http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072890/

I think we’ve all had one of those days. Those days we wish we didn’t get up and out of bed to venture into the cold light of day. Well, Al Pacino and John Cazale are having one of those days in DOG DAY AFTERNOON and it’s just going to get worse.

Sonny and Sal are going to rob a bank. It seems easy enough – they have guns, a plan of action, and a fool proof scheme to get in and out without hurting a soul. Of course, that all goes right out the window in the first five minutes of the film. Sal and Sonny are left to their own devices to extricate themselves from the bank…now surrounded by half of the NYC police department.

The 1970’s pacing helps to create a massive amount of tension.  Pre-screaming Pacino delivers his usual amazing performance as we, he viewers, watch him try to sort out the situation, keep his somewhat nutty partner under control, and keep Det. Sgt. Eugene Moretti ( Charles Durning ) at bay.

You can feel the heat. Feel the fear. Feel the pressure.
This is a classic siege movie.

Written by malcolm

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