The "Montreal Gazette" mentioned the variety of characters presented in the film. The reviewer concluded that it was "a monument to the thought and care" by the production team. Pacino's "remarkable performance", and Pierson's "all-inclusive" script were noted. "The Guardian" opined that "Dog Day Afternoon" presented Lumet's "best film for some considerable time", and deemed Pacino's acting as "brilliant" and Cazale's as "well-observed". "The Sydney Morning Herald" considered it "beautifully directed" by Lumet, and "another mature American picture which faces and mirrors reality".