Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
Raiting: 
7,9 /10
Genre: Crime
Director: Sidney Lumet
Stars: Al Pacino, John Cazale and Charles Durning
Country: United States
Release date: 1 August 1975
Length: 124 minutes
"Dog Day Afternoon", directed by Sidney Lumet and released in 1975, is a crime drama based on a true story that unfolds over the course of a single day in Brooklyn, New York. The film centers around Sonny Wortzik (Al Pacino), an inexperienced criminal who decides to rob a bank to pay for his lover's gender reassignment surgery.
The film begins with Sonny, his friend Sal (John Cazale), and another accomplice, Stevie (Gary Springer), attempting to rob a local bank. However, their plan quickly goes awry when they discover that the bank's vault has been emptied for the day, leaving them with a meager haul. Stevie panics and abandons the operation, leaving Sonny and Sal stranded in the bank with a group of employees as their hostages.
As word of the robbery spreads, the bank gets surrounded by the police, led by Detective Sergeant Eugene Moretti (Charles Durning). A tense standoff ensues, with Sonny communicating with Moretti and the growing crowd outside. Sonny's attempts to negotiate for a safe passage with the police are further complicated when his wife, Angie (Susan Sarandon), and his lover, Leon (Chris Sarandon), arrive at the scene.
Throughout the film, Sonny's motivations for the robbery are revealed, and the dynamic between him, Sal, and the hostages evolves. The hostages, initially terrified, slowly begin to sympathize with Sonny as they learn about his personal struggles. Meanwhile, the crowd outside the bank alternates between viewing Sonny as a criminal and an anti-establishment hero, as he repeatedly outmaneuvers the police.
The film reaches a climax when Sonny negotiates a deal with the FBI to allow him and Sal to escape with the hostages in a limousine to a nearby airport, where a jet will take them to a country of their choice. However, the escape plan takes a tragic turn at the airport, leading to a dramatic and unexpected conclusion.
"Dog Day Afternoon" is a gripping tale of a heist gone wrong, filled with tension, dark humor, and poignant moments. The film explores themes of desperation, societal pressures, and the unpredictability of human behavior under stress. The narrative stands out for its character-driven focus, allowing the audience to delve into the complexities of Sonny's character and the extraordinary circumstances of this ordinary 'dog day' afternoon.
Top cast - Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
Trailer - Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
"Dog Day Afternoon", directed by the esteemed Sidney Lumet and released in 1975, is a masterful depiction of a bank robbery that spirals into a media circus and a standoff between the robbers and law enforcement. The film is based on a true story, which only adds to the intensity and peculiarity of the events portrayed. Al Pacino delivers a riveting performance as Sonny Wortzik, the main character whose plan to secure money for his lover's surgery descends into chaos.
One of the film's most striking features is its raw authenticity. Lumet's direction ensures that the tension is palpable but also allows room for moments of unexpected humor and humanity. The characters are not just archetypes; they are deeply human, with motivations and emotions that are complex and relatable. This is particularly evident in Pacino's portrayal of Sonny, which is both nuanced and explosive, capturing the desperation and unpredictability of a man pushed to the edge.
The supporting cast also delivers exceptional performances, with John Cazale as Sal, Sonny's loyal but simple-minded friend, and Charles Durning as Sergeant Moretti, the police officer trying to resolve the situation peacefully. The interactions between the robbers, hostages, and police are laced with a tension that is both compelling and unsettling, as the lines between adversaries and allies blur over the course of the film.
Lumet's direction is deliberate and confident, allowing the story to unfold in real-time, which heightens the sense of urgency and claustrophobia. The cinematography captures the gritty streets of 1970s Brooklyn and the stifling confines of the bank with a rawness that immerses the audience in the experience. The film avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on the human drama and the societal issues underpinning the events.
The screenplay by Frank Pierson is sharp and insightful, giving voice to the diverse perspectives of the characters and touching on themes of social injustice, the media's role in shaping public perception, and the complexities of personal identity. The dialogue is authentic and resonates with the era's vernacular, providing a window into the characters' worlds.
In conclusion, "Dog Day Afternoon" is a classic that stands the test of time. It's a film that combines a compelling narrative with strong character development and social commentary. It is a testament to Lumet's directorial skill and the cast's talent, particularly Pacino, whose performance is both captivating and heartbreakingly real. This film is not just a crime drama; it's a human story that challenges viewers to consider the lengths to which a person might go when faced with insurmountable odds.