Review of Dog Day Afternoon (1975) by Phillip G — 13 Feb 2011
This was never dull, and frequently chuckle-worthy (with it, not at it). I didn't expect that. Also, while the setting is obviously dated (I'm talking about the way things look - the city, cars, decor), little of the dialogue and characterization is dated.
In fact, some of the things people do and say are pretty surprising. Example - Chris Sarandon. At a time when the it is so easy to see even hints of stereotype in an actor's performance of a gay character, nothing Sarandon does seems inauthentic.
What little affectation there is clearly comes from the character, not the actor. I didn't expect to see that in a film from 1975, since there was so little of the same in the 30 years that followed.
I can see why he was nominated. So why only 3 stars? Well, the movie is fine, that's why. It was never gripping, and - not its fault - tells a story type that has been done in single episodes of a few television dramas, and was usually done very well.
I don't know if that's fair or not, but it bled into my reaction to the movie, and might for others as well. I do recommend it though, wholeheartedly. It's anything but boring.
This review of Dog Day Afternoon (1975) was written by Phillip G on 13 Feb 2011.
Dog Day Afternoon has generally received very positive reviews.
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