Dog Day Afternoon (1975) is an American biographical crime drama film directed by Sidney Lumet, based on a true story that was detailed in the 1972 Life magazine article "The Boys in the Bank" by Thomas Moore. The film stars Al Pacino as Sonny Wortzik, John Cazale as Salvatore "Sal" Naturile, and Charles Durning as Detective Eugene Moretti.
The plot centers around a botched bank robbery that takes place on August 22, 1972, when Sonny and Sal attempt to rob the First Brooklyn Savings Bank. Their plan quickly unravels when they discover that the bank has very little cash on hand, leading them to take hostages and engage in a tense standoff with law enforcement. As the situation escalates, the media arrives, turning the robbery into a public spectacle.
Sonny's motivations for robbing the bank are revealed to be deeply personal; he is attempting to finance his partner Leon's sex reassignment surgery. Throughout the film, Sonny negotiates with police while trying to maintain control of the situation inside the bank. The film explores themes of desperation, identity, and societal issues surrounding LGBTQ+ relationships during the 1970s.
Dog Day Afternoon was critically acclaimed upon its release, receiving several Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Pacino. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. The film's portrayal of real-life events and its nuanced characters have contributed to its status as a classic in American cinema. In 2009, it was preserved in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."
Overall, Dog Day Afternoon remains a powerful exploration of human emotions and societal challenges, anchored by strong performances and a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences even today.