REFLECTION JOURNAL 4: DOG DAY AFTERNOON

I have always liked Al Pacino. However, my admiration of him started after watching Dog Day Afternoon. Before watching the film, I had no favorite actor; however, I have become a huge fan of Al Pacino after watching it.

Dog day Afternoon is a black humor, directed by Sidney Lumet. As cinema fans know, he is also the director of legendary film ‘12 Angry Men.’ Both films have some similarities. For example, both were shot at just one place. 12 Angry Men takes place in the court room; Dog Day Afternoon takes place in a bank. Contrary to what might be thought about this one-place habit, both movies are not boring at all. They really make audiences think over the events.

The theme of the film is a bank robs. Al Pacino, Sonny, and his friend, Sal, a strange character played by John Cazale, one of the most underrated actors of Hollywood, want their friend, Leon, to undergo an operation to change his sex. In the film, Sal is gay, although being married to a wife, and having two children. At one scene, for Leon, Sonny says “my darling life, Leon, whom I love more than any other man in all eternity” for Leon, indicating his being gay.

To achieve their goal, they decide to rob Brooklyn bank. According to their plan, it will take 10 minutes to complete their job. They are thinking of robbing the bank quickly and getting away from the bank with the money they steal. However, the things go awry, and everything gets complicated. After few hours, the police get involved, and encircle the bank. Two sides, the first one including Sonny, Sal, and bank workers inside, and the second including police forces, and the curious people outside face off against each other. 4 hours later, TV cameras come to the crime scene, and the events are broadcast live on TV.

The film is based on a true story, which makes it much more attractive and interesting. The sentences “The robbery should have taken 10 minutes. 4 hours later, the bank was like a circus sideshow. 8 hours later, it was the hottest thing on TV. 12 hours later, it was history. And it’s all true” can be seen on the film poster.

Briefly, it is my favorite Al Pacino film, and a great cult. I recommend everyone to watch it.