Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Cool Hand Luke (1967, dir: Stuart Rosenburg)
Let's examine the famous "50 Egg" scene.
First, try to decipher the subtext of this scene: it's obviously not a statement on poultry or competitive eating, so what's really happening here?
Next, determine the most important moments in the scene, and deconstruct how the camera placement, focal length, camera angle and editing support the subtext.
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It would appear in this scene Luke is trying to make a statement to the rest of the men in his prison unit that he cannot be conquered. No matter what the challenge is hes cool calm and collected and can handle even the most outrageous bet. This in turn persuades the man to see him as the toughest man there. In rough time frame of 5:30-5:40 the camera angle and movement leads us to believe that he will end up regurgitating he eggs and lose the challenge, but Cool Hand Luke being only himself perseveres and earns more admiration from his peers. Also when he is laying down and being force fed the eggs the close up shots of his face followed by his peers faces really displays the intensity of the whole situation albeit only an egg eating contest, this is simply a test of his will power.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion this scene is about camaraderie. You have fifty men who are from all walks of life and they are locked up together. Luke offers them a way to bond. Everyone agrees no one can eat 50 eggs. To Luke 50 was just a nice round number. It is about circumstances. You can take it one step further Luke was not a quitter. You can see the determination on his face even when he is down for the count.
ReplyDeleteWhen he is training and eats the food as fast as he can 2:49. Luke is sitting on the bed suffering and he belches the smile of confidence. The famous smile that they talk about at the end of the movie. The look of determination nothing is going to hold him down or make him quit. The dialouge between George Kennedy's character and Paul Newman's "Luke" would also make you think that they had this planned to get the money of the other inmates. At approximately 6:10 in the scene where they are testing his stomach and it was like a ripe watermelon and they are asking for more bets. One of the characters states "every cent in the camp is already riding". The close ups of the other inmates shows the intensity of the challenge. It has never been done. The close up of the watch will it be done. The close up of the young Gene Hackman looking intently upon the character of Luke. Everyone had hopes and dreams and they are locked up away from society and here is something tangible they can work towards.
The subtext of this scene examines the will and perseverance that Luke portrays. The challenge of eating 50 eggs creates a chance to unify and uplift the other inmates. Luke chooses the number 50 because it seems like an impossible feat, yet when he accomplishes this task, a sense of camaraderie. Despite the shots focusing on Luke's inflated stomach, his inmates encourage him so that they can feel a sense of pride as well. The close up shots of Luke's face during his final eggs show a desperate and barely conscious man. Overall, once Luke wins the bet, he unites his fellows.
ReplyDeleteAnother subtextual perspective explores the calmness and collectiveness of Luke. For example, Luke's choice of 50 rather than 35 eggs shows his lightheartedness. When Luke becomes bloated and heads over to the sink, failure seems to be unavoidable. Somehow, Luke walks back to the table with a smile on his face and a look of determination. After Luke has eaten the full amount of eggs, he lays down on the table. The camera looks down on Luke who looks content and calm as ever. Right before the scene closes, a close up of Lukes face reveals a smile that symbolizes his coolness even after a demanding trial.
ReplyDeleteSimply, the men are all gathering together to prove their manliness and to sort of initiate themselves into this group of men. And in a way this togetherness and competition is fun for them. Luke's decision to actually eat all of the eggs is the most important moment in the scene and we see it play out with close ups of him popping the eggs into his mouth while it cuts away to the spectators and judges. It is also important to that Luke did prove himself.
ReplyDeleteI think that the message here is not to the other inmates, but instead to the guards. By gaining the support of all of the other men he is considered more of a threat and is later made an example of. The subtext is basically that he is not going to let the man keep him down. He can do anything he wants, including the seemingly impossible (eating 50 eggs.) He is not going to give up no matter what the feat, which is shown first with the eggs and second with his numerous attempts to escape. The subtext of the shots and perspectives show the audience how hard of a time he is actually having, but persisting through it regardless. Then finally ending the scene with Luke sprawled out on the table with that smug smile, shows he accomplished this giving him good standing with the inmates and giving him leader status, and the setting up more of the story of Luke vs. the guards.
