A fantastic film

Rating: 9/10 (4 March 2012)

Lumet has never been constrained by the demands of genre, and just as Serpico was far more character piece than thriller, as Dog Day Afternoon is more drama than comedy. Pacino's passionate performance is awe inspiring stuff, not only does he have the conviction and passion to deliver a performance that feels like a real man, but as in Serpico, he fully embraces the real life character on screen. The drama is thoroughly involving, as Sonny becomes an icon of rebellion and a symbol of the power of the common man as the media circus unfolds, and the bank robbers situation becomes more and more certain. The Cinematography is dull, as frankly all of Lumet's films are, but the performances are spellbinding. Overlong, underwritten and visually staid, it is still a must see.