Attica!, Reelive

Sonny
Sonny

I can't... I'm not gonna die in here.

Hostage
Hostage

What do you want?

Sonny
Sonny

I want to go to Attica!

Police Officer
Police Officer

We can talk this out.

Sonny
Sonny

Talk? You want to talk? I want a bus! I want a bus to take me to the airport!

Police Officer
Police Officer

We can arrange that.

Sonny
Sonny

I want things to be fair!

Hostage
Hostage

They're not fair, but please, don’t do anything!

Sonny
Sonny

Attica! Attica! Attica!

Crowd Member
Crowd Member

Yeah! Attica!

A Little Sympathy, Reelive

Sonny
Sonny

You think I'm a murderer?

Hostage
Hostage

I don't know what to think.

Sonny
Sonny

I'm not, I'm just a guy trying to make it.

Hostage
Hostage

Why would you even do this?

Sonny
Sonny

I’m doing it for love, for my partner!

Hostage
Hostage

There has to be another way.

Sonny
Sonny

You think I want to be here? I just want to be with him!

Hostage
Hostage

We all want to be with someone...

Sonny
Sonny

Then you understand.

Hostage
Hostage

Just let us go, please.

The Media Circus, Reelive

Sonny
Sonny

They’re not just watching, they’re waiting for a show.

Police Officer
Police Officer

Just keep it calm, we’ll get you out of here.

Sonny
Sonny

What, a hero? I’m no hero!

Police Officer
Police Officer

But you can be if you cooperate.

Sonny
Sonny

No, I’m the guy who’s about to make a mistake!

Hostage
Hostage

You need to stop!

Sonny
Sonny

You think I can stop? Look at them out there!

Police Officer
Police Officer

We can talk about this.

Sonny
Sonny

Talk is over! It's time for action!

Hostage
Hostage

You don’t have to do this!

His Last Resort, Reelive

Sonny
Sonny

I’m scared, alright? You happy now?

Hostage
Hostage

We all are.

Sonny
Sonny

You don’t get it! I have to do this!

Hostage
Hostage

But does it have to end this way?

Sonny
Sonny

I don’t know any other way!

Hostage
Hostage

There’s always another way.

Sonny
Sonny

Not for me!

Hostage
Hostage

You’re smarter than this.

Sonny
Sonny

Smart doesn’t mean much here!

Hostage
Hostage

It won't help if someone gets hurt.

Advice from Beyond, Reelive

Hostage
Hostage

You could just surrender.

Sonny
Sonny

What? And go to jail?

Hostage
Hostage

Better than being shot!

Sonny
Sonny

You think I want to get shot?

Hostage
Hostage

Calm down and think it through.

Sonny
Sonny

There’s nothing to think about!

Hostage
Hostage

You could still get out alive.

Sonny
Sonny

Alive? What’s alive in this world?

Hostage
Hostage

A chance to start over!

Sonny
Sonny

Yeah, for who? Not me!

Trust and Betrayal, Reelive

Accomplice
Accomplice

You’re losing control, Sonny.

Sonny
Sonny

Losing control? I’m right here!

Accomplice
Accomplice

But what’s the plan?

Sonny
Sonny

You’re questioning me now?

Accomplice
Accomplice

I’m not questioning you. I’m worried.

Sonny
Sonny

Worried about what? Me or yourself?

Accomplice
Accomplice

It’s not about me, it's about getting out.

Sonny
Sonny

We’ll get out—don’t worry.

Accomplice
Accomplice

You don’t know that!

Sonny
Sonny

I do know! We created this mess together!

The Price of Freedom, Reelive

Sonny
Sonny

What does freedom mean? I’m out here but caged inside!

Police Officer
Police Officer

You can find freedom even in here.

Sonny
Sonny

Yeah? How? By losing everything?

Police Officer
Police Officer

It’s about your choices.

Sonny
Sonny

Choices? All I’ve got is no choice!

Police Officer
Police Officer

You can choose to surrender.

