Above all else, Paul Newman's Luke Jackson is an incredibly likeable fellow who is rarely without a smile on his face. It is the central tragedy of Cool Hand Luke that its titular character pays the ultimate price for what starts out as a harmless prank, vandalising some parking meters that are easily replaced. Luke proves himself to be a leader who the other prisoners look up, though he does it without compromising his loveable personality or without resorting to brutality. But is Newmans character more than just a cool guy wed love to share a few beers with? The answer is a resounding yes the religious symbolism surrounding Luke is at times extremely apparent and he is certainly one of cinemas great Christ-figures. After getting himself through the notorious challenge of eating fifty hard-boiled eggs, Luke is depicted lay drained on a table with his arms spread out in an obvious crucifix position. An even more glaring visual motif is used for the final frame of the film as we are shown a road junction clearly in the shape of a cross with a photograph of Luke superimposed over it; an image which comes shortly after Lukes tragic death. The demise of the films hero is brought about by Dragline who betray him to the authorities; in this regard he may be understood as being the Judas to Lukes Jesus.