ReplyDeleteI think this scene is about Luke giving the men something to look forward to. It is giving them something to do while they're locked up in the jail. Everyday they do the same thing and the same routine gets dull after awhile. I guess you could say Luke is breaking away from the norm while showing he's not one to be messed with. Halfway through he goes over to the sink and makes it seem like hes going to give up, causing the men to bet even more money. It kind of seemed like he was just messing with the other guys to make it seem like he was going to throw up to cause controversy. The subtext of the shots show the intensity of the moment to everyone in the jail. The camera was placed to show how difficult it was. Its focusing on Luke's face to show the difficulty then zooms out to show the guys reactions to his pain.
ReplyDeleteI think that this scene portrays a substantial climax in the film, and that is the element of brotherhood that is shown. Through various elements, such as the dialogue between Luke and Dragline, the competition that only a group of men can create, and then the very cool Luke earning the respect of his inmates, performing what may seem like a mundane task, but something that they deemed impossible, that is until Luke showed up.
ReplyDeleteThe score of this particular scene really makes it something special. The fast paced score, accompanied with the numerous cuts between Luke and the onlooking inmates create a dramatic scene, and the feeling that there is more going on here than an eating contest. The emphasis on Luke' stomach, and the up close facials really show the bodily and physical stress and toll this is taking on him, yet he displays ultimate perseverance, and it becomes less about the money, and more about giving the inmates something to believe in... can he really do this. By the end of the scene, even those who bet against him, were all pulling for Luke.
ReplyDeleteThe scene really stands out to me in a way that what is trying to be said is that Luke can handle any challenge and succeed. Also what was trying to be said is that they all pulled together instead of fighting each other and Luke was able to pull it off. The short shots and the close ups on people made the scene into an intense moment. It made me feel like I had to yell at Luke myself and pulling for him to eat the eggs. Luke finds a way for the men to bond and pulls off the unthinkable.
ReplyDeleteI think this secene is meant to express the strong and unbridled will of Luke, who is doing a task which is esentialy meaningless but difficult, but still does it. Luke doing this feat also gives motivation for the admiration of him by the other inmates and gaurds. While Luke is placed against all odds, he still comes out victorious, and lives up to his name, Cool Hand Luke.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the opinions of others I agree with the main theme, that this was a fellowship of the inmates. I was considering this scene in relationship to the entire movie. Luke is going to eat those eggs come hell or high water, kill him if it will. It was they same theme through out the movie. When Luke was boxing George Kennedy's character with every one telling him to stay down, he didn't he kept getting back up. At the beginning of the moving when he was removing the head off the parking meters that was a lot of work. Not only did he take off one he was taking off all the heads given time before he was arrested he might have accomplished it.
ReplyDeleteAll these scenes and especially the egg eating scene just shows his grit and determination. He wasn't a quitter. The eggs would have to kill him before he gave up just as the guards had to do at the end.
The scene uses a lot of cut shots and quickly panning camera shots, which is strange for a movie this old, but I think it helps build the comic aspect of the scene as well as the tension. This scene uses a lot of interesting camera techniques, it seems the director had a lot of fun with this one.
ReplyDeleteIt's difficult to judge for me whether or not Luke stirred up this commotion because he was simply bored, or because he was trying to prove a point about his ability to handle daunting tasks with a smooth ease about himself. When he simply shrugs off the question about why he said he could eat 50 eggs, he says something like "Yeah, well, it'd be somethin' to do." This makes me think that he's doing it just because he's bored, but he also has a smirk on his face that makes me think there may be another reason behind his antics.
ReplyDeleteIt also seems like Luke may have devised this plan to get some money. While the eating contest is going on, Luke seems sure to act extra dramatic and really draw out the whole process. When he looks like he isn't able to eat any more eggs, some contenders place bets against him because they are sure he won't be able to finish. After Luke sees this, he smiles, and then continues on eating.
