I watched Cool Hand Luke (1967) after it was recommended to me as a dissident film.

The film does contain some dissident elements - Paul Newman is anti-establishment, he follows his inspiration even if it goes against society’s dictates - but it’s not really a dissident film, it’s more of an anarchist film. This is because Newman’s character basically just doesn’t like being told what to do; he doesn’t balance that instinct against his intellect or rationality. He gets sent to prison for two years because he sawed off parking meter heads while drunk (to settle some unmentioned score), then instead of following the rules and doing his time to get out he runs (each run adds multiple years to his sentence) - but what is the point of it? I understand man’s desire to be free, but for what purpose? Newman’s character states at one point that he never planned anything in his life. Following blind instinct isn’t enough, it needs to be balanced and blended with one’s thoughts, feelings, and senses, or it feels like a waste.

The film itself, like many older films, is paced too slow for frenetic modern audiences. Paul Newman has a great presence, and what a winning, charming smile. George Kennedy also did a great job in his role as Dragline. The film is known for it’s line “What we've got here is failure to communicate” which is a great line.

I’d give it a 7/10.