Timely Classic

Rating: Null/10 (30 August 1999)

Like many of the films of the seventies, "Dog Day Afternoon" was made as a reflection on society. The idea of the media over blowing an event and making a star out of losers is nothing new in the nineties. What is unique is that this is the first movie of its kind. However, in less capable hands it could have been a disaster but we have a brilliant director in Sidney Lumet and an exceptional cast.
It's hard to believe that Sonny is being played by the same man who played Michael Corleone in "Godfather II" around the same time. Al Pacino gives an amazing performance that makes him both a hero and a loser. He is holding these people hostage but makes sure they get food and even Aspirin. It is also one of the first leading homosexual characters in a feature film but is not portrayed through stereotypical mannerisms. John Cazale is great as the dopey partner whose primary interest is making sure the television reports don't say that's he's gay. It is truly a shame that this talent had to die so young. Chris Sarandon makes the most of his part as Sonny's gay lover but one wonders how he and Sonny could have gotten along. In the end, though, it is the subject manner that leads to the success of this film. The media is the main character in the film. It manipulated all of the others and made the entire situation larger than life.