A masterclass lead performance elevates this film from good to great

Rating: 8/10 (2 July 2019)

"Dog Day Afternoon" is an American movie from 1975, so this one is heading closer to its 50th anniversary now and it is pretty much close to being called a crime classic. The director is Sidney Lumet and he was nominated for an Oscar here, one of the movie's six nominations. The only win was for the film's screenplay and I think that was really deserving because the only thing better in this amazing movie than the script is the performance by lead actor Al Pacino. I am tempted to say from what I have seen (and that includes both Godfather films), this one here is his career-best moment. He really nails it all, the loud moments, the quiet moments, he is always spot-on. A true all-time great performance if you ask me and what I wrote in the title of my review is certainly true. He is also playing along with the cast so nicely in this over 2-hour film. This includes the Godfather reunion of course with John Cazale whose character here is about as tragic as his real life unfortunately. There was one moment I found particularly sad, namely when we find out there is nobody for him to talk to before he dies or forever leaves the country. It is a really interesting character and even if he does not get the baity showy moments like the gay lover story line, there is still a lot under the surface for him. The violence, the aggression for example. He did not bond with the bank employees like Pacino's character, even if in the end he receives a little gift from one of the ladies. He is not an educated man, does not know about geography. He seems like a really religious person though and as a consequence also as a homophobe. He does not want to be seen and remembered as a homosexual. Cazale really does a lot with body language here. But all the other supporting characters are doing really fine too, down to the constantly chewing woman at the bank, the police officers and in the end the FBI guy who was really haunting. Or the police officer disguised as a taxi driver. It was pretty memorable how Sonny immediately saw through him when they were ready to let him drive. In general, Sonny was very smart and focused, knew exactly about everything and the things that went wrong and resulted in this mess were not caused by him. Like when they thought the car would bring all the money and not take it away. An accomplice failed there. Or when Sonny knows exactly that the bank employees should not take out all the money at the same time because of the alarm. Or what happens when the bank director uses the wrong key for the safe etc. Many examples there.
With the gay transsexual lover, the film was heading into a fully different direction that I did not expect really and that I think I also did not like too much when I watched it the first time. But maybe it was just me. Now during rewatch I did not mind. I still think the Oscar nomination for Sarandon was a bit too much honestly. But good for them on touching delicately such an important subject. This can be extended to all the gay-themed moments in here really, no matter if we are talking about the homophobia outside the bank or, on the opposite side, the supporters. Also this film will really make you smile on many occasions without a doubt. One would be the bizarre horny guy calling the bank repeatedly. Now that was unexpected and wicked in a funny way haha. I really wonder who was behind that. More situational comedy that is also easily linked to the film as a whole can be seen in the ways how Sonny almost turns into a hero the way how he is treated outside. Just take a look at the pizza boy and his reaction. Epic stuff. Or when Sonny talks to his wife and mother. You could think that he stopped caring, especially for the former, but it's not true as we find out when he sets up his will and testament. But completely aside from that, it is also an amazing crime movie. The scene early on with the third really young robber may seem funny, but it is also a really memorable storytelling moment. And you can suck in the tension from inside the bank on your movie screen right from the beginning. And actually for the entire film really. Don't mistake this for really light material only because nobody (almost nobody) gets killed. It is also a thriller. And finally, it culminated in the taxi ride to the airport where it all ends then (We take care of Sal). I knew this time what would happen, obviously, but it was still as good as seeing this final scene for the first time. You will be amazed seeing these last 15-20 minutes. As you should be. Actually, you will be amazed by this film as a whole. One of the best 1970s films and Pacino is a contender for giving the best performance from all 1970s movies. Such range, such vitality, such energy. Just amazing. Absolutely don't miss out. There's no way you can watch the film and not be a fan afterwards. Go for it. Also you girls, don't mistake this for a guys movie. It is independent of gender, simply amazing film beauty. Highly, highly recommended.