Review of Dog Day Afternoon (1975) by Alexander Z — 14 Apr 2011
Two years after Serpico, Lumet brought us this offering, which I don't care for as much. Perhaps it's the long running time, or the way in which we sink as we watch this picture, knowing that there will be no happy ending.
Perhaps it's the fact that it's pretty hard to sympathize with the two bank robbers. Yes, Dog Day Afternoon was years ahead of its time by acknowledging transgender views and the need of a very small minority of people for sex reassignment surgery, but I can't really recommend it for that alone.
The fact is, it's a rather boring heist movie that eventually reaches a logical conclusion. I commend Lumet for building the entire atmosphere of the movie to reflect the ending and for John Cazale's ability to convey a plethora of emotions with only a stare, but I'd say this is only above average for Lumet.
He certainly has better work.
This review of Dog Day Afternoon (1975) was written by Alexander Z on 14 Apr 2011.
Dog Day Afternoon has generally received very positive reviews.
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