There are a few things that separate this film from the average film about not so bright criminals. One, the characters are more realistic in that they are dumb in ways, but they're not entirely dumb. Secondly and most importantly, the film doesn't lean on it's criminals stupidity to create needless or misplaced humor to try to make an entertaining film. Here Lumet relies more on his actors to be more authentic and concentrate on real circumstantial feelings and developing the characters. In the end we have what amounts to by most accounts, the most authentic feeling bank robbery film ever made. This is a film based on a true story and I'm not sure how close to reality Lumet tried to make it, but he sure did create something here that feels very real, and it is also continuously engaging.
Nothing is black and white here, everything is gray. Here we are led to understand the criminals motivations fully, and we cannot help but sympathize with them at least to some degree. This is masterful storytelling put to film by Lumet.
Dog Day is pretty much as gritty of a film as has ever come out of Hollywood. Lumet is a wonder, and a blessing in cinematic history no doubt. Not only is this one of Hollywood's first ever in depth looks from the so called "bad guys" perspectives; But also told so rawly and acted so authentically that almost every person who saw this film found themselves relating to, or at least feeling some compassion for a couple of gay crooks. In 1975, this was a landmark film to say the least. No matter what happens in the world, this will always be an outstanding classic.
8.5/10 .
Nothing is black and white here, everything is gray. Here we are led to understand the criminals motivations fully, and we cannot help but sympathize with them at least to some degree. This is masterful storytelling put to film by Lumet.
Dog Day is pretty much as gritty of a film as has ever come out of Hollywood. Lumet is a wonder, and a blessing in cinematic history no doubt. Not only is this one of Hollywood's first ever in depth looks from the so called "bad guys" perspectives; But also told so rawly and acted so authentically that almost every person who saw this film found themselves relating to, or at least feeling some compassion for a couple of gay crooks. In 1975, this was a landmark film to say the least. No matter what happens in the world, this will always be an outstanding classic.
8.5/10 .