Review of Dog Day Afternoon (1975) by Bob L — 15 Apr 2011
After hearing about Sidney Lumets death I had to give this another viewing. This was a unique approach to a heist movie. Firstly, based on true events (only a few years after), secondly, a plot with such little development - it doesn't go very far and doesn't even use flashbacks, it's totally character driven.
You get involved with and care about the crooks and hostages in this. The acting, at times, makes you feel like your watching a very impassioned play, and thirdly, that is driven home by the noticeable lack of soundtrack.
Being based on actual events, anyone else would have had some gratuitous action, but here there is no glorification of the situation. For it's time, this is a remarkable piece of cinema, and although there are one or two dodgy edits that make you think there may have been more material, this is an acting piece that drags you along to the end.
One of the best films of the 70's.
This review of Dog Day Afternoon (1975) was written by Bob L on 15 Apr 2011.
Dog Day Afternoon has generally received very positive reviews.
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