10 Great Films That Take Place In A Single Location

Dog Day Afternoon is one of the best movies in Al Pacino's filmography, and that's saying a lot. Directed by Sidney Lumet, this movie is compelling right from the very start, taking absolutely no time to get going. It begins with a bank robbery that quickly spirals out of control, turning into a massive standoff with the police that becomes a televised event. 

You're with these characters in the bank all the way, and the film never skips any time whatsoever. Al Pacino's performance as Sonny is unbelievable, and you actually really sympathize with this guy and oddly want to see him make it out alive. Sure, he's a criminal that's holding a bunch of innocent people hostage, but there's something so likable and innocent about him. It feels like he just made a series poor decisions and ended up in over his head and not that he's a crazy psychopath whose downfall you're rooting for. 

The film has a lot to say about American culture and about the media sensationalizing violence, turning this serious and dangerous situation into a TV spectacle. But it's also a fascinating character study, with well fleshed out people on both sides of the conflict who you never get tired of spending time with.