The Stoicism of Cool Hand Luke

[@tony.bickert]

"Even in prison he remains a free man." That's the movie right there. Good review.

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

Both films are great.

[@user-hg3yz1zz2p]

He dead tho

[@monkeyhousedesign]

I have watched this movie at every low point in my life, since I was a kid, and it has helped me find the high side of life each time.

[@XenomorphLV426]

I just saw this movie for the first time. I didn't know how relevant and how much I needed it

[@crispychip360]

One of the greatest movies of all time

[@discosecret6363]

I couldn’t agree more.

[@jerryshunk7152]

@@discosecret6363 Nor I !

[@jerryshunk7152]

Paul made Hombre the same year! Talk about a Gehrig/Ruth Tandem !!!

[@crispychip360]

@@jerryshunk7152 I’ve been meaning to see Hombre for a while… maybe I’ll watch it this weekend

[@dagobaker]

@@jerryshunk7152 just added that to my library que....... thankx

[@wands2457]

My father took me to see this movie. It was an "important" movie. I was a 12 year old girl. (Oldest of 5 girls). He was correct. My father was a POW 3 1/2 yrs during the Korean War in a Chinese camp.

[@oldnatty61]

Thank him for his service.

[@reddiver7293]

Your post gave me goosebumps.

[@427max]

My grandpa introduced me to this movie and after watching this video I cried and cried for a good half hour for him......thank you for this review of it very well done brought back old and new memories if that makes sense

[@buildinit6523]

i showed this movie to my twin girls when they were 8 years old. 40 years after the movie come out. its a bond between us

[@biswajitmazumdar1848]

Life is surreal

[@lostdawg67]

I watched this movie with my mother as a child in the early seventies. When the final credits rolled all she said was "You see Billy, that's all banging your head against the wall gets ya. The system always wins." I couldn't hear that, because I was too busy falling in love with this film. We already had a failure to communicate. I've been trying to live by its example ever since....and I won't stop.

[@quij7ote222]

Amen.

[@Quote23rd]

Ditto.

[@ollielong630]

I went to prison and had to cut grass in the summers for no pay. We couldn't take our shirts off but we had gas powered tools no this hand powered BS. Lol. Wasnt some max security place so they made some of us work outside the prison a lot which was pretty ok. Seen some dudes who just couldn't work lol. Seen some fall out from heat. It went about as well as it could id say. Coulda been worse.

[@orppranator5230]

This kind of thing is why I don't believe women know how to raise boys into men.

[@eileenwilliams7407]

Love your Mums comment, 😀

[@Nimno74]

This movie and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, are emotionally and thematically the same in many regards.

[@kimwarton4894]

Luke and McMurphy - very Christ like treatment. Luke on the table after the eggs, McMurphy after electroshock- physical portrayal of crucifixion. Such a great movie.

[@sboloshis1188]

I like cool hand Luke better.

[@roylatekajxam]

My two favorite movies.

[@johngiesbers9811]

We r going to get to the bottom of this R P McMurphy

[@jeddmohlenkamp6870]

I wrote a college paper on this movie 20 years ago lol.. you find something new everytime you watch it.. very fascinating

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

That's awesome! Do you by any chance remember the thesis of the essay, the main angle of it? I'd be very curious. :)

[@shack8110]

I never really understood this film. Why take actions that just make life harder for yourself, unless you don't care about your life?

[@richardlefaive1944]

You need to believe in something larger than yourself to grasp the main themes of this movie. The fact his suffering is futile makes it all the more glorious. The fact he embraces it willing again more so. One of my top 5 all time movies.

[@shack8110]

@@richardlefaive1944 Well nothing is larger than me. I kind of see your point, I guess. Still not clear on the benefit of fighting authorities when you know what the outcome will be.

[@richardlefaive1944]

@@shack8110 The main points of the story are: 1. To personify the nature of totalitarianism and those who seek power and control over all else. Through a small scale , more personalized narrative of a small south prison and its warden + officers. Using that setting to show how such a system's only goal is to subjugate its citizens and make them lose hope and capitulate ... in EVERY way. No resistance is permitted. 2. To show the indomitable, positive, and admirable aspects of the human spirit through Luke. 3. To show what that true freedom is not a set of laws, a piece of paper, nor anything physical, but rather a frame of mind. That you are only free if your mind is free and are never unless it is. 4. That the only path to freedom paradoxically, is not through selfish motives. That you can only achieve true freedom through a complete abandonment of the self and commitment to something larger than and outside yourself ( e.g. his fellow prisoners ) This is basically the same plot and narrative as another equally great film "one flew over the cuckoo's nest" . The difference is that the latter film takes the message one step further by showing the effect the one brave person with integrity has on others when a defeated" Jack Nicholson's character inspires "Chief" in that movie to break out of the asylum as the closing scene. The message being that one person acting with selflessness and integrity can change the world in very unexpected ways and even bring down "the system" by showing a path to others.

