Wednesday's Classic Trailers rolls on with one of Paul Newman's finest performances and one hell of a film, Hud (1963). Directed by Martin Ritt, the film is based off a Larry McMurtry novel "Horseman, Pass By" and is a great piece of cinema, delving into a changing America in the mid 60s. The film takes place in a West Texas town and Paul Newman plays Hud Bannon, a stubborn, undisciplined man, who fights against his principled, well-mannered father, Homer (Melvyn Douglas). Hud is a figure of a man that is more interested beer drinking and woman chasing than following in his father's footsteps. He is alienated, but is a symbol of man breaking away from any traditional forms of normalcy or conformity. The law is interpreted in Hud's own way and people should fit into his view of life. Caught in the mix is his young nephew Lonnie (Brandon DeWilde), trying to grow up too fast in this small Texas town and fighting between the ways of his Uncle and Grandfather. Also, there is the housekeeper and cook Alma Brown (Patricia Neal), who gets caught up in Hud's reckless path.
Newman is at his all-time best. Brooding, arrogant and in complete control. The power in his eyes and delivery is the stuff only a truly gifted, fantastic actor can present. This is the stuff that acting classes should always teach. Absolutely some of the best acting that has ever been put on film! The film also has absolutely breathtaking, wide angle, crisp black-and-white cinematography from legendary lenser James Wong Howe. The Texas landscapes and loneliness of the ranch and the small town are mesmerizing to view. I want this film BluRay so bad to see his cinematography in glorious clarity and preciseness. Hud won three Oscars, Supporting Actor for Douglas, Lead Actress for Neal and Cinematography for Howe. Newman was nominated for Best Actor, Ritt for Best Director and the film was nominated for Best Picture. The film is a treasure and an immensely satisfying look into the changing times in America and the power of one of the greatest actors in the history of film. Here is the trailer. Enjoy.
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