Sonny
Sonny

What about my dignity?

Police Officer
Police Officer

Dignity won't bring you peace.

Sonny
Sonny

Peace? There’s no peace for me!

Understanding Identity, Reelive

Sonny
Sonny

You think you know me? You don’t!

Hostage
Hostage

Tell me then!

Sonny
Sonny

I’m not just this desperate guy. I’m a person!

Hostage
Hostage

A person pushed to this?

Sonny
Sonny

What would you do? You don’t live my life!

Hostage
Hostage

Then help me understand.

Sonny
Sonny

What’s to understand when everyone’s against you?

Hostage
Hostage

You can turn it around.

Sonny
Sonny

Turn it around? How? By playing the game?

The Third Option, Reelive

Sonny
Sonny

Maybe I could just take the money.

Hostage
Hostage

And then what? You’ll still be hunted.

Sonny
Sonny

I’m already hunted!

Hostage
Hostage

You can change it.

Sonny
Sonny

Change everything? It’s too late for that.

Hostage
Hostage

It’s never too late if you bargain.

Sonny
Sonny

Bargain? What do I have left to bargain with?

Hostage
Hostage

Your life! Don’t throw it away.

Sonny
Sonny

Life's just a card game I lost.

The Revelation, Reelive

Sonny
Sonny

This isn’t just about money.

Police Officer
Police Officer

What is it then?

Sonny
Sonny

It’s about love, man! Love!

Police Officer
Police Officer

You think that’s going to help you?

Sonny
Sonny

It makes things clearer, okay?

Police Officer
Police Officer

You need to think about the hostages.

Sonny
Sonny

I know I do! You think I want to hurt anyone?

Police Officer
Police Officer

Then let them go.

Sonny
Sonny

I can’t—there’s no going back!

Police Officer
Police Officer

But you’re better than this.

Last Chance, Reelive

Sonny
Sonny

This is my last chance!

Hostage
Hostage

You have to think, Sonny!

Sonny
Sonny

If I don’t take it, I lose everything!

Hostage
Hostage

Is your life worth that loss?

Sonny
Sonny

My life is all I’ve got left!

Hostage
Hostage

But it’ll cost you more than you realize.

Sonny
Sonny

What can it cost me that I haven’t lost already?

Hostage
Hostage

Please, take the high road.

Sonny
Sonny

The high road leads back to hell!

Empty Promises, Reelive

Sonny
Sonny

What happened to those dreams?

Hostage
Hostage

What dreams?

Sonny
Sonny

You know, the promise of something better!

Hostage
Hostage

Those promises mean nothing here.

Sonny
Sonny

I believed in them!

Hostage
Hostage

Beliefs won’t save you.

Sonny
Sonny

Then what? Just give up?

Hostage
Hostage

No, change the narrative!

Sonny
Sonny

Change what? Nothing changes for me!

Fighting the System, Reelive

Sonny
Sonny

You think I’m a criminal?

Police Officer
Police Officer

What do you think you are?

Sonny
Sonny

I’m fighting a system that’s pushing me down!

Police Officer
Police Officer

You did this to yourself.

Sonny
Sonny

Did I? Or did it happen because I had no choice?

Police Officer
Police Officer

You made choices, Sonny.

Sonny
Sonny

Choices or no choices, we all end up the same.

Police Officer
Police Officer

But you can change that.

Sonny
Sonny

Change it? Look around!

The Tipping Point, Reelive

Sonny
Sonny

Do I end this, or do I keep fighting?

Hostage
Hostage

You can choose your future.

Sonny
Sonny

Can I? Or is it just a farce?

Hostage
Hostage

To fight for it is the only way.

Sonny
Sonny

Fight or flight, right?

Hostage
Hostage

They both matter, Sonny!

Sonny
Sonny

What if I let you all go?

Hostage
Hostage

Then you’ll have a chance!

Sonny
Sonny

A chance? Or another broken dream?