[@whatarushlod]

Definitely one of the greatest movies of all time…. The scene with his mother, shows love without saying, “I love you”…. Lots of parents show love in different ways. This was such a powerful scene! The friendship developed with Dragline was touching from the first punch to the gunshot at the end! This movie is an emotional tug of war and I love every minute of it. I first saw this movie about 40 years ago when I was a teenager. When I know it’s coming on, I never miss it! Just a beautiful film!

[@alonzomosley7]

Interesting comment on love ,it can be shown in many forms and shown in different ways.Very observant on dysfunctional families

[@rathaventerriniel8162]

Imagine your in the war and receive the Bronze and Silver Star plus 2 purple hearts. This man had seen some serious shit and I think this is a major factor in his character that is highly overlooked. Eating 50 eggs or the bosses beating him down was probably nothing compared to what he had already been through in the war. His standing in the rain is a reflection of him asking why he lived and why others died. Just my two cents. One of my favorite movies that I still watch to this day. Your insights was very well done and highly entertaining. Thank you for sharing.

[@F.W.ENDER.75]

Also a sargent so he knows how to lead Those men would have followed him Into anything.

[@rathaventerriniel8162]

@Falhawk73 In the movie you can see late 50 model vehicles. It could be either war honestly. If he was 18 in 1943 then in 55 he would have been 30 so it could play on both.

[@rathaventerriniel8162]

@Falhawk73 Awesome! Thanks for clarifying. I was assuming it was WW2 and you asking me that question had me planning on watching it this weekend and looking at the automobiles. Some of the cars used looked like late fifty's styles in my memory which is kind of shot now a days. Lol! The scene that does stick out that had me questioning which war would be the one where the guy with the scare on his stomach is dancing on the porch. To me it looks more of a sixty's style. Not sure just my reflection on it. Where did you find the movie script info at.

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

My son the creator of this channel lived some serious tough stuff as well. When he was 17 he injured his knee and had to have a patella ligament replaced. A few months later he was given Prednizone and was allergic to it which put him in a coma and we did not know if he would live. It created a traumatic brain injury and Will was given 2 years to live. At 19, he said, well I am still here but my brain will eventually fail. So, he created this channel. He lived 6 more years and created 42 videos. He found love in his life and had just gotten an apartment with his girlfriend. He worked at a Waldorf school before Covid and had planned on going back to college to finish his degree. He played every card life dealt and he always reminds me the most of the character named Will in the movie "Me Before You." The family will continue to maintain this channel as William told us that in some way he still lives on in these videos. If you watch them all then you really get to know Will. Thanks again and as Will would say, "Cheers."

[@festeradams3972]

I've found Stoicism to be extremely useful these last years...

[@ComparedJungle]

you are not the main character

[@dixonjazzy56]

@@ComparedJungle We are all the main character of our lives not letting fear stand in the way of Who You Are and how you think.

[@Wayoutthere]

Yap.

[@racciacrack7579]

@@ComparedJungle No one is the main character because life is not a movie.

[@Cybop-xd9mm]

Life is meaningless and all our quests will be worth nothing.

[@h.t.7204]

"Sometimes nothin can be a real cool hand" truer words have never been spoken...

[@theeclectic2919]

There are certain games you win when you choose not to play.

[@theeclectic2919]

@Harupert Beagleton "If you ain't got nothin', you got nothin' to lose."

[@jamespfp]

Oh, there is a lovely list of lines that Luke gets in this film which are worth repeating.

[@raginald7mars408]

made a 5 year old Circus Clown President of USA...

[@diggerfox7194]

When my dad passed away in 97 he had flowers made in the words cool hand luke. He was very much like luke in every way. Strange but true and this was a film we would watch. Watching this brings back memories❤

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

William who passed away a year ago created this channel. This is his mom. William loved the song Vincent. His artwork is the first video he ever posted on this channel with that song playing. We played it at the funeral and in Will fashion his Spirit turned off the player as if to say, hello, everyone I am still around. Thanks for sharing the memory of your dad.

[@meowskers9585]

@@VirtueInsightWebPageYour son is an inspiration mam, a reminder that no matter which hand we’re dealt in life, we choose how to live

[@zachesian_the_heathen9198]

This review is extremely underrated. Excellent take on one of the greatest films ever made!

[@andrewmantle7627]

I agree completely. The movie is underrated as well. It is too easy for most of us from that generation to look at it as a "cool guy just having fun, getting busted and abused by the system" movie, when it is really a much deeper take on the human condition. Extremely well done.

[@Roc-Righteous]

His Mom was an incredible actress and scene-, very real.

[@sillambretta]

Jo Van Fleet was outstanding in roles of fallen/ broken women. I remember her as the mother in East of Eden very early in her career.

[@paulhue86]

I think she won an Oscar for this role?

[@r5t6y7u8]

Jo Van Fleet (b 1914) was only eleven years older than Paul Newman (b 1925). Scene would've worked better if she portrayed his sister.

[@bobblaszczak7972]

@@r5t6y7u8 Arletta. I have to say that was a fvcked up scene with her in that wagon.

[@walktheworld]

@@r5t6y7u8 What? The scene worked just fine. They made her look plenty old.

[@KenJohnsonMusic]

I almost stopped watching when he called it a forgotten classic. I never forgot it. Don't think anyone who ever watched it, ever forgot it either.

