Cool Hand Luke Quote Failure To Communicate
Introduction
“What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.” This iconic line from the 1967 movie, Cool Hand Luke, has become a part of popular culture. It is often used to describe situations where people can’t seem to understand each other. But what does it really mean? In this article, we will explore the context of the quote and its significance.
The Movie
Cool Hand Luke is a movie about a man named Luke Jackson, played by Paul Newman, who is sentenced to a chain gang after being arrested for drunkenly vandalizing parking meters. The movie takes place in the 1950s, and Luke is seen as a rebel who refuses to conform to the rules of society.
Throughout the movie, Luke is subjected to harsh treatment by the prison guards, led by Captain, played by Strother Martin. The guards use physical and psychological abuse to try and break Luke’s spirit, but he refuses to give in.
The Scene
The “failure to communicate” line is spoken by Captain after Luke tries to escape from the prison. Luke is caught and brought back to the prison, where Captain delivers a speech to the other prisoners. He says, “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate. Some men you just can’t reach. So you get what we had here last week, which is the way he wants it. Well, he gets it. And I don’t like it any more than you men.”
The meaning behind the line is that Luke and the prison guards have different understandings of the world. They are unable to communicate with each other, and this leads to conflict.
The Significance
The “failure to communicate” quote has become a part of popular culture because it is so relatable. We have all experienced situations where we can’t seem to get our point across or understand someone else’s point of view. It is a reminder that communication is key to resolving conflicts and understanding each other.
The quote also highlights the power dynamics at play in Cool Hand Luke. The guards have all the power, and they use it to suppress the prisoners. Luke is seen as a threat because he refuses to conform, and the guards try to break him down. The “failure to communicate” line is a reflection of this power dynamic.
Conclusion
“What we’ve got here is failure to communicate” is a powerful quote that has become a part of popular culture. It highlights the importance of communication in resolving conflicts and understanding each other. In the context of Cool Hand Luke, it also reflects the power dynamic between the guards and the prisoners. The quote is a reminder that we need to listen to each other and try to understand each other’s perspectives.