Reflections on Fate, Reelive

Sonny
Sonny

Maybe this is my fate?

Hostage
Hostage

You can change your fate.

Sonny
Sonny

Change it? Fate works in mysterious ways.

Hostage
Hostage

You are not bound by it!

Sonny
Sonny

Bound? Or just choosing my chain?

Hostage
Hostage

Break the chain!

Sonny
Sonny

What if the chain is all I know?

Hostage
Hostage

Learn something new! Choose life!

Sonny
Sonny

Choose life... in a world that offers none?

Hostage
Hostage

It’s a step forward!

Sonny Wortzik

I’m not a monster! I’m a human being! I’ve got a right to do what I want to do!

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

Attica! Attica! Attica!

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

You know what? I’m gonna make a lot of money, and when I make that money, I’m going to help everybody!

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

I’ll take care of you, I’ll take care of you, I promise.

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

You can't do this to me. This is not how I wanted my life to go.

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

I’m tired of living in a world where people have to choose between being happy and being dead.

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

It’s not just about the money! It’s about freedom!

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

What do you see? What do you see when you look at me?

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

I’m not a killer. I’m just a man who wants to be loved.

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

I didn’t want to be a bank robber. I just wanted to live my life!

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

I’m tired! Tired of fighting! Tired of running! Tired of pretending!

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

Let’s not hurt anybody, okay? It’s just a little robbery!

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

Love is more important than money.

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

I’m just trying to keep it together!

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

The whole world is watching me! I’m not going down like this!

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

I’ll die for them! I’ll die for my family!

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

I don’t care what they say! I’m doing this for love!

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

What’s the matter? Can’t a guy just rob a bank and get some respect?

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

I'm gonna let you go! But you gotta promise me you'll be safe!

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

I’m not a criminal; I’m just a guy who wants to be loved and accepted.

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

They make you feel like you have to do bad things to survive.

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

I wish I didn’t have to do this, but I don’t have a choice.

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive
Sonny Wortzik

This isn’t about the money; it’s about the principle of the thing!

Sonny Wortzik

Dog Day Afternoon, Reelive

Amore

Amore by The Turtles, Played during the opening scenes and establishes the mood

Luke's Theme

Luke's Theme by Marty Balin, Plays during emotional moments throughout the film

Shooting Star

Shooting Star by Bad Company, Played during intense scenes


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The Bank Heist Begins

The film opens with Sonny Wortzik and his partner, Sal, nervously preparing to rob a bank. As they enter, the tension is palpable. The calm facade of the bank quickly shatters when Sonny yells for everyone to get down. The patrons, shocked and terrified, comply. This scene sets the stage for the chaos and desperation that follows.

Context: This moment establishes the film's central conflict and the main characters' motivations. Sonny is desperate for money to fund a gender reassignment surgery for his partner, which showcases his emotional stakes.

The Hostage Situation

The police arrive, and negotiations begin. Sonny, feeling the pressure, takes several bank customers hostage. The situation escalates as news cameras arrive, broadcasting the event live. The pivotal moment occurs when Sonny realizes the media is watching, and he plays to the crowd, showing his desperate plea for understanding.

Context: This moment highlights Sonny’s tumultuous emotions as he balances the hostage scenario while expressing his true feelings. It underscores the theme of desperation in the face of societal expectations.

The Face-to-Face with the Police

Sonny steps outside the bank to speak directly to the police. As the crowd cheers him on, he delivers a powerful speech about love and loyalty. This moment of connection personally exposes Sonny's vulnerability and casts him as both a villain and a sympathetic figure.

Context: By speaking directly to the police and the crowd outside, Sonny reveals his human side, inviting viewers to empathize with his situation and understand the broader societal themes.

Sal's Breaking Point

Sal begins to lose his composure as the situation drags on. In a tense interaction with a hostage, he nearly breaks down. His frustration and fear mirror Sonny's struggle, revealing the complexity of their partnership and the strain of the standoff.

