Dog Day Afternoon

A 1975 American crime drama film directed by Sidney Lumet. The plot is based on true events and tells the story of a failed bank robbery in Brooklyn in August 1972, committed by John Wojtowicz and Salvatore Naturile. The main character, Sonny Wortzik (Al Pacino), along with his partner Sal (John Cazale), plans to rob a branch of the Chase Manhattan Bank. However, their plan goes awry from the start: a third accomplice abandons them, and there is significantly less money in the cash drawers than expected. The situation quickly spirals out of control, with the bank surrounded by police and the FBI. Sonny and Sal take the bank employees hostage, attracting media attention and garnering sympathy from onlookers. During negotiations, it is revealed that Sonny's motive for the robbery was to pay for gender reassignment surgery for his partner, Leon Shermer (Chris Sarandon). As the negotiations drag on and tensions escalate, the attempted escape results in Sal being shot and killed by an FBI agent, and Sonny is arrested. The film received critical acclaim and commercial success, grossing over $46 million at the box office. It was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, winning Best Original Screenplay (Frank Pierson). Al Pacino and Chris Sarandon received nominations for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, respectively. The film also earned a Golden Globe for Best Actor (Drama) for Al Pacino and was named Best Picture of the Year by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association. "Dog Day Afternoon" is considered a classic of American cinema and has been included in the National Film Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.