I agree with Keaton on the fact that the camera shots help build a comic and tense aspect. Showing his stomach being bloated made it seem like he was uncomfortable and unable to finish the task which led to the intensity of reactions between the other men. The cuts the director uses keeps you on edge to make you feel how the other men felt. Luke wanted acceptance from the other inmates and by keeping his cool and eating those 50 eggs he was able to do so, smiling at the end. This scene brings the all the men together and helps explain the relationship between the inmates throughout the rest of the movie.
ReplyDeleteI think Tracy has an interesting point with the recurring theme of Luke having trouble giving up in situation where the odds are pitted against him. I had forgotten about the boxing scene between Luke and Dragline, but Luke certainly was losing that battle, and refused to admit it. Luckily the egg situation worked out a little better for Luke.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone who has stated that the camera placements and angles that make up this scene, all add together to make sort of a suspense scene with a touch of action. The close ups of Luke painstakingly eating the last few eggs helps get the element of suspense across to the audience.
The scene is about Luke's perseverance and how he will never give up. This scene leads into Luke escaping from the prison and was used to show the audience that he will never give up at eating eggs or escaping either. The director also shows how Luke is lighthearted in this scene. Luke picking 50 eggs because it was just a "good even number" shows the audience his character. In my opinion the most important moment in the scene is when Luke goes to the sink and all the inmates talk of how he is not going to finish. The camera goes from XCU to showing how swollen his stomach is to the discomfort look on his face but to everyones suprise he just gets a drink of water.
ReplyDeleteAgreeing with Keaton earlier that the scene was just the strong and unbridled will of Luke. It gave him respect from the guards and inmates showing that he can handle any challenge. He keeps his cool and honor and thats why he is cool hand luke.
ReplyDeleteI disagree that he is doing this for the inmates. I think he is doing more as a statement to the guards that they can't keep him down. He's gonna do whatever he wants no matter how difficult ex. boxing, eggs, escape, etc.
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, I almost feel as if Luke is doing this whole bet to just amuse the other inmates. There is an underlying tone of humor throughout this entire scene. There are a number of quick close up shots of other inmates' reactions, saying that its all about their thoughts. Luke tries to not show much emotion to not give away his real motives. Quite literally, he is "egging" them on.
ReplyDeleteOne very interesting little detail I noticed was at the very end of the scene, Luke is shown in the same position as Jesus on the cross. This might have been just a coincidence, but it's very possible that it was like that on purpose. If you think about the Bible story it has some parallels to this situation. People in the Bible were placing bets right in front of him, just like the people betting against Luke's ability. And the attitude of Jesus is very similar to Luke's, just so unresponsive at times and just ready for whatever was to happen. Also the inmates are so drawn in to him eating the eggs even though it physically harms Luke, just like the crucification. Then after he's done, they just walk away and leave him there on the table. Maybe I'm going out on a limb here, but I just noticed some similarities between the two stories and the irony of his position on the table at the end.
ReplyDeleteI feel like all of the inmates are secretly dying to have something to live for. When it's announced that Luke will be attempting to do something impossible they all jump on the chance to get money out of someone's stupid mistake, but Luke's confidence is also intriguing. True, they want their money back. But when they see the possibility of victory in the last couple seconds they feel excited that a common man had the power to do it.
ReplyDeleteAt the end of the scene, Luke has not only proved himself worthy, but he has proved to the others that the power lies within. They should not be afraid to believe in themselves in unbelievable situations. The shots where the inmates' faces are close up shows their amazement and subsequent confidence in themselves as well. Their anticipation culminates in silence. At once all sound is muted and the crowd leaves an alone Luke. His position mimics that of Jesus Christ. He has saved their inner drive to be something better than what is expected. They have been bound to society's labels, but now they know it is possible to break free even behind bars.
ReplyDeleteIn this scene i believe that Luke has put on this entire challenge for multiple reasons. First i beleieve it was a way for him to gain some more respect among his fellow prisoners. His bxing match proved that he would not back down, so when he is set up with another seemingly impossible challenge the thought his persistance is seen once again. Also I beleive this challenge was made for some entertainment inside his prison. Everyone there is fully focused on him trying to eat these and it provides a way for them a way to escape the monotony of everyday prison life. The money made is obviously not the best victory Luke has gained.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the previous comments on what is actually going on here. In this scene, Luke is really 'proving himself' to the other inmates, and at the same time, bonding with them. He is exhibiting to them his determination, and earning their respect by doing so.
