Rating of
3.5/4
Dog Day Afternoon review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 08/09/11
Since Al Pacino is my all-time favorite actor, I was fortunate enough to purchase the DVD without regret. Let’s begin with the cast, which all you need is Al Pacino (Sonny Wortzik) and John Cazale (Salvatore Naturil). They enacted as brothers in one of the greatest and most popular films in history (Godfather I and II) which in effect, played a huge role in their onscreen tandem. At that time, the relationship of “Sal” and Sonny was not acceptable. A film whose main objective was to rob a bank for his lover’s sex change is ludicrous. Still, it was effectively pulled off by Sidney Lumet because of his skilled directing, intriguing script, all around stunning performances and usage of resources. I personally felt Pacino should have won an Oscar, since his range in acting has been challenged. His affinity to the crowd/media, seriousness of the situation, compassion to the hostages/Sal, comedic gestures and aversion of police officers, were all depicted without trying too hard. Truly one of his memorable performances since The Godfather I and II. One of Sonny’s words – “That's all they're interested in - it's a freak show to them. I can't control it, Sal - let 'em say what they want. Forget it. It don't matter.” And the famous – “ATTICA! ATTICA! REMEMBER ATTICA.” This entertaining real life based movie is one of the greatest films of its era. This will be cherished and remembered. And yes, all of it really happened.