[@dieselheart1]

That's right. 60 years old now. Watched it when I was 10. Never forgot it.

[@dalethebelldiver7740]

THats a fact. Cool hand Luke; like him but I’m a former rodeo hand and oil field welder; always doin it the hard way; the Cowboy way; my sister calls it.

[@cleatusmcgurkin3740]

Who can forget all those hard boiled eggs!

[@burntbacon7995]

It's all about you, eh, boy.

[@pvacaesar2942]

yeah, don't know what he's talking about tbh

[@jameslachance8159]

Paul was one of the greats. I still only buy his salad dressing and salsa "Newman's own" procides go to charity.

[@bclmax]

surrre they do

[@bluegenes2273]

The lemonade is pretty ding-dong-dandy as well.

[@AnnaLVajda]

Yeah 100% of proceeds he aint fooling around that one. Austrian Hungarian Aquarius beauties like him well you don't find guys like that in every cracker jack box ya know he's creme de la creme imo.

[@n2bfw884]

@@bclmax Hole in the Wall Gang is a great charity. Look it up.

[@markzuckerberg5661]

Tons of young people like this movie, many just haven’t seen it yet.

[@Johnconno]

@Zuckerberg. That's an interesting way of looking at it son...

[@hadmatter9240]

@Miles Nice sales pitch! Cereal! Thing is I don't buy Lucky Charms. Nice try.

[@robert.m4676]

Mark Zuckerburg sucks!

[@herrunsinn774]

That statement makes absoltely no sense. 🤪

[@martinbreeze2753]

Awesome film a must watch

[@KnialPiper]

This movie has helped me through the hardest points of my life

[@100dfrost]

I saw this movie at a theater when I was 15 years old. It had a strong effect on me. I never had enough sense to quit when I was beaten before, then I got to see Paul Neuman showing me how it should be done. Life didn't get easier, but it was less complicated. Well, I'm old now, guess I still haven't learned very much. Great video, thank-you.

[@karlchandran4631]

I believe my father felt the same way as you do. He was in his late twenties when he saw it. Life will be more difficult. Your enemies both metaphorical and real, will always be present. Luke rant in the rain expressed the need to move on with life, no matter the struggles. I enjoyed the video as well!

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed Cool Hand Luke and that it had a strong effect on you. The funny thing is (with me) when I do video-essays, I don't actually often choose stuff I love the most or even greatly understood. One of the reasons I did this essay (Or the other essay I did once years ago on a film called "Liberal Arts") is because I was wrestling with the concepts or key themes and needed to write about it for myself to achieve better clarity or some catharsis of my own on the subject material. Lots of times I choose films I am somewhat perplexed by or have mixed feelings about - but in a good way. Films that leave me pondering deeply, which Cool Hand Luke definitely did. :)

[@robert.m4676]

@@china_is_asshole you’re 100% correct! China is an asshole! That damn XI should be strung up for causing all this misery worldwide! The majority of the world need to ban together and make them pay! Then we should all stop buying anything and everything from China! Hit them where it hurts!

[@tomlewis9207]

"I wish you would stop being so good to me Captain". Got him good with that line, but Luke completely hooked the Captains inner child and threw it over the cliff when he imitates his lip thing at the end. Kennedy definitely deserved the Oscar for his portrayal of Dragline, but Strother Martin should have gotten a nomination as well for his portrayal of the warden.

[@zappafan5000]

And how in the hell does Paul Newman NOT win best actor oscar for this??

[@kathybehlen7088]

that lip thing, a lotta people don't notice that.

[@tomlewis9207]

@@kathybehlen7088 I watched it several times before picking it up myself. Martin is so subtle in his own delivery, when I finally did pick up on it, it made the scene even better. Luke threw the Captain completely off his game!

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

Who did win best actor the year this was released?

[@PokemonFiles]

@@VirtueInsightWebPage I believe it was Rod Steiger for In The Heat of the Night.

[@BuckeyeCory]

I was born in 1990, me & my dad have watched this movie probably atleast 50 times. One of my favorite movies of all time

[@KillingDeadThings]

I'm 42 and I've rewatched this film many times since my childhood. There is so much to love about the film. Arletta coming to say goodbye always stuck with me and the bittersweet end of Luke. I'm shaking it, boss. The failure to communicate speech has been used in many trance/house tunes over the years.

[@adambycina1817]

That scene with Arletta is so incredibly honest. Not even The Godfather has a scene so powerful.

[@KillingDeadThings]

@@adambycina1817 Its a scene I like to rewatch even if I'm not in the mood for the entire movie. Powerful, as you said. It always makes me sad and happy.

[@adambycina1817]

@@KillingDeadThings Exactly. If I were a theater teacher (which I'm not, lol), I would start with this scene. Incredible depth of human emotion. As a son, this hits me in the gut every time, even though my personal experiences weren't like those of Luke. It doesn't matter. Arletta is conveying every mother's pain of being human and having love that can't last forever. Yet also, as you said about it making you happy, the fact that we can feel such love is the true source of our joy as human beings, that not even an evil place like that chain gang can squash. It is an eternal love.

