The Dog (2013)
Essential, but requires much time to process post-screening conflicting feels. Doc features John Wojtowicz (the real-life inspiration for Dog Day Afternoon) ranting dynamically about how he robbed that bank so his lover can get a sex change operation (that he repeatedly reminds you he didn’t want her to get but then did this so love him, love him). An enlightening look into ’70s LGBT activist politics, protest and DIY socio-political structures of support, as well as the violence, judicial misconduct and sexual abuse targeting LGBT individuals. And the crazy fucker who tried to rob a bank. Love him, love him.
DOG IS A DICK: 4.5 out of 5.0
This cinematic, likable circus of crime would have been much more romantic if “The Dog” wasn’t sending Eli “You’re going to die in __ days” mail every day leading up to her birthday when she attempted suicide. The Dog requested she’d be taken out of hospital custody and reckoned he’d kill her if the escape didn’t work. What a knight! But hey, he had a little dick and much love to give and said some kind of reasonable and inspiring things about polygamy and polyamory. What a dynamic and likable character! (He also recalls forcing one of the robbers into intercourse.)
DOCUMENTARIAN INFATUATION: 4.0 out of 5.0
The documentary makers spent years shooting this, watching Wojtowicz eventually die from cancer, not before tenderly taking care of his mentally disabled elderly brother who had been locked away by state imbeciles his entire life… and talking, talking, talking, still signing autographs outside what used to be that Chase bank. IMHO, they got too close, but good for them to present the full oeuvre of this underdog’s magnetism. He really thought he loved everybody.
DEETS: 3.0 out of 5.0
Reality is stranger than fiction, and a lot more detailed. Apparently, the trio went to see Godfather to get themselves in the mood on the day of the robbery. They made a few failed attempts before the fated Chase, one including someone dropping the shotgun onto the sidewalk as it fell from a giant Wrigley’s gum box which Wojtowicz thought would be a great disguise for a big gun because it’s pop art and no one questions pop art. POP ART! ヽ(^。^)丿
(Graphics: Michael Weinfeld) More: All Minimalist Film Reviews
