In the film “Cool Hand Luke,” directed by Stuart Rosenberg, a man reaches a low point in life and cuts the tops off of parking meters while intoxicated. He is sent to a chain gang prison and is sentenced for two years. It is here where Luke, the main character, along with the other inmates experience events that alter their views on life. Luke's character develops throughout the story from carefree and energetic to hopeless, yet fulfilled. The strange aura that Luke has change normal chain gang prison events into unique and uplifting moments.
Luke’s crime and reaction to getting arrested both show Luke's attitude towards life, which is summed up in a quote by Luke while speaking to his mother, saying “Arletta, I tried. I mean, to live always free and above board like you. And, I don't know. I just can't seem to find no elbow room.” His character in the beginning seems to have given up on following the rules and has developed a very carefree outlook, taking every experience as an opportunity to live and learn. He doesn’t seem to care that he is in this prison and is actually in a very good mood for the first week or two.
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Over time through a course of events, Dragline begins to like Luke, and eventually attempts to be very close to Luke. Dragline gets Luke to open up and be himself, while Luke goes on to put inspiration in the other inmates. In one scene, Luke is in a rush to complete the work they’re assigned. After being ridiculed, Luke challenges them to a race to finish. They all begin to work their hardest and finish the job with two hours left to spare. Luke's ability to motivate and move others is astounding. His carefree and positive attitude become his main personality traits, and he doesn’t seem as hopeless as he was in the beginning of the