Review of Dog Day Afternoon (1975) by Daniel S — 19 Nov 2011

One of cinema's most outstanding bank robbery films, Sidney Lumet's Dog Day Afternoon is a work of sheer brilliance. I would consider this film to be one of the essential bank robbery films. The film has a great, raw, gritty atmosphere that adds a feel of realism to the picture.

Al Pacino and John Cazale deliver some strong performances and other key performances here are Charles Durning as Detective Moretti and Chris Sarandon as Sonny's lover, Leon. Dog Day Afternoon is a well crafted crime film that showcases Al Pacino's talent as an actor even further.

This is one of the classic, quintessential 1970's works, a film that is just as important as Taxi Driver. Dog Day Afternoon is a well crafted film that is held together by the strong performances delivered by the cast members.

Sidney Lumet is much underrated as a director, and he's directed one of the best crime films of the 1970's. Dog Day Afternoon is based on real facts that make the film much more exciting. Dog Day Afternoon id a film that is a must see for crime film fans.

Overall this is a raw, gritty realistic film that is brilliantly directed by Sidney Lumet. Unfortunately this work has been eclipsed by some of Scorsese's pictures, and it's a shame because this film is just as good as Scorsese's films.

If you come across this film, give it a viewing, this is a stunning crime film that works well because of the strong cast that deliver some memorable performances. As far as bank robbery films are concerned, Dog Day Afternoon is a classic of the genre, and though at times it does drag on a bit, the performances alone keep you engaged into its story.

Lumet definitely directed a memorable and flawless film that remains a benchmark in 1970's cinema. A film definitely worth watching, its realism is unsurpassed and the story is simply brilliant.