[@KillingDeadThings]

@@adambycina1817

[@rupertmay7432]

I'm 55 now I watched this when I was 12 to this day I still try and live by " BE TRUE TO YOURSELF" AND AT THE END OF THE DAY YOUR THE ONE THATS GOTTA LOOK YOURSELF IN THE MIRROR

[@powerwagon3731]

Well spoken.

[@crazyratpors]

The scene with his mother made me cry.

[@zackkorth2410]

yeah

[@wvClifton]

It's some sad shit. For real.

[@skeingamepodcast5993]

When I was 12 or so I discovered the greatness that is Paul Newman (and Steve McQueen). As a 12 year old girl, it was hard to get my friends into these kinds of movies (and I was probably too young to watch them).

[@cooganalaska3249]

The guitar with his mother's discussion is very soothing.... and appropriate. This movie was Newman's ultimate performance.

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

One of his best for sure.

[@miked501]

It's not underappreciated by me, best film ever made in my opinion

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

Great film. Agreed. Last video Will made. Rest in Peace, my dear son.

[@tomjones2348]

I saw the film on tv around 1970. I was 13. The film resonated with me to the core. Thanks for this superb presentation.

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

You are most welcome.

[@larryshores9450]

Paul Newman has always been cool.

[@deadredeyes]

Damn straight.

[@jupiterinaries6150]

Even that Italian fashion exec Alessandro Squarzi copies much of Paul Newman's costumes.

[@middlesiderrider]

Yep. People call Steve McQueen the king of cool, but Paul Newman was better in every way.

[@stefanheintzelmann5744]

One of the best movies and actors, in history! "Mr. Paul Newman"! ☝🏻🤩👏🏻👍🏻🤔

[@jupiterinaries6150]

The scene with his mom brought tears to my eyes!

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

Mine, too.

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

*To whom it may concern:* I gotta tell ya- having been on KZbin for 5 years previously without much success; well- Before the unprecedented and unexpected recent success of the previous Kingdom of Heaven video-essay, I had very-nearly considered throwing in the towel so-to-speak on KZbin. I had been thinking of putting off on making anymore videos for a long time. But- In light of all these recent gains of subscribers and views; naturally I've reconsidered my reconciliation and I shall continue making video content. That being said- with life being busy & demanding as it always tends to be for anybody, I cannot always guarantee that there won't be occasional gaps of content output. But I *can* say new content shall always be forthcoming. My video editing is not perfect, my writing is not the best there ever was, but I do the best I can with what I got and the skillset I have. My intentions are sincere and so far as it is possible my aim is always to improve. But- y'all seem to be enjoying the channel, and so I'll keep on going at it with all I got the best I can :) Being as I don't have or use any social media anymore (aside from my KZbin Channel) I figured just dropping a comment here on this video was the thing to do. I'm very extremely grateful for the recent surge of support & subscribers I've gained over the past month (and over the past 5 years too; for those who have been around for any length of time, you have my gratitude). Thanks for listening, Sincerely & Respectfully - Will Massengale (Video Insights)

[@dj2257]

This was amazing. Not only do you dissect one of my favorite films (which many folks nowadays haven't even heard of) but the examination of Luke's character is a reminder to our own freedoms, the need to look into ourselves and stand tall, marching forward in a life that isn't always fair or kind.

[@piprichards4230]

thank you for doing my all time favourite film ! it really has been an imprtant influence on my life and i am so glad you can spread the word to others thank you for all your efforts! keep up the good work

[@joejoecap.181]

keep at it brother!

[@CaptainDizzle]

Don't stop making videos! I'm a new subscriber and love your take on movies. Keep up the great work!

[@ignatiuskung600]

appreciate your effort in this. please keep it up

[@refinedhayseedappalachian9777]

I saw this movie at the drive-in out in East Gainesville, FL with my mom when I was 6 yrs old. It made a deep impression on me. Ive been defiant all my life.

[@wvClifton]

Well then, shut up and sit down! (j/k) LOL

[@andredarin8966]

And how has that worked out for you. There are times when compliance is the right choice. Some times "authorities" know best.

[@refinedhayseedappalachian9777]

@@andredarin8966 yes you are correct.... it has been a life full unnecessary self induced suffering ...

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

I am from Gainesville, Florida. I have been to that drive in. Remember, when we only had two movie theaters? The pink one and the white one, and the drive in.

[@refinedhayseedappalachian9777]

@@VirtueInsightWebPage yes ... do you remember the super slide that burned down on the 13th street? I lived over near the duck pond area - Pantry Pride was over there.

[@jhaduvala]

"When you've got nothing you've got nothing to lose."

[@cornpop8936]

My parents named me after Luke and I couldn’t be more proud

[@geraldfitzpatrick9123]

Shawshank Redemption was a good movie, but Cool Hand Luke was in a different class, it was an extraordinary piece of work. Every actor in Cool Hand Luke was worthy of a nomination. I enjoyed Shawshank, but Cool Hand Luke was in a different league.

