"Cool Hand Luke" explores themes of individuality, rebellion, and the struggle against institutional authority. The story follows Luke Jackson, a laid-back man who refuses to conform to the oppressive environment of a Southern chain gang. His defiance and unyielding spirit inspire fellow inmates, but ultimately highlight the futility of resistance against a brutal system. The film emphasizes the human spirit's resilience and the cost of freedom, encapsulated in the iconic line, "What we’ve got here is a failure to communicate."

"Cool Hand Luke" is not based on a true story but is adapted from Donn Pearce's 1965 novel of the same name. The film, released in 1967 and starring Paul Newman, tells the fictional tale of Lucas "Luke" Jackson, a rebellious prisoner in a Southern chain gang. While the character and events are not real, the film reflects themes of individuality, rebellion, and the human spirit under oppressive circumstances, resonating with the social issues of its time.

The famous line from "Cool Hand Luke" is "What we've got here is a failure to communicate." This line, delivered by the character Captain, encapsulates the film's themes of authority, rebellion, and the struggle for individualism. The movie, released in 1967, stars Paul Newman as Luke Jackson, a man who refuses to conform to the oppressive environment of a Southern prison camp. The line has since become iconic, symbolizing broader issues of misunderstanding and conflict in various contexts.

In "Cool Hand Luke," Paul Newman portrayed the character Luke Jackson, but he did not actually play the banjo himself in the film. The banjo music was performed by musician and actor Ralph Stanley, who provided the soundtrack for the iconic scene where Luke plays the instrument. Newman's character is seen strumming the banjo, but the actual playing was done by Stanley, ensuring the authenticity of the musical performance in the film.