ReplyDeleteAs has also been mentioned, Luke's position on the table is just like that of Jesus on the cross. This is probably among the most important shots in the scene, and might actually be seen as a kind of foreshadowing of Luke's eventual fate. The camera placement here (showing us this full body shot of Luke in that same position Jesus is often depicted in) strongly seems to suggest this.
I beleive one of the most important scenes happens hafter Luke is fed his twenty-sxth egg.He walks up to the bar and pulls himself up and down. The camera moves down as he goes up and up as he goes down. The whole time this happens the camera shows the prisoners all crowded in trying to get a good look at Luke. This shows the extreme interest and entertainment that has filled the prison since Luke first started the challenge.
ReplyDeleteLuke is a mover and a shaker and is out to prove himself to the other inmates. I believe this (wanting to prove himself) changes, however, after a while. Toward the end of the clip, one inmate piped in, "I think you got it all, every cent in camp is riding", and shortly after this, Luke chuckles. I believe Luke KNEW he was going to finish eating fifty eggs and was being somewhat cocky. The quick panning back and forth during the egg feeding portion adds suspense to the clip. One particular strategic camera placement I noticed was during the portion where Luke walked to the sink to get a drink of water. It was almost as if the cameraman wanted to show Luke in his own light, conquering everything while everyone else watches. This was the case in many parts of the movie (the hole digging, the car hijacking, etc).
ReplyDeleteAlso, I kind of see what the others were talking about when they spoke of the placement of Jesus. I think that is reading into a little much, but it could be a possibility. I don't think trying to be a god or trying to become someone big and important was Luke's intention. I just believe he wanted to prove himself and gain the respect of the others; rise to their level.
ReplyDeleteI think a bunch of the comments posted already are pretty interesting, but I think the first one on the page really hit the nail on the head for why Luke ate the 50 eggs. I think it all has to do with Luke's position with the other inmates. On the outside Luke is the cool guy, the one that everyone innately would "like to like". But in an environment like the prison in the movie, it's all about positioning. One has to step up to challenges if they want to come out on top, even if that challenge is... well.. eating 50 eggs.
ReplyDeleteThe camera shots are very tight in this portion of the film, and there is a very narrow depth of field. Close up's of inmates faces as well as higher and lower group shots help to create the feeling of close quarters and bring a sort of tension to the section. Everyone is huddled around, fighting to see what will happen and who will come out richer than an hour ago. The camera often quickly zooms in and out on peoples faces also helping to reinforce the tension and suspense to keep you asking, "Will Luke finish the eggs on time?"
ReplyDeleteLuke wants everyone to know he will not back down so easily. He takes a lot throughout the move, but will not five in, as this scene shows. At one point it didn't look promising for Luke, but in the end, he wins. Not only does this scene show his triumph for eating 50 eggs, it shows what Luke is made of.
ReplyDeleteThe camera pans in and uses a lot of cut shots as mentioned in previous posts. It builds up an intensity for the viewer and makes you want to keep watching to see if he can pull off this challenge. It builds and builds in the minds, and when you thought he was finished, he comes back does it!
Luke is trying to prove himself as a man to his fellow inmates. I agree with Ryan Brazell and Phi Tubbs Luke is a quote "mover and a shaker", and to gain comrades and station in his situation eating fifty eggs seemed the way to go. Everyone is gambling on him and betting money which forms a odd little bond. By participating in this bet/game he is earning respect. I do believe that this whole activity gave all of the inmates something to be entertained by, to lighten the mood and give a little hope for a happier tomorrow. For instance, when everyone is betting in on Luke, everyone is forming a tighter community through bonding and having a little fun betting game.