[@YuTubeUser980]

I love how at 3:57 when the man is talking about Luke’s achievements in the war the American flag is shown in the background.

[@timmydonlon3458]

Yes and look where his heroism and dedication to his country gets him. He gets locked up for 2 years for virtually doing nothing.. after surviving the horrors of war this is what happens to to the service men. Cast aside and let go where no-one cares about them anymore. Oh yes, the folly of war and patriotism..

[@Vestner262]

@@timmydonlon3458 The cruelty of man should never deter you from showing your love for your country. Though we never really get a break down of the Captain, the man with no eyes and the other Boss' and what caused them to be so cruel, you could argue they were envious of Luke. Envious of his service to his country and his strong spirit. Most of the men of that time didn't want a pat on the back or handouts for their service. They did it because they loved their country. In Luke's case, he was just passing time, and he was a natural born world shaker, even "passing" time was something Luke excelled at.

[@krell2130]

@@Vestner262 "The cruelty of your country should never deter you from showing your love for your fellow man." Fixed.

[@bluesharp5004]

Thank you! One of my favorite movies of all time. I was born in '63, so this movie was a standard in our household. My Dad taught me all of the symbolism you elaborate on early in life, and I've always appreciated this classic.

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

We were born in the same year. My son Will created this channel and I am maintaining it. He passed away from a TBI. We posted a Memorial video.

[@teamtaylor6674]

Holy schiiite... good... no ... Excellent job on editing and bringing out the sharp edges of a real human life ... My Dad took me to this on opening in 1967 just after moving from Utah to Michigan... I've seen it no fewer than 9 times ... Shawshank redemption 3 times ... it paved the path to the only way that I could understand Viktor Frankls book .. man's search for meaning.... thank you .. excellent... most excellent . Thank you

[@slimpickens9103]

This is one of my favorite KZbin videos.

[@davidlitchke4964]

I was just a kid when it came out, but is one of my all time favorite movies.

[@reedgage7689]

well done, excerpted and commentated.... enjoyed this a lot.

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

So, glad you did. Will passed away. This is his mom. Watch the Memorial video when you can.

[@stitch4785]

“Sometimes…. ‘Nothin’ is a real cool hand.”

[@terrywitzu7874]

Under appreciated? It's considered a "timeless" classic. I still hear it quoted regularly. The longer I live, the more I relate to it. I love it more every year. "Just puttin' in time".

[@arthurcurry1910]

Im no stranger to youtube or videos like this weather it be nerdwriter or lessons from a screenplay. I am in fact a huge cinebuff and enjoy different perspectives of things i may not have noticed. This is one of the BEST and i mean dam right perfect from the the subtle background music to the chosen scenes to personify and illustrate each philosophical point being made. An absoloute masterpiece my guy, it makes me so sad you dont do this for a living and tour videos are few and far between because i didnt just watch this a few times, i kept it on repeat til i fell asleep multiple times and will keep doing so. Its beautiful, absolute magic and if this is all you had to say i couldnt ask for more but if you needed just a bit more encouragement to keep these going hopefully this is it.

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

Will would have loved that. He died last year from a brain injury. This was the last video he made. We, the family, are continuing the channel. Watch the Memorial video if you get a chance.

[@johnhenry7861]

@@VirtueInsightWebPage your son was obviously a talented and smart man. On behalf of the countless people to stumble across his videos, thank you for keeping this channel going.

[@lancerx1759]

George Kennedy & Paul Newman were Absolutely Stellar in this Inspiring Masterpiece

[@YujiroTheGut]

Damn near brought tears the first time I watched, but now I'm proud

[@wvClifton]

Luke started out with next to nothing and when he died he still had most of it.

[@packrcch]

I can’t say it much better than that! well done.

[@montag4516]

That was a good one.

[@pearcefennell2684]

Clifton Isaacs , hey that’s it ….

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

Interesting assessment. But you take the Love with you when you go. Rest in Peace and Dance, Will. I mean just resting would get boring after all.

[@stephenbailey9969]

For me, the movie was about the victory of hope over circumstance. Where there is hope, there follows the will to act.

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

Tring to find hope again since William died has been pretty awful. One should never lose a child. I try to focus on all the good things Will had in his 25 years on this planet and not all of his medical conditions. He seized life and really had managed to put a lot of life in a few years. Thanks for being a part of his art and creations.

[@johnlarocco3348]

Good of you my friend to highlight such an American classic of the highest order. And to dig deep into the psychological aspects of Luke and how his Spirit of Defiance to all things not kosher to humanity can lift the group of painful Souls to a joyful remembrance of Life.

[@justinfoy7514]

Cool Hand Luke is the BEST movie/story of all time in my opinion. Paul Newman was absolutely stellar in his portrayal. Without this mastery, Shawshank would never have been what it was.

[@carlkillough4196]

Wonderful quotes! Thank you for making this.

[@UltimateArts13]

Watched the movie for the first time last night. I really enjoyed your review. I am in fact the next generation of fans for this movie.

[@johnnyconnelly7278]

I think Luke had a death wish.Luke Martyred himself.. The film is an allegory of Christ dying for mankind.One of the greatest films ever made.Numan should have took the Oscar.He was phenomenal.

