(Released in 1975, directed by Sidney Lumet)
A few weeks back I saw that this was playing on television, I'd never seen it before and I always had wanted to. The only thing that I remember coming from this film was the shouting of "Attica, Attica, Attica!"At the time I had no idea what that even really meant, except that it was about a prison. But as I've gotten a bit older I've learned some more about it, mostly from John Lennon.
But anyway, I saw this film one afternoon by myself and as I began to watch it, again I did not know what to expect. I had no idea that it was going to take off that quickly in the beginning into the plot. It definitely sucks you right into the action which was really intriguing for the viewer.
All of the characters quickly fall into place, wonderfully setting up the scene. You instantly feel a sense of shock when you see Sonny (played by Al Pacino) pull out his gun, he commands the scene. Once again Al Pacino gives an amazing performance as Sonny Wortzik a down on his luck man trying to get some money for his lover. You'd think that this character robbing a bank would be cruel and evil, but the amazing thing is that he's not at all. He makes you feel for him and in a way understand where he's coming from. I personally didn't expect to feel that way coming into this film. It truly is a surprising piece of acting on Pacino's part, you really start to side with the "bad guy" and can understand what would push him to this point.
The amazing relationship that comes about with the robbers (Pacino and Cazale) and the hostages is something so unique and interesting to watch. There is this sense of camaraderie as the film progresses which is something you rarely see in a bank heist film. They almost become like a little mini family as they sit there held up for hours on end. Sonny never seems to even want to think about hurting anyone because all he really wants and needs is the money. There is this total character break down as the film moves along. For Sonny and Sal, they each are starting to rethink the whole idea and it really shows through the wonderful acting. Sonny seems to be getting deeper and deeper into insanity as the story moves along. He's lost and confused and isn't sure how to control the situation he got himself into. You, the viewer can feel this anguish radiating from him and you begin to pity the man.
All of the characters quickly fall into place, wonderfully setting up the scene. You instantly feel a sense of shock when you see Sonny (played by Al Pacino) pull out his gun, he commands the scene. Once again Al Pacino gives an amazing performance as Sonny Wortzik a down on his luck man trying to get some money for his lover. You'd think that this character robbing a bank would be cruel and evil, but the amazing thing is that he's not at all. He makes you feel for him and in a way understand where he's coming from. I personally didn't expect to feel that way coming into this film. It truly is a surprising piece of acting on Pacino's part, you really start to side with the "bad guy" and can understand what would push him to this point.
The amazing relationship that comes about with the robbers (Pacino and Cazale) and the hostages is something so unique and interesting to watch. There is this sense of camaraderie as the film progresses which is something you rarely see in a bank heist film. They almost become like a little mini family as they sit there held up for hours on end. Sonny never seems to even want to think about hurting anyone because all he really wants and needs is the money. There is this total character break down as the film moves along. For Sonny and Sal, they each are starting to rethink the whole idea and it really shows through the wonderful acting. Sonny seems to be getting deeper and deeper into insanity as the story moves along. He's lost and confused and isn't sure how to control the situation he got himself into. You, the viewer can feel this anguish radiating from him and you begin to pity the man.
It's a totally complex film and it makes you want to see it more than once because for one the acting is amazing and two it's just a while ride that you have to see again. It's a drama/comedy in a way which if you haven't seen it yet, you won't understand. I personally would like to see it again because it touches on so many different social and political issues of the time. It is an amazing achievement and is really worth the watch.
Leave a comment below and tell me what you thought of the film!
Rating:
★★★★★ 5/5 stars
Until Later,
Morgan
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