COOL HAND Luke is a crime drama film. This film is a very powerful representation of brutality and sadism on one side and a rebellious indifference on the other. The main protagonist tries to find sense in cruel conditions in a prison thanks to his ingenuity, charm, humor and firm attitudes. This leads to unnecessary idolization, which gets a tragic epilogue. It is based on Donn Pearce's 1965 novel of the same name.
Luke Jackson is sentenced to a stretch on a southern chain gang after he's arrested for drunkenly decapitating parking meters. The chain gang is run by a stern warden, the Captain, and a stoic rifleman, Walking Boss Godfrey, whose eyes are always covered by a pair of mirrored sunglasses. Luke refuses to observe the established pecking order among the prisoners and quickly runs afoul of the prisoners' leader Dragline. When the pair have a boxing match, the prisoners and guards watch with interest. Although Luke is severely outmatched by his larger opponent, he refuses to acquiesce. However, Luke knows how to win at poker, even with bad cards, by using his smarts and playing it cool. Luke also figures out a way for the men to get their work done in half the usual time, giving them the afternoon off. After news of his mother's death reaches Luke, the Captain, anticipating that Luke might attempt to escape in order to attend his mother's funeral, has him locked in the prison punishment box. After that, he begins to plan his escape...
This is a story about a lonely man who hides certain doses of his defiance and scorn under his own mask of sarcasm. That man accepts his current life situation, but in spite of that he wants to consolidate his beliefs. However, his expression, in prison conditions, becomes a symbol of rebellion. He becomes a symbol of mutiny on one side and the subject of beating and torture on other. Such conditions destroy pride and will for life, however, a firm belief remains untouched in this case. This is the irony of this movie. An excellent characterization very well corresponds to a melancholic mood in this film.
Paul Newman as Lucas "Luke" Jackson has offered a top performance as a loner who looking for his lifestyle. His unbridled nature and alienation are in reverse contrast to his actions. Simply, he is a positive character, while fate is playing with him. George Kennedy as Dragline is a pragmatic man who has found his own passion in the actions of his friend. A friendly, almost fraternal, mood has enriched his character. Strother Martin (the Captain) and Morgan Woodward (Boss Godfrey) are a personification of brutality and torture. Jo Van Fleet, as Luke's mother, shows, in a certain way, his emotional loneliness.
This is a realistic and very convincing experience.
Luke Jackson is sentenced to a stretch on a southern chain gang after he's arrested for drunkenly decapitating parking meters. The chain gang is run by a stern warden, the Captain, and a stoic rifleman, Walking Boss Godfrey, whose eyes are always covered by a pair of mirrored sunglasses. Luke refuses to observe the established pecking order among the prisoners and quickly runs afoul of the prisoners' leader Dragline. When the pair have a boxing match, the prisoners and guards watch with interest. Although Luke is severely outmatched by his larger opponent, he refuses to acquiesce. However, Luke knows how to win at poker, even with bad cards, by using his smarts and playing it cool. Luke also figures out a way for the men to get their work done in half the usual time, giving them the afternoon off. After news of his mother's death reaches Luke, the Captain, anticipating that Luke might attempt to escape in order to attend his mother's funeral, has him locked in the prison punishment box. After that, he begins to plan his escape...
This is a story about a lonely man who hides certain doses of his defiance and scorn under his own mask of sarcasm. That man accepts his current life situation, but in spite of that he wants to consolidate his beliefs. However, his expression, in prison conditions, becomes a symbol of rebellion. He becomes a symbol of mutiny on one side and the subject of beating and torture on other. Such conditions destroy pride and will for life, however, a firm belief remains untouched in this case. This is the irony of this movie. An excellent characterization very well corresponds to a melancholic mood in this film.
Paul Newman as Lucas "Luke" Jackson has offered a top performance as a loner who looking for his lifestyle. His unbridled nature and alienation are in reverse contrast to his actions. Simply, he is a positive character, while fate is playing with him. George Kennedy as Dragline is a pragmatic man who has found his own passion in the actions of his friend. A friendly, almost fraternal, mood has enriched his character. Strother Martin (the Captain) and Morgan Woodward (Boss Godfrey) are a personification of brutality and torture. Jo Van Fleet, as Luke's mother, shows, in a certain way, his emotional loneliness.
This is a realistic and very convincing experience.