[@d.carelli8036]

Beautiful commentary...I got goose bumps! One of my favorite movies. Thank you

[@Everythingismeaningless344]

My orthodontist would call me Cool Hand Luke and I really had no idea as to why. That was some twenty plus years ago and today I saw the film for the first time today. Now, I take it as a compliment.

[@deancj1]

There are zero plot holes in cool hand Luke, unlike Shawshank which requires suspending disbelief in more than a few spots. Shawshank is a nice movie but chl is superior in every single way.

[@bnbnism]

While I don't disagree about the Shawshank comment could you provide some examples please?

[@alexgramm5170]

CHL is superior in every way no doubt at all...no comparison. Plot HOLE in S.R.?.. how about the main one thru the whole movie; ask Rita , Marilyn and Raquel.

[@ganiniii]

@IPA SOLÉ it was in the book. It works quite well in literature.

[@alexgramm5170]

My point: I find it hard to believe that a guy carved out a tunnel in his cell for 20 yrs and no authority discovered it. I like the movie..seen it more than once. I find it difficult to choose between the aforementioned ladies as well!

[@deancj1]

@@alexgramm5170 that and also taking a chance that red will find a special rock in another part of the state and it's contents still there. Or being able to just leisurely stroll into a bunch of banks the morning after you escaped. Nah.

[@michaelleonard4826]

Both are greatly written, and both deserve praise. Great job all.

[@mannyromero5477]

Just saw this movie last night for the first time. It really struck a chord. Insanely good.

[@thomascleland6982]

I haven’t seen this film in years but I remember really liking it.I’ll have to give it another watch.

[@Jack-pw4rz]

This Film was way ahead of its time, left a lasting impression when I saw it aged 14 with my dad. Impeccably acted (Newman,Kennedy,Martin,Hooper & co - cast of legends) all round free spirited anti establishment masterpiece, I’m 22 now I hope to see it’s like again. those over sensitive souls you refer to are the same people who put Luke on the chain gang, not all of them are young. Subscribed great review👍

[@NelsonVanDweller]

He smiled at the end because they thought they were taking him back alive. Death was his last act of rebellion

[@hyphenlife]

@@jimgarrison7340 he definitely died. They made it a point that the prison administrators were going to let him bleed out. The cops tried to get them to go to a hospital that was closer, the prison officials refused and took him back the slow way back to their prison that wasn’t set up for surgery.

[@bobblaszczak7972]

That's shown when the Man With No Eyes' glasses get smashed.

[@james4582]

The man with no eyes Morgan Woodward another iconic actor

[@TheWallace6969]

@@jimgarrison7340 yes. the red light the end answers that question

[@geraldkovach520]

@@TheWallace6969 I felt the same way, when the red light comes on. That’s moment of his death

[@georgerichwine1864]

Thank you for such an inspiring insight into my favorite story.

[@BigJTM]

Hard to express how much this movie means to me. One of my top 3 movies. It was the theme of my team I had the joy of leading in a past experience. Out work ‘em and always smile, even in adversity. Thanks for posting.

[@eduardomatt088]

Just watched it and I agree, out work them with a smile, weakens them

[@Pfanta76]

his body may be shackled, but his mind wanders free

[@troymccurrin2549]

I'm not gonna lie I thought of Tropical Thunder while watching this as well lol

[@matthewkelly613]

Perfection. Amazing analysis. Thank you.

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

It really was. Will would have loved that. What would you like to see on the channel?

[@mdo5121]

Saw this classic in the movies...it left a deep impression on me during the rebellious Woodstock 60's

[@julesmpc1314]

Axl Rose brought this movie back to the youngs of the early 90s.

[@hushmoney2058]

What we Have hear is the failure to communicate ....

[@joeboyko8013]

My sociology teacher had us watch this when I was a senior in high school back in 1994. It was the first time I ever saw it, and it is still to this day one of my all time favorite movies.

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

What film review would you like to see on the channel?

[@joeboyko8013]

@@VirtueInsightWebPage I wouldn't mind seeing an in-depth review of another one of my top ten favorites, 'Once Upon a Time in the West'. Thank you for requesting the feedback!

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

@@joeboyko8013 You are welcome. We will see what we can do. A busy summer ahead but maybe in the fall. I like that film too.

[@StevenCarell]

