Dog Day Afternoon (1975)

My Review

“Dog Day Afternoon” is a crime drama about an inexperienced criminal leading a bank robbery even as his plan quickly goes awry with an unexpected hostage situation; the FBI arrives accompanied by a media circus. Director Sidney Lumet (“12 Angry Men” 1957) put together an interesting psychological look into the lead character, from an outstanding screenplay by Frank Pierson.

Al Pacino delivers an engrossing and nuanced performance in the principal role of the picture. It differs from his most famous part as Michael Corleone in “The Godfather” (1972) and “The Godfather Part II” (1974), demonstrating his wide range as an actor. Co-stars include John Cazale, Charles Durning, Chris Sarandon, Penelope Allen, Sully Boyar, Lance Henriksen, Carol Kane, James Broderick, and Dominic Chianese.

“Dog Day Afternoon” was a hit at the box office for Artists Entertainment Complex and Warner Bros. Pictures. It was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning one for Best Screenplay. The five non-winners were Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Pacino), Best Supporting Actor (Sarandon), and Best Film Editing.