This post is part of Silver Screenings‘ and The Rosebud Cinema’s 1967 in Film Blogathon. Check out the other entries on their sites!
It’s not surprising, given the film’s condemnation of authority and celebration of rebellion, that Cool Hand Luke came out in 1967 in the midst of Vietnam War protests. Its depiction of the man “without eyes” and his fellow sadists is truly terrifying, as are the ominous parallels between the “failure to communicate” line the film popularized, and our muddy status in the war. The threat that the hero’s (seemingly) unflappable spirit poses to the guards’ squashing of the prisoners is evident to them—and us—from the start of the film. This guy (Paul Newman as Luke) makes prison fun instead of soul killing; clearly, the authorities will be seeking a way to destroy him.
What strikes me most about the movie is not its strong writing, or Newman’s compelling acting, or even George Kennedy’s perfect performance as Luke’s fan. It’s just how iconic of a Newman film it is. First, there’s that playfulness of Luke’s—from the speeding up of the road crew work, to bluffing at poker, to eating 50 eggs on a dare. Sounds like a Newman role, right? Like Butch Cassidy, like Henry Gondorff in The Sting…And like the actor himself, who was known for pranks. See this hysterical comparison of his and George Clooney’s.
Then there’s that complicated reaction to popularity. On the one hand, Luke relishes the attention; he likes to lead, rebel. He wants to inspire the men out of their lethargy, to make them fight for themselves. He’s found a way to introduce joy into prison life, and he wants that influence to spread.
But Luke’s resistance to idolization increases as his situation worsens. The more he’s thrown in the hold and beaten for being a “hard case,” the more he resists the simple hero worship of his companions, lashing out at the amount of pressure they’ve put on him: “Oh, come on! Stop beatin’ it. Get out there yourselves. Stop feeding on me!”
In other words, inspiration he’ll provide. But if they’re content with just the stories about him and his cool demeanor, well, that’s something else entirely. How can he make a difference, if he’s the only ornery one who resists?
Again, the story makes me think of Newman the man, of the fame he used to spread the news about his philanthropies, including the moving Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. And, of course, there’s that healthy food that’s become—for some—more influential than his films.
I know Cool Hand Luke was just a part, that I should not conflate the man and the role. But it seems to me the two shared some traits, including a kind of impatience with the slow progress of the rest of us, our hesitation to do the right thing (I always thought this impatience was the reason for his flippant comment about his marital fidelity: “Why fool around with hamburger when you have steak at home?”)
Sure, model me, Newman might say. Watch me if you must. (And doesn’t it always seem as if this stunningly handsome man resists our gaze, takes it as suffering he has to endure for his art? How compelling is a star who seems too cool to notice his own looks?) Ask for my photograph if you feel like it, get my signature.
But get out there and do something yourself.
Enjoyed your post! Great movie. It’s a perfect product of its time and yet it never gets old. Always leaves me feeling unsettled. One of Newman’s best performances.
Yes–exactly. It’s impressive that multiple viewings don’t alter that unsettling feeling at all. Thanks! Leah
You’re awesome!
Thanks, Jess! I hope you’re a fan of this one too. I’ll admit that I was first introduced to it in Reality Bites. I hope you won’t judge me for that. I kinda hate (given how annoying Ethan Hawke was in that role) that he first introduced me to such an amazing character.
Insightful analysis of the character and the actor. I admit I’ve never seen this film (I know! What’s up with that!) but I loved your review nonetheless. It’s hard not to respect Paul Newman.
Thanks for joining the blogathon with this iconic film. An overview of 1967 would not be complete without “Cool Hand Luke”.
Thank you! It was a wonderful idea for a blogathon and I’m enjoying all the posts! Thank you for including me. Leah
You gave me a lot to think about – about the movie and about Paul Newman. Cool.
Thank you. He was such a remarkable person. It’s easy to see new things in his work all the time- Leah
The 1967 in Film Blogathon: Day #2 | The Rosebud Cinema
[…] Cary Grant Won’t Eat You – Cool Hand Luke […]
Great post! This is my favourite Newman role, he just seems to wear it so well and so easily, and because of it I’ve always had the actor and the role a bit muddled in my head. I’m not sure if it’s me, but I always associate this with One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest; and I feel the same about Jack Nicholson’s role as RP McMurphy…
Thank you! I was thinking of the exact same thing as I wrote it. So much is similar–the rebellious character who has a huge impact on the others, but pays a heavy price for his rebellion. And both Nicholson and Newman just find acting “cool” so very natural:)
Hands down my favorite Newman film. He draws us in with a likable character who does himself no favors. I always like to think that the character he plays in Nobody’s Fool is what might have been had Luke lived to be an old man. Who knows, maybe he did.
I like that idea:) Thanks for sharing it!
Leah
nice choice; it’s been a while, I need to rewatch this sometime soon!
It doesn’t seem to ever get old:) Leah
You made a great point about the film. There is no doubt that, in the final scene, what we see is Luke in the same position as Jesus in the cross, so it comes exactly together with you writing about one alone standing and giving example.
And the egg scene traumatized me for life. I can’t stand hard-boiled eggs!
Don’t forget to read my contribution to the blogathon! 🙂
Greetings!
http://criticaretro.blogspot.com.br/2014/06/o-fabuloso-dr-dolittle-doctor-dolittle.html
My husband and I have always liked this movie, and for many years the famous line about communication has worked its way into our conversations and made us laugh. I really enjoyed reading your thoughts about the movie. Especially how you compared Paul Newman’s character in the movie with himself, and also Christ. Thanks for a great review!
What a great line that is!:) I can see why it would become a regular. Thank you! Leah