Review: Dog Day Afternoon (1975) AL PACHINO

You see the genius of Sidney Lumet here again. Like many other of his films, this too is very real and original. The film is based on a true story of Chase Manhattan bank robbery in New York city. Al Pacino and John Cazale play the part of bank robbers, Sonny and Sal. Supporting roles of FBI agent and Sonny's gay partner, Leon have been played beautifully too.

Sidney Lumet is a master of one location filming. Most of the movie is shot in the bank premises and you wonder how the Director is able to hold your attention. The movie starts with Sonny, Sal and one more friend enter a bank to rob. However, the third friend develops cold feet and leaves immediately. Sonny and Sal go ahead with the plan only to find out that there is very little cash in the bank. Soon after, police surround them and the only way out for the robbers is to take the bank employees hostage. Sonny tries to deal with FBI agent and asks for a jet so that they can fly out of the country.

Many a drama unfolds during this period when you see bank employees getting along with the robbers, Sonny (a bisexual) talking to his wife and gay partner, Sal getting nervous, Sonny & Sal becoming media stars and Sonny dealing with the FBI agent. The movie moves at a brisk pace keeping you engaged throughout. Al Pacino and John Cazale put up stellar performances.

The film looks so real that you can actually imagine the whole incident that happened. It also helps that the film was released in 1975, just three years after the incident in 1972.