DOG DAY AFTERNOON (1975)

Country: U.S.A.

Genre(s): Crime / Drama

Director: Sidney Lumet

Cast: Al Pacino / John Cazale / Charles Durning

Plot

A true story about a botched New York bank robbery that leads to a hostage situation as the two bankrobbers try to negotiate their way out with the police, the FBI, the news, and a crowd of onlookers waiting outside.

What I Liked

 “Dog Day Afternoon” is visceral.  It has a sense of being raw, live, and immediate matched by few other films.  Everything turns to chaos pretty quick and the anxiety of all involved is felt almost from start to finish without let-up.  All of the actors involved play, from the leads to the supporting cast, their roles with the exact right amount of intensity, despair, fear, and anger needed for their character and the moment.  Indeed both Al Pacino and John Cazale turn in two of the finest performances in their accomplished careers.  

The film is based on real events that unfolded on television before news cameras, a large crowd of people, and an assemblage of New York Police and feds.  To lend the film the live, anything-can-happen feel needed to capture the moment, it’s clear the decision was made to have the cameras almost totally carried by hand instead of machine.  Much of the camerawork and acting feels improvised and very well might have been.  It all makes for a lot of anxiety, which is just right to immerse the audience.

What I Didn’t Like

Part of that immediacy involves incessant shouting and screaming, which can certainly wear on the nerves.  But it’s all part of the intended atmosphere.  There’s not much to complain about here for those looking for this type of movie.  Just keep in mind the film, like it’s subject, is not a particularly pleasant emotional experience.

Most Memorable Scene

For me, it’s the opening 20 minutes of the film that succeeds best.  Tense, fast-paced, and at times comic, it sets the tone for the rest of the film and, more importantly, hooks the viewer quickly.  Once the movie is a good ten to fifteen minutes in, you wont want to stop watching.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5