Review of Cool Hand Luke (1967) by Lucas S — 29 Sep 2009

"What we got here is? a failure to communicate.".

In the history of motion pictures, there are a few - but only a few - better-known quotes. Even people who have never heard of Cool Hand Luke know that linein an imperfect Stother Martin accent. For a movie that arrived on the scene in the late '60s, as a whole generation was rebelling against the establishment, this sentiment - that of a failure to communicate - exposed the social climate. Martin's Captain represents an oppressive, authoritarian regime, while Paul Newman's Luke is the nonconformist who never gives up.

Cool Hand Luke uses a seemingly simple and straightforward story to offer a lot of social commentary. The movie has at least three levels, the deepest of which may be the most interesting. Cool Hand Luke unfolds in the post World War II South. Luke Jackson, a decorated veteran, finds himself bored with life. So, one night after having too much to drink, he takes a pipe cutter and decapitates several parking meters. This act of social defiance earns him two years on a chain gang. At first, he seems to be a model prisoner - he's quiet and respectful, and keeps to himself. But, when a disagreement with the unofficial leader, Dragline, leads to a boxing match, Luke refuses to back down, even when he is clearly overmatched and beaten. His stubbornness earns him the respect of even the most hardened of the bunch, including Dragline, who dubs him "Cool Hand Luke.".

It isn't long before everyone is looking up to Luke, and, when he decides to attempt an escape, there's no shortage of accomplices. Luke gets out, but he doesn't go far. Soon, he's back in the prison, under closer scrutiny than before. That only fuels his desire to escape again. This time, his break for freedom is more audacious than before, but no more successful. When he is once again under the Captain's thumb, the prison bosses begin a systematic campaign to break Luke once and for all. His independent spirit is something they cannot tolerate. If he will not be broken, he must be killed.

This is the best prison movie ever. This is a Paul Newman masterpiece. 10 STARS!!!