Context: Sal's emotional turmoil reflects the mounting tension within the bank. His reaction reinforces that desperation can drive people to extremes, deepening the film's exploration of human psychology.

Sonny's Emotional Confession

In a tender moment, Sonny confides in a hostage about his true reasons for robbing the bank. He shares the pain of having to do this for his partner’s surgery, showcasing his vulnerability and love. This powerful confession shifts the tone of the film toward empathy.

Context: The revelation of Sonny’s motivations makes the audience reevaluate their perceptions of him. It connects the heist to larger themes of love and identity, pulling viewers into the emotional core of the story.

The Outside World Reacts

As the standoff continues, the crowd outside grows, showing a mixture of support and hostility toward Sonny. He begins to see himself as a sort of folk hero. This pivotal moment illustrates how public perception can shape personal identity.

Context: Sonny's shift from criminal to a misunderstood figure highlights the media's influence on people's perceptions, which resonates with societal issues concerning identity and acceptance.

An Unexpected Twist

The arrival of a father of one of the hostages brings tension to the scene. He confronts Sonny, revealing the emotional stakes for everyone involved. The moment forces Sonny to confront the reality of his actions and the unintended consequences they have caused.

Context: This interaction brings home the idea that crime can have ripple effects on innocent lives, adding depth to the exploration of morality throughout the film.

The Police Negotiations

The police chief attempts to negotiate with Sonny over a megaphone. Sonny's responses are sharp, laced with humor and despair. The back-and-forth escalates as the police seem to underplay the urgency of the situation.

Context: The negotiation scenes underpin the themes of desperation and authority. Sonny's snappy retorts reflect both his wit and his awareness of the power dynamics at play.

Sonny's Moment of Realization

As time passes without resolution, Sonny starts to comprehend the futility of his situation. His demeanor changes from bravado to despair, culminating in a heartfelt scene where he realizes he may not be able to escape.

Context: This moment marks a significant turning point in Sonny's character arc—his recognition of the reality of life’s unpredictability reinforces the film’s exploration of choices and consequences.

Emotional Connections with the Hostages

Sonny forms genuine connections with some of the hostages, sharing personal stories and laughter. The cinematic choice to focus on these quieter moments contrasts sharply with the chaos outside, allowing for more profound character development.

Context: By exploring these connections, the film delves into the humanity of both hostages and perpetrators, challenging the audience's preconceived notions of who deserves compassion.

The Tragic Ending

The climax unfolds when Sonny reluctantly agrees to let the hostages go in exchange for safe passage. The heartbreaking moment arrives when he realizes that he is utterly trapped, leading to a shocking and tragic conclusion.

Context: The culmination of the heist ends in a bleak reality for Sonny, emphasizing the heavy themes of hopelessness and love lost while punishing him for his choices.

Sonny and Sal's Final Interaction

Finally, as chaos ensues, Sal is shot, and Sonny is left to witness the end of their shared journey. This painful moment encapsulates the bond they formed, revealing the price of their decisions.

Context: The impact of their last moments together shows how deep relationships can bring both joy and pain, further threading the complexity of human connection throughout the narrative.

The Aftermath Interviews

In the aftermath, interviews reveal how people viewed Sonny differently after the events. Some see him as a delusional lover, while others find the tragic aspect of his love admirable. This narrative reveals the complexities of legacy.

Context: These interviews allow the audience to see how the public can oscillate between admiration and scorn, offering commentary on how society grapples with marginalized voices.

Sonny's Arrest

In the film's climax, as Sonny is arrested, there is an incredible sense of loss. The camera lingers on his pained expression, capturing the mix of regret and defiance. This moment reaffirms the tragic trajectory of his choices.

Context: Sonny’s arrest serves as a powerful conclusion to his struggle for love and acceptance, symbolizing the harsh reality marginalized individuals face.

The Press Conference

After the heist, a press conference showcases the police's version of events while glossing over the emotional nuances. The viewing audience witnesses how media shapes narratives, thereby commenting on the perceived heroism or villainy.

