In the movie “Dog Day Afternoon,” the character Sonny, played by Al Pacino, mentions Attica during a conversation with the bank hostages. Attica refers to the Attica prison riot that took place in 1971.
The Attica prison uprising was a significant event in American history, and it serves as a backdrop to the themes explored in the film. The riot occurred at the Attica Correctional Facility in upstate New York, and it was a response to the inhumane living conditions and mistreatment of prisoners.
One of the key factors that led to the Attica uprising was the murder of George Jackson at San Quentin State Prison in California two weeks earlier. George Jackson was a prominent figure in the prison reform movement and his death sparked outrage among inmates across the country, including those at Attica.
The Attica prison was severely overcrowded, and prisoners were subjected to deplorable conditions. They were often denied basic rights and necessities, such as decent medical care, nutritious food, and adequate sanitation. The lack of opportunities for education and rehabilitation further fueled the frustration and anger among the inmates.
The uprising at Attica began on September 9, 1971, when prisoners took control of the prison and took several staff members as hostages. They presented a list of demands, which included better living conditions, fairer treatment, and an end to racial discrimination within the prison system.
The response from the authorities was brutal. On September 13, the New York State Police, along with other law enforcement agencies, stormed the prison, using tear gas and gunfire. The assault resulted in the deaths of 29 inmates and 10 hostages, with many others injured. The events at Attica shocked the nation and brought attention to the systemic issues within the criminal justice system.
In “Dog Day Afternoon,” the mention of Attica by Sonny serves as a reminder of the social and political climate of the time. It highlights the deep-rooted discontent and frustration that existed among marginalized individuals, including those who found themselves on the wrong side of the law. Sonny, a desperate and disillusioned character, sees Attica as a symbol of resistance and rebellion against an oppressive system.
By referencing Attica, Sonny draws a parallel between his own situation as a bank robber and the larger issues of injustice and mistreatment faced by those in prison. He may see himself as a victim of a society that has failed him, much like the inmates at Attica who were pushed to the brink by their circumstances.
The mention of Attica in “Dog Day Afternoon” adds depth to the film’s exploration of themes such as societal disillusionment, the consequences of poverty and inequality, and the desperate actions people take when they feel trapped and oppressed. It serves as a reminder of the larger social context in which the events of the film unfold.
The reference to Attica in “Dog Day Afternoon” is a significant and thought-provoking moment in the film. It sheds light on the underlying issues of the time and adds a layer of social commentary to the narrative. By mentioning Attica, the film acknowledges the wider struggle for justice and equality that was taking place in society, beyond the immediate circumstances of the bank robbery.