Thank you for the video, I thought it was very well done! I watched it as soon as I finished the movie for the first time so I could see what I missed. The only thing I wished you would have commented on is the scene where Drag implies that Luke pretended to be broken in the ditch-digging scene as part of an elaborate escape plan. I think Luke's response to that highlights an important detail about his free spirit and unwillingness to conform. He says that he wasn't pretending; they really did break him not only physically, but also spiritually. However, his free spirit could not STAY broken. He tells Drag that he never planned a thing in his life. His mom mentions good jobs that he had and lost and a good woman that he let slip away (adding that he bored them all when he tried to live a respectable life). Even in his desperate conversation with God in the church, he accuses God of making him the way that he is and asks God where he would ever be able to fit in. The conclusion I reached from these scenes is that it is not even a conscious decision or a free choice to buck the system or "shake the world." That rebellious, non-conforming reflex is an immutable characteristic of Luke's which he himself seems to resent. If he were able to control this part of himself, he would have risen in rank during his military service rather than just "passing time," he would have been able to stick with any of his good jobs, he would have been happily married, and he certainly wouldn't have wound up drunkenly vandalizing parking meters in an act of vengeance for some ticket he had gotten in the past. His fellow inmates idolize him for his resiliency and rebelliousness and he even seems to win over most of the guards by the end, but Luke inwardly wishes he could be like the others - not necessarily as an obedient prisoner, but as a respectable and content member of society. While his peers are slaves to their prison masters, Luke is a slave to his very nature - one that can never be content and one that will never allow him peace. Anyway, that my own verbose, rambling take on it. Thanks again for the video! I'll be sure to check out your other videos to get ideas for what movie to watch next!

[@AdDeRidder]

I like your read - that he was just born fearless/non-conformist. For some reason, I had not quite twigged that. I thought that his rebellion was to some extent an adaptive mechanism. I am not in agreement that Luke wished he were more pliant, except maybe he wished that he'd been better for Arletta's sake, but their conversation showed us that she loved him for just who he was - even though it made his life harder. I think that the smile as he dies shows that he was ready for a release from a hard life. I wouldn't say that he was broken by the system, but he hit a point where he didn't want to fight anymore and chose his own path out of the world.

[@silentforest7147]

Filmed in California. Those shots of the dead gold grass make me miss my old state.

[@ChayBode]

Love this film, Luke is just passing through Life with a smile boss :)

[@karlchandran4631]

It is a brilliant movie. But a movie like this, could not possibly be made now, not one starring Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise or other actors comparable to Paul Newman's stature. It is simply too painful, gritty and the sense of stoicism is palatable. My father was a fan of Paul Newman and in particular this movie. The scene in the rain is my father's favorite. The scene with Luke's mother, was painful to watch, yet beautifully written. Your review of the movie, was a pleasure to watch!

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

Oh I know, I know, this movie could not be made today. Hollywood has completely lost their minds, they are even becoming Anti-Art. Seriously. Even Liberal-Minded Bill Maher scolded Liberal Hollywood for having this new "Diversity Quota" for any films to even be able to qualify for best picture, it's absurd. And yeah- I could not really imagine a Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt in the role of Cool Hand Luke. I almost feel like they'd need to get like an amateur wrestler or something, like someone who wouldn't be afraid to suffer some during the production of a remake (though I probably kind of hope they don't remake it). Also I'm glad you enjoyed the video! And yes, the Luke's mother scene is fantastic. Very Bitter-sweet.

[@karlchandran4631]

@@VirtueInsightWebPage I appreciate your response. I agree, truly Hollywood has become afraid to push the boundaries of filmmaking. To produce truly and profoundly artistic films. The approach, the craft, the writing came from a place of true originality. Again your reference to Bill Maher and his statement on the "Diversity Quota" was sharp. Have you done a video on any of John Boorman's films? I'd love to hear your thoughts on them!

[@mach1251]

You will not find movies this deep from Hollywood or Netflix, you have to look else wear, foreign and independent movies usually have a diamond or two every year

[@theleafshandsomedevil1552]

I mean Brad Pitt could play the role reasonably well, but yeah the movie wouldn’t be made today.

[@MarioAguilera1957]

@Mr. Melendez i just read Ebert’s review and I totally agree with you.

[@elichilton7031]

"Sometime nothing can be a real cool hand." Great line. This movie is one of the all time greats. Appreciate your analysis. Most thorough. I always like one of Roger Ebert's line on this film and this great character portrayed by Paul Newman, "I think he's more of a willing martyr, a man so obsessed with the wrongness of the world that he invites death to prove himself correct." How true.

[@celticsole7542]

I know exactly how he feels

[@docreggiefirefox4811]

Superb review. An awesome movie indeed....watched it 10x since my childhood days! Excellent performance...excellent cast...love it!

[@benitasanchez1770]

Thank you for this vedio. I have been looking for it to teaach to my children. It is deep and after I saw it as a teenager it stuck with me. I would like to one day show it to my grandkids. The lessons in this movie are timeless. Thank you again.

[@mrbreezeaau]

Lots of people say Steve McQueen was the coolest dude who ever went through Hollywood, but not for me. Paul Newman has always been the man

[@quij7ote222]

Throw in Hud, Butch Cassidy and the Sting and you tell me how Steve McQueen can possibly claim the mantle of coolest.

[@jackwillcox9330]

Im only 16 but I’ve watched every Paul Newman film like 5 times but I can’t get enough of cool hand Luke in my opinion best prison movie ever made and up there in best movies of all time

[@stevemcqueen1096]

You are wise beyond your years young man.

[@jackwillcox9330]

@@stevemcqueen1096 Thank you I appreciate it.

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

If you would like some movie suggestions, ask me. War Games is great. You would like that one.

[@paulcowell7588]

One of the greatest films in cinematic history...even much more relevant now then it was then...

