The above video essay is a great look at the 1967 prison drama Cool Hand Luke through the lens of stoicism, the philosophical school of thought that originated in ancient Greece and later developed in ancient Rome.
It’s a great take on the film and what can be learned through this tale set in the Deep South during the 1960s.
The video The Stoicism of Cool Hand Luke is broken up into several chapters bookended by stoic phases such as:
Amore Fati
[Love your fate]
‘Not merely to bear what is necessary—but to love it.’
Sympatheia
[Fellow feeling]
‘We are made for each other.’
Quod obstat viae fit via
[The obstacle is the way]
‘The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.’
You can watch the 23-minute video essay by clicking the play button at the left of the feature image above. The video is age restricted, so you’ll need to click on it again once it pops up where it says ‘Watch on YouTube’ (apols!).
The film’s protagonist, Lucas ‘Luke’ Jackson (played by Paul Newman) is a man who follows his own code. He is headstrong and resilient. He practices self-sacrifice and selflessness. Often his suffering is for the well-being of others.
Luke is a war veteran sentenced to a chain gang after a drunken night of vandalism (he cut the heads of some parking meters). Despite the harsh conditions and the relentless discipline imposed by the prison system, Luke refuses to conform, and he becomes a source of inspiration and admiration for his fellow inmates, who see in him the embodiment of freedom and individuality.
Cool Hand Luke also offers commentary on societal norms and the struggle for individual identity. It exposes the oppressive nature of institutions and the dehumanization that can occur within them.
Luke’s refusal to be broken by the system and his unyielding spirit make him a symbol of resistance and hope.
The film’s supporting cast, including George Kennedy as Dragline, Jo Van Fleet as Luke’s dying mother, and Strother Martin as the sadistic prison captain, enhance the story with their performances.
Cool Hand Luke received critical acclaim upon its release and garnered several awards and nominations. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards in 1968, including Best Actor for Newman, Best Supporting Actor for Kennedy (who won the award), Best Adapted Screenplay for Donn Pearce and Frank Pierson, and Best Original Music Score for Lalo Schifrin.
In addition to the Academy Awards, Cool Hand Luke was also nominated for two Golden Globe Awards. Newman was nominated for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, and the film itself was nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama.
What is Stoicism?
Stoicism offers a set of principles and practices aimed at achieving inner peace, resilience, and virtue. Stoicism places emphasis on personal ethics, self-control, and the acceptance of circumstances beyond our control.
At the core of Stoicism is the belief that the path to happiness and tranquility lies in living in accordance with nature and reason. Stoics emphasize the importance of focusing on what is within our control, namely our thoughts, attitudes, and actions, rather than being consumed by external events or outcomes.
Central to Stoicism is the concept of “dichotomy of control,” which divides things into two categories: things that are within our control and things that are not. According to Stoic teachings, our thoughts, values, and choices are within our control, while external factors such as wealth, fame, and the actions of others are beyond our control. By focusing on what is within our sphere of influence and accepting what is not, Stoicism advocates finding peace of mind and living virtuously despite life’s challenges.
Stoicism encourages individuals to cultivate virtues such as wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. It promotes the idea that virtue is the highest good and that living in accordance with virtuous principles leads to a meaningful and fulfilling life.
The Stoic philosophy also emphasizes the practice of negative visualization, which involves contemplating potential misfortunes or losses to develop resilience and gratitude for what one has in the present moment. By mentally preparing for adversity, Stoics aim to reduce suffering and maintain equanimity in the face of life’s ups and downs.
Notable Stoic philosophers include Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism, as well as Epictetus, Seneca the Younger, and the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, whose writings, known as Meditations, have had a profound influence on Stoic philosophy.