A Very Long Afternoon.

Rating: 9/10 (24 November 2015)

Dog Day Afternoon (1975): Dir: Sidney Lumet / Cast: Al Pacino, John Cazale, Charles During, Chris Sarandon, Sully Boyar: Gripping thriller about the dark side of both ends of the law. Al Pacino plays Sonny, who makes an armed robbery attempt that draws the attention of the media. He is joined by the nervous gun touting Salvatore, played by John Cazale. While they secretly refuse to kill anyone, the law outside bargains unsuccessfully for hostages, which include the bank manager, several female clerks, and an asthmatic security guard whom they let go. Chilling back and forth tension as it is discovered that Sonny has a wife and two children but also a male lover going through the process of a sex change. This has the media in a roar cheering Sonny's rebellious nature with even the hostages warming up to his nature. Director Sidney Lumet previously worked with Pacino in the excellent Serpico. As Sonny, Pacino mirrors the frustration and desperation of somebody thinking he can somehow escape consequences. Cazale as Salvatore is more reserved and seen more as a trigger warning by cops. Charles Durning plays a negotiator struggling to maintain order outside as well as inside the bank. Chris Sarandon plays Leon, Sonny's male lover who confesses his inability to reason with him. Sully Boyar plays the diabetic bank manager. Cruel media celebration of sin and one's interpretation of right and wrong. Score: 9 / 10