desperation shall prevail...

Rating: 9/10 (20 December 2006)

DOGDAY AFTERNOON
Every movie has a setting. Every movie has a plot. Yet it is only when the two are so heavily dependant on one another, and so intertwined to become the sole backbone of the film, that a movie like Dogday Afternoon comes around. And there are few films that remain faithful to the facts of a real-life true tale. These are things to consider as we witness the historical re-enactment of one of the most famous bank robberies of our time.
From start to finish you will primarily see only two locations in this film's setting: The bank, where history was created, and within the vehicle, where it suddenly ended. Sidney Lumet's emphasis on having nearly an entire film take place behind closed doors illustrates the intensity and heightened tension of every character's situation. The only other scenes that were filmed away from the bank were roughly on par, perhaps, with the number of audaciously performed acts of him emerging from within. Yet most of the pressure arises from the inside. Then people start becoming very hot, very hungry, and very very stir crazy. And whenever Sonny steps outside, he releases all that energy out onto the awaiting crowds, furthermore fueling his supportive fans.
As much as the inhabitants of the bank are gradually exhausting, a phenomenal occurrence takes place; Sonny has won the favor of his own hostages. This fact was one of the most intriguing processes in film history. As the film proceeds from the intro, the majority of the captives slowly unveil their eyes to realize the true nature of Sonny's intentions and motives. They realize that this man is no killer, this man is no lunatic, and for all essential practicality, Sonny (last name) is no criminal.
This feature is truly a milestone in blockbuster history, and any viewer can attest to the captivating journey through history's window of intrigue. This film should have the impact of leaving someone nothing less than speechless, and rendering at least one major conclusion to its purposeful essence: This film is powerfully important.
Many inhabitants of this great planet will make a weekly trip to deposit their hard-earned wages, and many go daily. But next time they step outside their doors, perhaps they should take a closer look at what the mornings atmosphere has to offer. Maybe even take a long drink of the fresh air's pureness. Absorb the finer details of life's greatness and hopefully realize, today just might be a Dog Day Afternoon.