Great performances

Rating: 10/10 (20 April 2012)

Al Pacino gives life to a character that otherwise would be totally unsympathetic. As to his partner, Sal,it's interesting how Cazale managed to create such a blend of vulnerability, sadness and innocence into a 'ticking bomb' bank robber with a criminal record. Leon is another memorable character, played to perfection by Chris Sarandon. The mother, along with the wife, gives a better understanding of the circumstances in which Sonny snapped. Anyone would go nuts with those two women around. The only intelligent character in this movie is Lance Henriksen's, another amazing, under-rated actor. He has a small part here, but it's a pivotal role. Sharp, slick, precise. His eyes speak volumes.
The critique of the media is sharp and darkly funny. All the actors are doing a great job, and the spirit of the era is well captured.