US (1975): Crime
A gripping true crime yarn, a juicy slice of overheated New York atmosphere, and a splendid showcase for its young actors, Dog Day Afternoon is a minor classic of the 1970s. The opening montage of New York street life (set to Elton John's lazy "Amoreena") establishes the oppressive mood of a scorching afternoon in the city with such immediacy that you can almost smell the garbage baking in the sun and the water from the hydrants evaporating from the sizzling pavement. Al Pacino plays Sonny, who, along with his rather slow-witted accomplice Sal (John Cazale), holds hostages after a botched a bank robbery. Sonny finds himself transformed into a rebel celebrity when his standoff with police (including lead negotiator Charles Durning) is covered live on local television. The movie doesn't appear to be about anything in particular, but it really conveys the feel of wild and unpredictable events unfolding before your eyes, and the whole picture is so convincing and involving that you're glued to the screen. The cast also features James Broderick, Chris Sarandon, Penelope Allen, Carol Kane and Lance Henriksen. (Jim Emerson, Amazon.com)
6 nominations, 1 Award
· Writing (Best Original Screenplay) 1975: Frank R. Pierson
· Best Picture 1975: Martin Bregman & Martin Elfand - Producers (Warner Bros.)
· Actor 1975: Al Pacino
· Supporting Actor 1975: Chris Sarandon
· Directing 1975: Sidney Lumet
· Film Editing 1975: Dede Allen