ReplyDeleteAs for the camera shots and angles, I would have to say an angle that interested me was in the middle of the egg peeling scene the shot would switch from Luke eating eggs to the egg peelers maticulously peeling more eggs. I believe this shows the little bits of stress that this scene embodies. The stress of eatting all of those eggs and the stress of peeling more and more. Also a in depth shot would be when Luke is doing a sort of pull up excercise between eating eggs, and the camera focus switches back and forth from Lukes face chewing eggs and doing pull ups to the crowd of fellow inmates in back of him jeering at him. Lukes body drops in and out of focus but this all shows a significant teeter totter of importance and stress between luke and his crowd. It is important that Luke does not fail in this endevour and it is stressful with the crowd and all those eggs. The focus change really embodies the tension in the scene.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Clark’s statement above about how this scene is not only about Luke’s strong determination and will, but also about making a union of the prisoners. Luke did this bet because he wanted to establish himself as a radical; He would not and never will back down to anything put in front of him. The numerous quick close ups of Luke’s face and those of the other inmates during the egg eating makes the audience anxious and worried if Luke will complete the task in front of him. He creates a union of the inmates because all of them can participate in this bet, no one man is left out. Before Luke there weren’t group activities or an event to look forward to and Luke provided them with their need of a brotherhood. Although I do believe that Luke is showing his determination, I also have to agree with Adam and question whether he did it just because he was bored. The fact that he is so “cool” all the time makes it hard to decipher this. In addition to what Keaton said I agree that the camera techiniques in this movie and ,of course, the dialouge make what seems to be a very depressing life still hard at times but comical and juvenile.
ReplyDeleteI believe what the majority have stated from the first comment on that Luke is trying to be a conquerer and generate an appearance of toughness. Also, though, I beleive Luke has a passion for life and knows not to let it slip by without fun. Some of the greatest moments of life is when one conquers a tough obstacle or task. Luke said "It be something to do" in response to being questioned as to why he said the bet and placed it at "50 eggs." I think this is just a way of making life memorable and creating those great memories for years to come once he breaks free of his containment.
ReplyDeleteThe one shot that really caught my eye was the end of this scene where Luke’s body is positioned just as Jesus Christ’s body was on the cross. I agree with Jenny C about how this scene is very much related to that of the bible. You can’t just ignore the similarities between them, obviously the director did this on purpose.The underlying message I got from this shot was that Luke is the inmate’s God. Luke did things that everyone thought was impossible such as eating 50 eggs and shocked every single person. The inmates all look up to him and admire him for his strong qualities. They hold Luke up on a pedestal as if he really were a force from above.
ReplyDeleteWhen the ending of the contest was near, the camera began to pane close, quickly to the individuals in the croud and then transitions back to Luke. The camera showing just the eyes of the watchers enhances the hyper-tension of the scene. Also, the full straight on position leaves nothing to hide and creates the feeling that we are part of the croud too.
ReplyDeleteThis film shows how Luke simply does not fit in anywhere. He was a war hero, buisnessman and loving son, but he constantly throws it away as soon as he becomes part of something bigger. This is seen as the camera moves in ways that show his personal feelings or pain( like when it spins around as he gets knocked out while boxing)while the plot shows how he constantly puts his own health in the way of proving a point.
ReplyDeleteThe "50 Egg" scene in my opinion gives the viewers more insight as to the character of Luke. We are introduced to him as a dunk disorderly citizen taking the heads off of parking meters for fun. So one would already guess when it comes to a challenge he would be the one to take it to a whole new level.I think what's really happening in this scene is a shift of power. Cool Hand Luke comes into the prison as the "new kid" and of course gets into a fight because of his nonchalant attitude to most that he does. Similar to "cool kid" in grade school, Cool Hand Luke gained popularity with the more insubordinate or off the wall challenges he would take on, like the egg challenge. I think it also takes the light off of his personal failures, and made him feel like the hero he felt he should be.
ReplyDeleteIt is near the ending of the scene that you get to see a range of cuts from Cool Hand Luke who is chewing the final eggs agonizingly slow. Then the film cuts to the anticipating bystanders who anxiously watch to see if this new comer can back up what he says he can do. In the last 50 seconds of the scene the camera cuts from various inmates some shots closer a particular man, which built anticipation for the audience. The camera then cuts to another egg forced into Cool Hand Luke's mouth, as we hear the guard call out the final seconds. A close shot of a wade of collected money another low angle of Cool Hand Luke being fed another egg quickly crosses the scene. At this point everyone is anxious to see if he will succeed and after he does there is a since of accomplishment that spreads throughout the room as they compliment him, even though his is partially passed out on the table. The final seconds are a slow close up of him, eyes closed and grinning. Since no one else until that point had accomplished this goal let alone seen it, Cool Hand Luke in indirectly became the "it" man. Securing a leadership role and shadowing his past failures.
