Dog Day Afternoon (1975)

Detailed Summary

The Bank Robbery Begins

“Dog Day Afternoon” opens on a sweltering summer day in Brooklyn, where Sonny Wortzik (Al Pacino) and his partner Sal Naturile (John Cazale) attempt to rob a bank. Their plan quickly unravels when the third accomplice, Stevie, gets cold feet and leaves. As they proceed, the bank manager reveals that there’s hardly any cash left in the vault.

Hostage Situation Develops

Realizing they are trapped, Sonny and Sal take the bank employees hostage. Sonny negotiates with police, led by Detective Moretti (Charles Durning), and the situation spirals into a media spectacle. The standoff draws a crowd, and Sonny becomes a reluctant anti-hero, garnering sympathy from the onlookers.

Personal Motives Revealed

As the day progresses, the media frenzy exposes Sonny’s personal life. It is revealed that he is robbing the bank to fund his partner Leon’s (Chris Sarandon) gender reassignment surgery. Leon is brought to the scene, and their emotional conversation highlights Sonny’s desperation and the complexity of his motivations.

The Pressure Mounts

The intense heat and media attention escalate tensions inside the bank. Sonny, increasingly fatigued, struggles to maintain control over the hostages and negotiate a safe escape. The hostages, despite their initial fear, begin to sympathize with Sonny, further complicating the situation.

The Final Escape Plan

Sonny demands a plane to escape with Sal, and the police agree to their terms. As night falls, the hostages are released, and Sonny and Sal are escorted to an airport with an FBI agent. However, in a dramatic twist, the FBI double-crosses them, leading to a tragic ending.

Movie Ending

At the airport, as Sonny and Sal prepare to board the plane, the FBI springs their trap. An agent shoots Sal in the head, killing him instantly. Sonny is arrested and taken into custody, while the hostages are freed. The film concludes with a somber note about the real-life individuals involved in the robbery.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

There are no post-credits scenes in “Dog Day Afternoon.”

Type of Movie

“Dog Day Afternoon” is a crime drama thriller that combines elements of a heist film with social commentary and character-driven storytelling.

Cast

• Al Pacino as Sonny Wortzik
• John Cazale as Sal Naturile
• Charles Durning as Detective Moretti
• Chris Sarandon as Leon Shermer
• James Broderick as Agent Sheldon
• Penelope Allen as Sylvia “Mouth” Boggs
• Carol Kane as Jenny “The Sponge” Parry

Film Music and Composer

The film’s music, composed by Frank Pierson, is minimal, with Elton John’s song “Amoreena” playing during the opening credits, setting the tone for the film.

Filming Locations

• Brooklyn, New York: The film was shot on location in Brooklyn, capturing the authentic atmosphere of a sweltering New York summer.
• Chase Manhattan Bank: The primary location for the bank robbery scenes, which provided a realistic backdrop for the unfolding drama.

The choice of location was crucial in conveying the film’s gritty realism and enhancing the tension of the hostage situation.

Awards and Nominations

• Academy Awards: Nominated for six Oscars, winning Best Original Screenplay (Frank Pierson).
• Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Actor (Al Pacino) and Best Screenplay.
• BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Film, Best Actor (Al Pacino), and Best Direction.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Al Pacino’s performance was inspired by the real-life events and his dedication to method acting, which included minimal sleep to portray Sonny’s exhaustion accurately.
• The screenplay was based on a Life magazine article about the real-life robbery by John Wojtowicz.
• John Cazale, known for his role in “The Godfather,” brought depth to the character of Sal, adding to the film’s tension.

Inspirations and References

• True Story: The film is based on the real-life 1972 Brooklyn bank robbery by John Wojtowicz and Salvatore Naturile.
• Life Magazine Article: The article “The Boys in the Bank” by P.F. Kluge and Thomas Moore served as the primary inspiration for the screenplay.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

No widely known alternate endings or significant deleted scenes exist, as the film closely follows the real-life events it portrays.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film is not based on a book, but it takes inspiration from the aforementioned Life magazine article, staying true to the chaotic and dramatic nature of the actual events.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Sonny’s “Attica!” Chant: Sonny rallies the crowd outside the bank by referencing the infamous Attica Prison riot.
• Sonny’s Phone Call with Leon: An emotional conversation revealing Sonny’s true motives for the robbery.
• The Bank Employees’ Sympathy: Hostages begin to empathize with Sonny, adding depth to their interactions.

Iconic Quotes

• “I’m a Catholic, I don’t want to hurt anybody.” – Sonny Wortzik
• “Kiss me.” – Sonny Wortzik (to Sal, as a distraction tactic)
• “Attica! Attica!” – Sonny Wortzik

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Real-Life Inspirations: Al Pacino’s character, Sonny, is based on John Wojtowicz, who actually watched the film and praised Pacino’s portrayal.
• Newspaper Headlines: The film’s opening credits feature headlines reflecting the turbulent social and political climate of the 1970s.

Trivia

• The real-life Sonny, John Wojtowicz, was reportedly paid $7,500 for the rights to his story, which he used for his partner’s gender reassignment surgery.
• Al Pacino initially turned down the role but was convinced by director Sidney Lumet to join the cast.
• John Cazale and Al Pacino previously worked together in “The Godfather” series, enhancing their on-screen chemistry.

Why Watch?

“Dog Day Afternoon” is a gripping and thought-provoking film that combines intense drama with social commentary. Al Pacino’s powerhouse performance, coupled with Sidney Lumet’s direction, creates a tense and emotional exploration of desperation and humanity.

Director’s Other Movies

• 12 Angry Men (1957)
• Serpico (1973)
• Network (1976)
• The Verdict (1982)
• Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead (2007)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Serpico (1973)
• Heat (1995)
• The French Connection (1971)
• Inside Man (2006)
• The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)