It is not without dramatic irony that Warner Brothers has released a commemorative DVD edition of one Paul Newman's signature films virtually simultaneously with his death. Newman was already a cinematic icon by 1967 when the movie was released, having played such flawed characters as Fast Eddie Felson in The Hustler and the ultimate cad, Hud Bannon. However, the role of Cool Hand Luke more than any other reflected the non-conformism that was sweeping young people in the mid to late 1960s. Luke is the ultimate loser: a distinguished war veteran who doesn't have the drive or motivation to capitalize on his good looks, charming manner and street smarts. He's content with just getting by another day and considers it a victory to put one over on authority figures. He's destined to be a tragic figure, but at least he's doing so on his own terms and with an omnipresent smile on his face.
Cool Hand Luke was one of those famous movies that had eluded me until a few years ago. When I finally caught up with it, I was somewhat disappointed. Perhaps I had heard so much about it, the film couldn't live up to expectations. However, in watching the new DVD edition, I appreciated the many nuances that had escaped me the first time around. The story is simple: Luke is arrested for a petty crime and sentenced to serve time in a horrid prison camp where he is put to work as part of a road gang. His inability to play by the rules makes him a target of the sadistic guards, but an inspiration to his fellow prisoners. Newman is superb throughout, but a very real pleasure is the remarkable cinematography by the great Conrad Hall, who captures cliched scenes in such a poetic manner that each frame becomes a work of art. The film is also very ably directed by Stuart Rosenberg, who never quite got the respect in the industry he deserved. Lalo Schifrin's score is a true winner, though in the accompanying documentary he expresses amusement that a key theme from the film is primarily known to Americans as the opening chords of the daily Eyewitness News broadcasts. A key aspect of the movie is the terrific supporting cast, headed by George Kennedy in his Oscar-winning role as the lovable lunkhead who becomes Luke's Sancho Panza. The cast also boasts Dennis Hopper, Lou Antonio, Joe Don Baker, Harry Dean Stanton, J.D. Cannon, Morgan Woodward, Jo Van Fleet, Clifton James, Anthony Zerbe, Ralph Waite and Wayne Rogers. The best of the lot is the great Strother Martin in his defining role as the brain-dead warden who utters the film's signature line, "What we got here is failure to communicate."Â
The special edition DVD includes audio commentary track by Newman biographer Eric Lax, who provides some wonderful and knowing anecdotes. There is also a commemorative documentary that includes interviews with the late Stuart Rosenberg, Lalo Schifrin, George Kennedy, Lou Antonio, and George Kennedy. (Sadly, Newman was either unwilling or unable to contribute.) The documentary is packed with wonderful anecdotes, making it clear this film was a labor of love for all concerned. Also appearing is Joy Harmon, who made a brief, but legendary appearance as the buxon cocktease who drives the men on the road gang into a sexual frenzy just by washing her car in a skimpy dress. Harmon recalls she was too naive to know the phallic meanings of the various shots she filmed. A theatrical trailer is also included.This special edition of Cool Hand Luke is bittersweet, coming as it does in the wake of Newman's death - but it's a first class tribute to a first class actor.- Lee Pfeiffer
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(For Tom Lisanti's exclusive interview with Joy Harmon regarding her role in Cool Hand Luke, see Cinema Retro issue #10)