Dog Day Afternoon
Based on the true story of would-be Brooklyn bank robbers John Wojtowicz and Salvatore Naturile. Sonny and Sal attempt a bank heist which quickly turns sour and escalates into a hostage situation and stand-off with the police. As Sonny's motives for the robbery are slowly revealed and things become more complicated, the heist turns into a media circus.
Critics Sentiment
Sonny shouts Attica to cheers from the crowd
Bank employees become comfortable with their captors
The film peaks with the iconic Attica scene then gradually loses momentum through extended family drama before partially recovering for the climax.
Critics consistently praised Pacino's powerhouse performance and the film's gripping opening act, particularly the famous Attica scene. However, most reviewers noted a significant energy drop in the middle sections due to overlong family interactions and soap opera elements. While the film recovers some tension toward the climax, many felt it never quite recaptured the intensity of its brilliant first half.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 39
Al Pacino
Sonny
John Cazale
Sal
Charles Durning
Moretti
Chris Sarandon
Leon
James Broderick
Sheldon
Penelope Allen
Sylvia
Sully Boyar
Mulvaney
Beulah Garrick
Margaret
Carol Kane
Jenny
Sandra Kazan
Deborah
Marcia Jean Kurtz
Miriam
Amy Levitt
Maria
John Marriott
Howard
Estelle Omens
Edna
Gary Springer
Stevie
Carmine Foresta
Carmine
Lance Henriksen
Murphy
Floyd Levine
Phone Cop
Dick Anthony Williams
Limo Driver
Dominic Chianese
Father
Crew
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