Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
Heist meets circus sideshow.
Presentation:
Al Pacino is fantastic in this 70s heist film. It starts off as a half-serious bank robbery and a really funny one too misleading you into thinking it’s a comedy, but then you realize it’s a true story and it’s not your ordinary bumbling bank robber trope. The film uses long lenses and closeups, which really isolate the universe and highlight Pacino’s performance. He looks so young here and with such big eyes. He’s got a natural command of the screen, but it was a little hard to be convinced of his role and I found myself doing double takes.
Conclusion:
With the way the film begins, it had the potential to be my favorite heist film of all time. But the drama toward the middle dragged on a little bit too long for me. But it’s relevant to the real story, which is also what keeps this from being a generic heist film. Nevertheless I enjoyed the film and the compelling drama made me forget I was watching a true crime story.
Recommendations
Comfort for the lonely cinephile.