Review of Dog Day Afternoon (1975) by Celeste J — 26 Mar 2013

Dog Day Afternoon takes an interesting and compelling story and translates it into an excellent film. The events that conspire are based on actual happenings and that just makes the movie experience more enjoyable.

This is more than a film, it is a social statement. The cast does an excellent job of bringing this to life despite the fact that they worked in a very limited film setting. The main protagonists Sonny (Al Pacino) and Sal (John Cazale) attempt to rob a bank only to find that they are surrounded by NYPD within minutes of the thefts commencement.

Dog Day Afternoon takes place almost entirely in this New York bank and that is really one of its major strengths. Direction from Sidney Lument makes the audience feel like they are in the bank with Sonny and his hostages.

During the film I often felt that I was Sonny, just trying to think of a way to get out of this extremely difficult situation. Al Pacino contributes to this film with an always dependable performance.

He brings Sonny to life. Combine this with a realistic script and an excellent plot and you have the cinematic experience that is Dog Day Afternoon. Though this film is primarily a thriller with some funny moments, it is also a tragic drama about the consequences that come with violating the law.

If there is one theme in Dog Day Afternoon it is that crime does not pay. I would recommend this movie to anybody that enjoys a good thriller/drama and an overall quality movie experience.