Cool Hand Luke - 1967

I confess last night was the first time I have seen Cool Hand Luke, the classic Paul Newman prison drama. I had expected it to be one of the classic American films of the 60's, and yet it left me rather dissapointed. There have been better prison dramas. There have been better Paul Newman films.

The main reason for watching this film is Paul Newman, the actor is effortless is his charm, charisma and sex appeal. But the real star is George Kennedy as Dragline, a character who begins strong and unlikely leader of these prisoners but gets sucked in by Luke's individual outlook on life and gradually falls for the hero worship, Luke himself is trying to avoid. Kennedy deservedly won an Oscar for his portrayal.

And yet the film itself, for me was decidedly underwhleming. As I've said Newman as been better and although this film was clearly a vehicle for him, and any female fan will be pleased that he spends a far portion of the film topless, the film fails mainly because it fits into that 60's thematic category of rebels who refuse to confirm with the system and try to break out, in this film literally in some cases, only to be finally punished for their individuality and desire for freedom. To put it simply there have been better films which have explored this theme with greater clarity and more commitment. It struck me as disapointing as Newman in many ways seems to embody to free spirit, like Brando before him, and there are moments when Newman is hypnotic but overall the film lacks the zip and thrill of most 60's cinema.

The film is directed by Stuart Rosenberg and it is actually his film directorial debut, having worked on a number of TV shows. Where other films of the era such as Easy Rider and Bonnie & Clyde have a momentum to them, Cool Hand Luke seems slow and never really breaks free until Luke actually breaks free.

Cool Hand Luke is entertaining is not magnificent work from 60s cinema which seems to have earnt its iconic reputation off the back of a few keys highlights the aura of one of cinemas most watchable and talented actors.