Reviews of Cool Hand Luke

One Of Newman's Finest

Posted : 8 months, 2 weeks ago on 16 April 2009 12:42 (A review of Cool Hand Luke)

How cool is Cool Hand Luke?
He's so cool that he's willing to eat 50 hardboiled eggs within an hour just to win a bet. This, in a prison where he has to share his immediate space with a
bunch of hardcore criminal chain-gang types, who are well within his ratio of flatulenciated influence. And if you can't understand that,
well then,
what we've got here
is a failure to communicate.





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A Moving Film.

Posted : 1 year, 6 months ago on 2 July 2008 09:44 (A review of Cool Hand Luke)

"Cool Hand Luke" is a truly moving film. It is a classic that should be viewed by all great film lovers. Paul Newman is perfect for the role, and does an amazing job as Luke. You know right as the film starts that he is a great actor, and the film is going to be great. "Cool Hand Luke" tells the story of a drunk named Luke who is taken to prison after several mishaps with destruction of property. When he arrives, he has no friends, and he is liked by no one, and is always getting challenged by the inmates, and teased by them, and so on. Luke is able to push through with peace opposed to violence. What he is able to overcome, is moving, and a joy to see. "Cool Hand Luke", is an excellent film, that I will remember for years to come. If you are going to see classic film and haven't seen this, then I suggest you do.

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A classic. Not to be missed.

Posted : 1 year, 8 months ago on 21 April 2008 10:14 (A review of Cool Hand Luke)

Cool Hand Luke is a forever classic movie that tells the fairly simple story of a man who just doesn't know how to give up.

During the opening credits we are introduced to a man named Luke (Newman); he's drunk and cutting the heads off parking meters. His crime isn't seen with sympathy and he is sentenced to two years on the chain gang in a prison camp. His treatment is inhumane as the prisoners are forced to work long hours under the boiling hot sun performing maintenance duties on roads - they re-tar the surface, shovel out clogged ditches, etc. And at night the slightest contravention leads to a night in 'the box'; that is, a small shed where a prisoner will be in solitary confinement. Luke approaches his punishment with a smile on his face. His spirit can't be broken no matter how harsh the conditions are. He's silent most of the time and he's not a trouble-maker. His nickname amongst the prisoners becomes 'Cool Hand Luke' to match his cool personality.

The prison warden (Martin) is not pleased with Luke's attitude and aims to break his spirit. This conflict becomes the heart of the film.

Cool Hand Luke is a memorable movie that is a study of the unbreakable human spirit in the face of oppression. It's not a prison movie, but a simple tale about failure to conform in a world that requires it.

Although a dialogue-driven drama the film has a great message and is filled with memorable sequences. The film is long but it's not overlong. Each scene has a purpose in relation to the advancement of the story; each scene further develops the character of Luke and his indestructible spirit. By developing the character so effectively we can easily empathise with him during his dilemma later on into the movie.

Paul Newman delivers an unforgettable performance as Luke. Many may regard this as his best performance. He was nominated for an Oscar and his portrayal is full of heart, but it's still up for debate as to whether it's his best performance. There are many familiar faces present in this production. George Kennedy achieves a highly memorable performance. His character recognises that Luke is a man who can't be beaten. Also look out for a very young Dennis Hopper.

The music by Lalo Schifrin emphasizes the drudgery of working in a chain gang. The music also underlines the heart and spirit that is a recurring theme in the movie. The soft guitar music is especially effective in creating this type of atmosphere.

Cool Hand Luke is a great film that is a classic in every sense of the word. Its great messages alone make the film worth watching. A must for film buffs.

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