A Truly Well-Made Film!

Rating: 7/10 (28 October 2011)

Sidney Lumet's 'Dog Day Afternoon' is a truly well-made film, that also packs in Magnificent Direction & Extra-Ordinary Performances from it's cast. It's surely among the better films of 1975.
'Dog Day Afternoon' Synopsis: A man robs a bank to pay for his lover's operation; it turns into a hostage situation and a media circus.
Inspired by P.F. Kluge's article "The Boys in the Bank", 'Dog Day Afternoon' is an engaging cinematic experience. Frank Pierson's Screenplay is focused & always on track. However, the film definitely could've been trimmed, by at least 15-20 minutes. Lumet's Direction is Magnificent. He handles every sequence with unmatchable style. Cinematography is accurate. Editing is fair.
Performance-Wise: Al Pacino delivers a performance, that can easily be credited as a 'Masterpiece'. Chris Sarandon is astonishing. John Cazale is first-rate. Charles Durning is absolutely terrific. James Broderick is very convincing. Penelope Allen is equally good. Others are perfect.
On the whole, 'Dog Day Afternoon' is not Flawless, but captivating nonetheless. Watch It!