Context: This moment underlines the significance of storytelling, particularly how external authorities frame individuals and actions in a way that seldom reflects the truth.

Sonny’s Last Stand

As Sonny is cornered and out of options, he has a final moment of defiance, crying out in frustration and desperation. This climactic scene is brought to life with stunning visuals, as the chaotic sounds of the outside world envelop him.

Context: This final confrontation symbolizes the depths of his struggle, merging personal and societal issues, ultimately encapsulating the film’s core themes.

Emergence of Compassion

Throughout the siege, some of the hostages begin to feel sympathy for Sonny, challenging their preconceived notions of danger and heroism. This shift is significant as it blends tension with understanding.

Context: The evolution of feelings among the hostages reflects how empathy can emerge even in dire situations, a crucial element in exploring the themes of love and sacrifice.

Sonny's Vulnerability

During a pivotal moment, Sonny emotionally breaks down on live television, confessing his love and struggles. This heart-wrenching scene significantly changes how the public perceives him.

Context: This scene is a critical moment for the audience's emotional connection to Sonny, showcasing vulnerability that transcends his criminal actions and creates an empathetic perspective.

Sal's Reaction to the Hostages

When Sal confronts a hostage with anger, the tension reaches a boiling point. Sonny’s attempt to calm Sal down speaks volumes about the fragile dynamic they share.

Context: This scene reveals the layers of relationship between the two, where fear and loyalty collide, shining light on how criminality can strain deep connections and friendships.

The Hostage’s Humanity

One hostage begins to sympathize with Sonny, sharing their own trials and tribulations, creating a moment of profound human connection. This emotional exchange softens the narrative, shifting from fear to compassion.

Context: The moment reflects the film's core theme—finding understanding and humanity in unlikely situations, impacting how the story unfolds.

The Pivotal Rescue Plan

In a daring twist, the police develop a rescue plan involving storming the bank. The moment raises the stakes significantly, filled with suspense as Sonny becomes increasingly aware of the impending danger.

Context: The tension ramps up, reminding viewers of the dire consequences of desperation as both sides race against time amidst miscommunication.

Sonny’s Last Hope

In a moment of possible escape, Sonny hesitates, realizing he can't run away from the emotional weight of his choices. This internal conflict showcases the gravity of his situation.

Context: This pivotal moment deepens Sonny’s character, illustrating how even in criminality, the emotional burden is heavy and complex.


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The Real-Life Inspiration

The film is based on the 1972 bank robbery in Brooklyn, which was dubbed the 'most bizarre bank robbery in history.'

Why it matters: This provides a gripping context for understanding the motivations of the characters, making the film more intense and grounded in reality.

Pacino's Improvisation

Al Pacino improvised the famous line 'Attica! Attica!' during a scene, referencing an infamous prison riot.

Why it matters: This moment not only elevated the tension in the bank but also highlighted Pacino's ability to infuse real emotion and urgency into the character.

A Last-Minute Casting Change

The role of Sonny was originally intended for Jack Nicholson, but he turned it down.

Why it matters: This choice ultimately shaped the film's identity; Pacino brought a different energy that resonated with audiences, solidifying his role in cinematic history.

On-the-Spot Decisions

During the filming of certain chaotic scenes, director Sidney Lumet often made spontaneous decisions to react to the actors' performances.

Why it matters: This approach led to a more authentic atmosphere, enhancing the film's realism and emotional depth.

The Crowdsourced Extras

Many of the crowd scenes featured real people from the city, who were gathered to observe the filming.

Why it matters: This helped create a genuine sense of urgency and spontaneity, as the real-life reactions from the onlookers contributed to the film's atmosphere.

Authentic Props

The firearms used during the robbery scenes were real but were loaded with blanks to ensure safety.

Why it matters: This choice added realism to the film, allowing the actors to engage authentically with their surroundings without the danger of live ammunition.

