Dog Day Afternoon

I finally got to view Dog Day Afternoon in it's entirety.

What was all the fuss about? A cinematic masterpiece, that's what. Amazing performances by an intense and convincing Al Pacino as Sonny Wortzig, and John Cazale as Sal, his accomplice. Based on a true story, this film has you riveted to the screen, using New York City, or more specifically, Brooklyn as a 'Best Supporting Actor'.

From it's compelling direction, to it's hysterical dialogue, Dog Day leads you through a maze of emotions-drama, comedy, and the timeless social issues as police brutality, gay-rights, and the human desire for 15 minutes of fame. My only problem with the film was the uncharacteristic act of Sonny to betray his friend and partner. The real-life Wortzig, as I later found out, protested this inclusion as being false to the story.

Regardless, this film has certainly stood the test of time and makes one yearn for the days when a film could prosper on a diet of great acting, an interesting story, and great directing.