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

Very relevant

[@saipeor]

Beautiful work man, really moved in some places.

[@kamuelalee]

Great essay. The film "Cool Hand Luke" is the gold standard for prison movies in the days of the American Civil Rights movement and anti-Vietnam War protests. And Newman loved playing the rebel, loner, and the good (sometimes not so good) outsider in this movie and others of the time including Hud, Hombre, The Hustler, and many others over the years.

[@guillermohernanmedranoolme8100]

Beautiful movie, every day it gets in my heart

[@freedomfreedom6544]

Beautifully narrated and edited. Especially the last minute.

[@josefadams647]

Never saw this movie like this - spoke about this way and I've seen this movie like 40 times. AMAZING VIDEO MAN. a sense of strength and focus has come upon me from this video. thanks again.

[@jasonedward6993]

I'm 35, my late brother was 21 years older than I am, but this was his favorite movie and I must have watched it close to a hundred times and even tried to draw parallels between the idea of Luke - as a character, - to both Seneca and Aurelius, and even some points, Diogenes. The fucking crazy part is that how much it ended up mirroring my own life: broken family, military service in the infantry, jail time, - but a resounding disdain of authority and mocking attitude for having existed at all remained. It's somewhat odd to have this pop on my recommendation list, but you did a good job explaining most of it without pretense. Keep it up.

[@danielsmith7840]

Mate, wish you all the best.

[@latinojohnson3146]

Notice the first time he speaks to god it is raining and the last time he speaks to god it is raining.

[@powerwagon3731]

Kinda like LT Dan Taylor

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

Very interesting observation.

[@cinemaunitestheworld]

Fantastic work! that film will forever haunt me in my dreams and be an example of stoic thought. Well done!

[@Voigt465]

Anyone over 50 and saw it as a kid still remembers it. Paul Newman was one of the movie legends who had a knack for picking great movie roles.

[@matthewsonnenberg303]

Such a wonderful analysis. Fine narration.

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@Wilzer]

Loved your Kingdom of Heaven Video, now I gotta watch this movie so I can enjoy it just as much!

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoyed my video essays! Definitely go watch Cool Hand Luke! :)

[@CaptainDizzle]

@@VirtueInsightWebPage Your Kingdom of Heaven video made me a subscriber!

[@curtc2194]

So many great performances in this one...perfectly cast!

[@quij7ote222]

For a defiant, independent, but love-desiring child, this film settled things for me at a young age, Also, to see the main character die at the end and still appear to be victorious made a huge impression on me and my artistic taste and understanding of what it means to win. This movie affected the very cells in my body and brain. I've loved film ever since and if I have a shining star leading me in a very difficult life, this movie has always been it. Luke's spirit has no trouble at all communicating with his body. It spoke to me, through Paul Newman, in an everlasting way. Nothing can, indeed, be a very cool hand and a failure to communicate with authority might be just the way things ought to be.

[@gideonpardo9473]

Awesome video man! Keep up the good work

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

The family will maintain the channel.

[@bradyoung6663]

This movie reminds me of one of my favorite lyrics "You can subdue, but never tame me."

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

That's a nice lyric. What song is it?

[@bradyoung6663]

@@VirtueInsightWebPage I can't remember the title off hand, but it's from a Megedeth song. It's one of the highest viewed on their channel. You do nice work, Sir.

[@VirtueInsightWebPage]

@@bradyoung6663 I think I found it "Sweating Bullets". And thank you for the compliment 😅, I appreciate the appreciation 🙂👍

[@bradyoung6663]

@@VirtueInsightWebPage No problem, man. The internet has enough hostility in it. Have a good one.

[@robert.m4676]

MEGADETH!!!🤟🏻

[@cinemacrema2349]

amazing analysis, made me understand the movie's concept and appreciate it on a much higher level, thanks!

[@UAPReportingCenter]

Probably my favorite movie ever. One of the greatest. So real and visceral and this captures it perfectly.

[@stephenszklarski5446]

Still a high selling classic movie title

[@chrisdeignan435]

I taught this film for several years to high school seniors in an English class involving films and criticism. I really enjoy this essay but I still think of this film as a meditation on the life, thoughts and motivations of Jesus of Nazareth. Life is all so frustrating when we really face it.

[@AdDeRidder]

I am not Christian, but that's a strange comparison to me (apart from the striking pose of Luke as the crucified after eating the eggs). Christ lived outside the system and was persecuted and killed by the authorities, but he was never free, rarely rebellious. He taught obedience to god and where possible to the government. In contrast, what Luke did, he did for himself in his struggle to remain his own free man. In every situation, he saw that he had a choice and often took it, just to show that he had the choice. Luke's suffering was for his own redemption, not that of others. Christ endured similar torture but the point of his persecution was to save others (so the story goes). Both are admirable, but they are anti-hero and hero, I think. What similarities did you see that I missed, @Chris Deignan ?

[@curtisslindsey301]

Very well done! Thoughtful and insightful commentary.

[@mancestark6527]

Randomly saw this video today. Didn’t realize how amazing it would be. Thank you for your thoughts and your words.