a megastar. This movie has it all, suspense, pathos, humour and real human emotion. It is also very prescient in its depiction of the media as a barometer of public opinion. Made in the aftermath of the Vietnam war, the American peoples distrust of their government's officials and their readiness to embrace an anti hero is brilliantly shown. See it!
Richard R.
says
Daragh F.
says
Bev M.
says
Craig Hill
says
Superb film and some of Pacino's best ever work.Made even better by the fact that it is based on a true story.
Robert Wall
says
Cinefile
says