Dog Day Afternoon (1975)

Brief Intro

Sidney Lumet’s “Dog Day Afternoon” (1975) is a riveting crime drama based on a true story. The film portrays a bank robbery gone awry, revealing the complexities of human nature and societal issues. Starring Al Pacino and John Cazale, it’s a captivating exploration of desperation, media influence, and social identity.

Literary Devices Used in Dog Day Afternoon

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Sonny shouting “Attica!”	The irony lies in Sonny referencing the Attica Prison riots, symbolizing rebellion against authority, while he himself is trying to evade the authorities.
Sonny planning a simple heist	The plan was supposed to be quick and easy, but it spirals into a media circus and a prolonged standoff, highlighting the ironic twist of fate.

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Opening montage of New York	The grim and gritty shots of New York City foreshadow the chaotic and tense atmosphere of the bank heist.
Sonny’s nervous behavior	His jitteriness before entering the bank hints at the impending disaster of the robbery.

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Sonny waving the gun	The gun symbolizes both power and impotence, as Sonny tries to control the situation but ultimately feels helpless.
The bank vault	Represents the unattainable dreams and the barriers to achieving them.

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Sonny’s relationship with Sal	Metaphor for loyalty and camaraderie under extreme pressure.
Bank as a microcosm	The bank represents society at large, with diverse individuals thrown together in a crisis.

Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Media frenzy outside the bank	Exaggerated portrayal of media sensationalism, showcasing their intrusive and overwhelming presence.
Sonny’s passionate speeches	His grandiose declarations amplify his desperation and determination.

Flashbacks

Movie Scene	Device Example
Sonny’s memories of Leon	The flashbacks provide context to Sonny’s motives and personal struggles.
Sal’s war memories	These flashbacks add depth to Sal’s character, revealing his past traumas.

Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Repeated phone calls	Highlight the theme of communication and its breakdowns.
The American flag	Appears multiple times, symbolizing the American Dream and its failings.

Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
“Attica!” chant	Direct allusion to the Attica Prison riot, invoking themes of rebellion and injustice.
Sonny’s talk of Vietnam	References to the Vietnam War highlight the social and political unrest of the era.

Dialogue

Movie Scene	Device Example
Sonny and Sal’s conversation	Their dialogue reveals their contrasting personalities and deepens their character development.
Sonny’s negotiation with the police	Demonstrates his quick thinking and desperation.

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Calm opening scene vs. chaotic heist	The stark contrast sets the tone for the film’s escalating tension.
Sonny’s calm exterior vs. inner turmoil	Highlights the complexity of his character.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Sonny Wortzik

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	Sonny’s leadership role contrasts with his chaotic decision-making, revealing the irony of his perceived control.
Symbolism	His gun symbolizes his desire for power and control over his life.

Sal Naturile

Literary Device	Explanation
Flashbacks	Sal’s war memories provide insight into his troubled past and loyalty to Sonny.
Dialogue	His sparse but impactful lines reflect his intense, reserved nature.

Leon Shermer

Literary Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	Leon’s initial distance from Sonny hints at deeper personal conflicts.
Metaphor	Leon’s struggle represents the broader LGBTQ+ challenges during the era.

Character Dynamics

The relationships in “Dog Day Afternoon” drive the narrative forward. Sonny and Sal’s bond under pressure showcases loyalty and trust, while Sonny’s interactions with Leon and the hostages highlight themes of love, desperation, and societal pressure. The tense dynamics between the robbers and the police reflect broader societal conflicts, making the characters’ relationships central to the film’s themes.

Thematic Analysis

Desperation

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The bank itself becomes a symbol of unattainable dreams, reflecting Sonny’s desperation.
Dialogue	Sonny’s frantic speeches highlight his increasing despair.

Identity and Society

Device	Explanation
Motif	The American flag motif represents societal ideals and the characters’ struggles to fit within them.
Allusion	References to the Vietnam War and Attica riot underscore themes of identity and societal discontent.

Media Influence

Device	Explanation
Hyperbole	The exaggerated media presence reflects the sensationalism and impact of media on public perception.
Irony	The media’s portrayal of Sonny as a hero and a villain simultaneously underscores the complexity of media influence.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Irony	Cinematography	The contrast between sunny exteriors and tense interiors highlights ironic undertones.
Foreshadowing	Sound Design	Ominous music cues foreshadow impending doom.
Symbolism	Visuals	Frequent shots of the American flag symbolize broader societal themes.
Metaphor	Lighting	The use of shadows and light to metaphorically represent characters’ moral ambiguity.
Hyperbole	Editing	Rapid cuts during media frenzy scenes exaggerate the chaos and sensationalism.
Flashbacks	Camera Angles	Close-ups during flashbacks emphasize personal trauma and memories.
Motif	Repetition	Repeated visual and auditory motifs enhance thematic depth.
Allusion	Set Design	Period-accurate props and settings allude to the historical context of the 1970s.
Dialogue	Performance	Actors’ delivery and body language amplify the impact of key dialogues.
Juxtaposition	Scene Composition	Contrasting scenes highlight thematic and emotional shifts.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection

1. Sonny’s “Attica!” Chant
   Watch on YouTube
   This scene uses irony and allusion, with Sonny invoking the Attica riot to rally the crowd. It underscores themes of rebellion and societal injustice while illustrating the media’s role in sensationalizing the event.
2. Sonny’s Phone Call with Leon
   Watch on YouTube
   This emotionally charged scene uses flashbacks and dialogue to reveal Sonny’s personal struggles and motivations, deepening his character and highlighting themes of identity and love.

Scene Breakdowns

Sonny’s “Attica!” Chant

• Irony: The irony of Sonny invoking a prison riot during his bank heist highlights his desperation and the chaotic nature of his plan.
• Allusion: References to the Attica riot invoke themes of rebellion and societal injustice, adding depth to the narrative.
• Cinematography: The camera captures the crowd’s reaction, emphasizing the chaotic and emotionally charged atmosphere.

Sonny’s Phone Call with Leon

• Flashbacks: The scene includes brief flashbacks that provide context to Sonny’s relationship with Leon, adding emotional depth.
• Dialogue: The heartfelt conversation reveals Sonny’s vulnerabilities and motivations, making his character more relatable.
• Sound Design: The background noise fades, focusing on the intimacy and tension of their conversation, enhancing the emotional impact.

Conclusion

Interactive Quiz

1. What literary device is prominently used when Sonny chants “Attica!”?
   • A) Symbolism
   • B) Irony
   • C) Foreshadowing
   • D) Metaphor
2. Which device is used to provide background on Sonny and Leon’s relationship?
   • A) Flashbacks
   • B) Dialogue
   • C) Motif
   • D) Hyperbole
3. What does the American flag symbolize throughout the film?
   • A) Freedom
   • B) The American Dream
   • C) Desperation
   • D) Identity
4. How does the film’s sound design enhance the use of foreshadowing?
   • A) Through ironic music
   • B) By using ominous music cues
   • C) With loud explosions
   • D) Through silence
5. What is a key theme highlighted by the media’s portrayal of the bank heist?
   • A) Love
   • B) Identity
   • C) Media Influence
   • D) Desperation