Small town misfit Lucas Jackson ends up in a road prison for 'criminal damage against municipal property'. Despite the rather unusual crime he committed and his standoffish attitude he eventually gains the respect of prisoner and guard alike. This is a neat little film which showcases Newman's undoubted talent. His excellent performance as the non-conformist 'Cool Hand' Luke lends much to a film which has been eclipsed repeatedly as best prison movie. What the film lacks in the depth of it's characters it makes up for in audience feeling towards Luke and his desire to find his place in society yet not change his ways. You can't help but love his stubborn arrogance as he goes up against the system and many of the films ideas can be found in better and deeper movies like 'The Shawshank Redemption'. It's sad to think that it is better remembered for the egg-eating scene than for it's symbolism and regard to those who choose to live as social drifters.
Review of Cool Hand Luke
