Review of Dog Day Afternoon (1975) by Alex R — 12 Apr 2011
The whole movie takes place at a bank, except the end. It's a testament to the amazing Sidney Lumet that it remains fascinating for every second. He has always been a master of suspense and black humor.
The cast is simply suberb. This just might be my favorite Al Pacino performance. Strutting through the chaos of media coverage he helped create, he slowly begins to disintegrate from the pressure the robbery carries. John Cazale is haunting as Sal, a ticking timebomb of nervousness. And Chris Sarandon gives us a full character in just two scenes. Lumet gave each character so much thought.
The screenplay is just a wonder. It starts as a simple bank robbery and then lets it slowly turn into a media circus that redefines the relationships between cops and criminals when other parties enter their world. Soon the cops become the heavies and Pacino's Sonny becomes a sort of rockstar of crime.
But the movie never pulls any punches and goes for broke, making Dog Day Afternoon one amazing movie.
This review of Dog Day Afternoon (1975) was written by Alex R on 12 Apr 2011.
Dog Day Afternoon has generally received very positive reviews.
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