Review of Dog Day Afternoon (1975) by Harry W — 20 Nov 2012

Dog Day Afternoon is a complex, original crime drama film supported by the strength of a good script and flawless acting. Directed in a sophisticated direction by Sidney Lumet and lead strongly by Al Pacino, Dog Day Afternoon starts strong and never lets up.

Beginning with an intense mood and varying in intensity throughout the whole story, the only real flaw in Dog Day Afternoon is the inconsistency of the pacing and the occasional simplicity of the situations.

That being said, Dog Day Afternoon turns a simple bank robbery into a dramatic tale. Sidney Lumet directs the bank robbery in several directions and situations and he ensures they all hit hard. The screenplay is also very strong here and supports the actors as well as the movement of the film.

The Acting is the high point of Dog Day Afternoon. Chris Sarandon's flamboyant and emotional portrayal of Leon was very good, and next to it was John Cazale as a haunting, introverted character.

The Best part, however was the intense and loud performance given by Al Pacino. As flawless as ever, Al Pacino gives a performance of Sunny so finely that it's one of his greatest. It's loud, it's conflicting, it's intense, it's AL PACINO! He blends elements of Tony Montana and Michael Corleone into this one, and when he shouts "ATTICA! ATTICA!", thats the moment you realize he is perfect for the role.

Dog Day Afternoon features dynamics used fairly commonly in films now, so to see one of the earliest portrayal of such events in Dog Day Afternoon is great.