ReplyDeleteI think the subtext of this scene is that Luke never allows himself to be conquered by a situation. Despite being in jail, he doesn't allow it to damper his spirit. The scene was a declaration of his strength, but also of his light-hearted approach towards life. The bet ultimately bonded all the guys and gave them something new to do.
ReplyDeleteThe most important moments of the scene support a unifying experience between the guys. There were two specific shots where Luke was in the center of the shot with all the guys circled around him and watching him intently from behind, symbolizing their support. Close-ups of the onlookers' faces increased the intensity and anticipation of the situation.
I agree with Jenny C and Christie about the crucifix comments. I noticed small similarities between Luke's "sacrifice" and that of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. Luke is representative of that same kind of strength and kindness, but I don't think it was meant to taken completely literally. Overall, I think the shot meant to be clever and funny.
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ReplyDeleteIn response to the suggestions that Luke eating the 50 eggs is somehow symbolic of the crucifixion of Jesus, I completely disagree. I seriously doubt that the filmmaker purposely made that connection. It just seems really random. I mean I get that his body position is similar and I can see how someone can make a connection like that, but it just doesn't make sense as a motive that the filmmaker would make for some reason.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Aiden's comment. Luke is exactly what the title of the movie is, cool. I also agree with Kizer that it shows a softer side to Luke because in the beginning all you see if a crazy drunk.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the subtext of this scene is, in a way, foreshadowing his persistent attempts to escape. There were a few shots where Luke seemed as though he would nevr make it to 50 eggs in the time limit. But just as in the rest of the movie he used this to his advantage. In the 50 egg scene his trainer told him to slow down, in order for more people to bet against him. This can compare to when Luke was digging and filling the hole. He allowed the gaurds to think they "broke" him. In reality it was a perfect set up for his next daring escape in the truck.
ReplyDeleteI also think that Luke instigated this wager simple just to pass time. Unlike the rest of the inmates, Luke didnt seemed satisfied just sitting in jail, another example of this would be when they finished paving the road early. I believe that Luke need something to amuse himself, and this is exactly what that challenge did, along with earning him respect and money.
ReplyDeleteI think this scene makes Luke unexpected and unpredictable. It seems ridiculous, pointless, harmful and stupid to attempt to eat 50 eggs. However, its the challenge set in front of him. It surprised me that his character was pretty quiet. He wasn't out throwing down challenges or stirring up trouble, he simply was trying to get out. You see up close and personal the type of misery he is going through as the camera is close up on his sorely abused stomach. I continually got the impression that Luke didn't care what people thought of him, so it confused me that he'd do something like this. It definitely earned him support from fellow inmates and probably intimidated the guards rooting against him.
ReplyDeleteWhen we watched the film in class, the crucifix actually shot into my mind as well during this scene. I didn't go anywhere with it in my head, but I can see the similarities. I don't think that it was meant to suggest Luke is the Jesus-like, but rather that he achieves a Jesus-like status among the other inmates and makes the guards fear him, even if they have physical power over him. Thanks for bringing that up. Very observant!
ReplyDeleteThis scene wasn't about an eating competition or about gambling. This scene was about Luke and his test to show he couldn't be broken he couldn't been beat. The scene made a statement that Luke could be cool and calm in any situation. This can be shown in the time frame of 5:57 to 6:51 when he taunts his fellow inmates by making them think he is about to give up when just getting a drink of water.
ReplyDeleteThe most important moments in the scene are when Rosenburg focuses on Luke getting the last of the eggs down before time runs out. He gets several fast back-to-back close ups of the inmates and their facial expersions as Luke barely chows at the last few eggs leaving the audience in suspense and hanging on every second as the officer counts the last minute down.
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