Dog Day Afternoon Summary

Dog Day Afternoon by Sidney Lumet

Summary: Dog Day Afternoon is a gripping crime drama directed by Sidney Lumet that follows the true story of a bank robbery gone wrong. When Sonny Wortzik and his partner Sal attempt to rob a bank in Brooklyn, they find themselves trapped inside with hostages, leading to a tense standoff with the police.

Main Cast and Crew:

Director: Sidney Lumet
Writer: Frank Pierson
Key Actors: Al Pacino as Sonny Wortzik, John Cazale as Sal, Charles Durning as Detective Moretti, Chris Sarandon as Leon Shermer, James Broderick as Sheldon, Penelope Allen as Sylvia, Sully Boyar as Mulvaney
Music Director: Elliot Lawrence
Director of Photography: Victor J. Kemper
Producers: Martin Bregman, Martin Elfand

Plot:

Dog Day Afternoon begins as Sonny Wortzik and Sal attempt to rob a bank in Brooklyn. However, their plan quickly goes awry when they discover that the bank’s cash has been moved to a safe. As the police surround the bank, Sonny and Sal find themselves trapped inside with the bank employees and customers as hostages.

As the situation escalates, Sonny becomes an unexpected anti-hero, gaining sympathy from the crowd outside and the media. The media circus surrounding the hostage situation puts pressure on the police and the FBI to handle the situation delicately. Detective Moretti, the lead negotiator, tries to establish a rapport with Sonny, hoping to bring the standoff to a peaceful resolution.

Throughout the film, Sonny’s motivations become clearer. He reveals that he needs the money to pay for his lover’s sex reassignment surgery. As the hours pass, tensions rise both inside and outside the bank. The hostages form a bond with Sonny and Sal, sympathizing with their desperate situation.

As the police attempt to negotiate, Sonny’s demands become more complicated, including a getaway car and a plane to escape the country. The media frenzy continues to grow, with crowds cheering for Sonny’s success. However, the situation takes a dark turn when the police discover that Sonny’s lover, Leon, has been manipulating him.

In a climactic moment, the police storm the bank, leading to a chaotic shootout. The film ends with Sonny being arrested, and the hostages escaping unharmed. Sonny’s story becomes a symbol of the societal issues of the time, including economic inequality and the struggle for personal freedom.

Themes and Motifs:

Dog Day Afternoon explores themes of desperation, societal pressures, and the blurred lines between hero and villain. The film delves into the complexities of human nature, highlighting the empathy and compassion that can arise even in the most dire circumstances. It also examines the power of the media and its ability to shape public opinion.

Reception and Legacy:

Upon its release in 1975, Dog Day Afternoon received critical acclaim for its intense performances and realistic portrayal of a true story. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Al Pacino. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Dog Day Afternoon has had a lasting impact on cinema, influencing subsequent films in the crime genre. It is often regarded as one of Sidney Lumet’s finest works and a standout performance in Al Pacino’s career.

Recommendation:

Dog Day Afternoon is a must-watch for fans of gripping crime dramas and powerful performances. Sidney Lumet’s direction combined with Al Pacino’s captivating portrayal of Sonny Wortzik creates an intense and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Memorable Quote:

“Attica! Attica!” – Sonny Wortzik