A-Z #62: Dog Day Afternoon

You can pick up hundreds of DVD's for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. Its never about quantity, its about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#62 - Dog Day Afternoon

Why did I buy it?

I am embaressed to say that Dog Day Afternoon I did not know about until the brief mention in Dominic Sena's Swordfish. If I recall correctly, Travolta uses the film as an example as to how it has a great ending. This perked my interest, but following that note, I heard alot more about it - especially having watch The Godfather and becoming keen to watch young Al Pacino in action.

Why do I still own it?

 

Because it truly is a brilliant film. Like The Godfather and The Deer Hunter, the film stars John Cazale in another blistering performance - who knows what he would've made had he continued to make films. We all talk about De Niro and Pacino - but at this point in the seventies, Cazale was one of them. The film is incredible on multiple levels. As pure entertainment it is non-stop, set-in-a-day and [pretty much] set in one location. On the first viewing, though based on a true story, you have no idea where it is going. This leads to the next level - the film shows how Pacino's character is robbing the bank to pay for his male lover's operation to become a woman. Can you believe it? This is an action film with heart and intelligence. The acting is flawless too - Pacino playing the impulsive, but confused robber at the heart of it, whilst Cazale is the Vietnam veteran ... we question whether he will 'lose it'? Nominated for multiple awards - including the Best Picture and Best Director for Sidney Lumet - even winning the statuette for Best Screenplay. This truly is an example of rewwatchable, classic filmmaking.

 

All together now - "Attica! Attica! Attica!"