Cinematographic Choices

Director of Photography Victor J. Kemper employed a documentary-style shooting approach to capture the raw emotions during the robbery.

Why it matters: The handheld camera work makes viewers feel like they are part of the hostage situation, amplifying the tension and emotional stakes.

The Emotional Core

Lumet encouraged the actors to delve into their characters' psychology, leading to deeply emotional performances.

Why it matters: This focus on character development gives the film a profound emotional resonance, allowing viewers to empathize with characters despite their criminal actions.

Real Hostages

The filmmakers sought to portray the hostages' experience as authentically as possible, leading to discussions with actual survivor accounts.

Why it matters: Understanding the perspective of the hostages adds a layer of complexity, prompting audiences to consider the human aspect of crisis situations.

Al Pacino's Preparation

Pacino spent a lot of time researching and immersing himself in the role of a desperate bank robber.

Why it matters: His dedication to the character’s realism allowed him to deliver a performance filled with authenticity, connecting deeply with the audience.

Film Location Decisions

The film was shot on location in Brooklyn rather than on a soundstage, contributing to its authentic feel.

Why it matters: Shooting in actual locations imbues the film with a sense of realism, showcasing the gritty environment that reflects the characters' struggles.

Intense Rehearsals

The cast went through intense rehearsals to build chemistry and establish relationships between characters.

Why it matters: This preparation nurtured believable interactions, which plays a crucial role in the film's tension-driven narrative.

The Role of Social Issues

The film subtly addresses social issues such as class struggle, sexuality, and mental health.

Why it matters: This adds a layer of depth to the narrative, encouraging viewers to explore the complexities of human experience beyond the surface plot.

Pamela's Significance

The character of Angela, played by Chris Sarandon, was initially a minor role but was expanded due to Sarandon's performance.

Why it matters: Her presence offers insight into Sonny’s emotional motivations, illustrating how personal relationships can complicate criminal actions.

Authentic Dialogue

The script featured many lines that were improvised or adapted from real conversations during the robbery.

Why it matters: This decision enhances the film's authenticity and makes the dialogue feel genuine, drawing viewers even closer to the intensity of the situation.

Music Influence

The film's score includes popular music of the era, which helps ground the narrative in its time period.

Why it matters: Incorporating music from the 1970s adds an additional layer of cultural context, bringing history and emotion together.

Limitations of Time

Many scenes were shot without extensive blocking to maintain spontaneity and a sense of urgency.

Why it matters: This led to a more visceral viewing experience, embodying the improvisational aspects of a real live crisis.

Real Smoke During the Shoot

The smoke seen during some scenes was created using dry ice, which led to some unexpected issues with visibility.

Why it matters: This inadvertently created a visually interesting effect that added to the film’s atmosphere, making certain moments feel more claustrophobic.

A Pivotal Scene

The line that Sonny says about money being an illusion was written into the script to emphasize the film's themes of desperation and existentialism.

Why it matters: This serves as a thematic anchor for the audience, allowing them to understand the philosophical underpinnings driving Sonny’s actions.

Endurance of Filming

Filming often took longer than scheduled, introducing a sense of real-time urgency that mirrored the heist’s unfolding.

Why it matters: This extended shooting time helped the actors to authentically reflect the growing tension and pressure of the bank robbery scenario.

An Unconventional Ending

The original ending was much different, with a more clear-cut resolution, but was changed to reflect a more realistic outcome.

Why it matters: This decision enhances the film’s moral complexity, leaving audiences to grapple with the ambiguous nature of justice.

Full Character Development

The film takes time to flesh out side characters that join the hostages, giving them backstories and lives outside the bank.

Why it matters: This developed sense of character depth makes the hostage crisis more impactful and emotionally rich for the audience.

Critique of Media

The film serves as a critique of sensationalism in media, particularly the way it covers criminal events for ratings.

Why it matters: By including media elements in the narrative, the film invites audiences to consider the ethical implications of their own consumption of media.


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