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Deep Dive: The Dog (2013)

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The Dog
The Dog is a documentary that recounts the life of John Wojtowicz, a bisexual bank robber whose attempted heist in August 1972 led to a 14-hour hostage situation in Brooklyn. The film is co-written and co-directed by Allison Berg and Frank Keraudren and draws from Wojtowicz's real-life story, which inspired the 1975 film Dog Day Afternoon starring Al Pacino. The documentary provides insight into Wojtowicz's motivations, particularly his desire to finance his lover's sex-reassignment surgery. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2013, The Dog took ten years to complete. The film features a range of interviews and archival footage, presenting a complex narrative about Wojtowicz's life and the events surrounding the heist. Critics, such as Will Dean from The Independent, have noted the filmmakers' effective portrayal of Wojtowicz's diverse and intricate story.

Why Watch

  • •Meet John Wojtowicz, the real-life bank robber.
  • •See the events behind Dog Day Afternoon.
  • •Find out about Wojtowicz's lover's surgery funding.

Did You Know

•John Wojtowicz's heist took place in August 1972.
•The Dog premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2013.
•The documentary took ten years to make.
•The film is co-directed by Allison Berg and Frank Keraudren.

Perfect For

True crime fansLGBTQ+ history enthusiastsDocumentary lovers