Masterpiece

Rating: Null/10 (29 February 2008)

Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
**** (out of 4)
This Sidney Lumet drama is one of the best films of the decade IMO. There have been countless heist/robbery movies since the early days of film-making but this one here hits all the right notes. I think the greatest thing about the film is that we get to see one of the best character developments in film history. The Al Pacino character goes through all sorts of emotions throughout the film that by the time the movie ends we can't help but feel as if we've followed him his entire life. Pacino's performance is one of the greatest of his career and what he does with this character is really something amazing to watch. The supporting cast is terrific as well. What I also love about this film is that there's no music score being used, which makes the film seem all the more real. Another great aspect is the comedy, which is used off and on throughout the movie. There are countless great scenes, including the most famous one but I think the highlight of the film is when Pacino is talking to his "other" wife.