Dog Day Afternoon

Said and done, I watched Dog Day Afternoon yesterday. As in "Before the Devil..." the plot revolves around a failed robbery, but with the difference that this robbery ends up as a prolonged hostage situation. The lead part is played by Al Pacino, who does a great job as the dillusional and desperate bankrobber. In fact most of the movie focuses on this character and investigates his motives for committing the crime. At times the plot seems almost surreal with Pacino negotiating with the police and at the same time being cheered on by the public who have gathered outside the bank. But the movie is actually based on a real bank robbery that took place in Brooklyn in 1972.

I was expecting a really good movie and that could be one reason why I wasn't all that impressed. The heavy focus on one character and the fact that almost the whole movie takes place inside the bank added to my dislike. That said I don't think it's a bad movie it just doesn't have enough material or depth for 2 hours running time.