Hud
Seven Oscar nominations were the result as celebrated director Martin Ritt (The Front, Sounder, Norma Rae) guided Paul Newman to an Academy Award-nominated performance as Hud Bannon, the rebellious son of a respectable rancher who's continually at odds with his aging father. Patricia Neal (The Fountainhead, Breakfast at Tiffany's) and Melvin Douglas (Ninotchka, Being There) co-star, in their Oscar-winning roles.
Member Reviews
A dud. - Damion
Seven Oscar nominations? I cannot begin to understand why this film is so severely over-rated.
With a "story" with no real plot that is boring and pointless almost to the point of utter irritation, "Hud" holds absolutely nothing to speak much about.
As I have become more acquainted with Newman's roles now, I have come to the realization that he pretty much played the exact same character in every single one of his movies...and thus, I am not so sure why he is so respected beyond his good looks.
"Hud?" A dud.Newman at His Best - MovieProf
“Hud” is not an easy film to sit through: alcoholism, abuse (both verbal and physical), and depression dominate the action. However, Paul Newman is brilliant, which makes viewing a lot easier.
Newman plays Hud Bannon, a tough, irresponsible son of cattle rancher Homer Bannon (Melvyn Douglas). Homer is the opposite of Hud: hardworking, honest, respected. As a rancher, he loves both his livestock and the land upon which they dwell. Hud sees other potential in the land: oil. The friction between the two has been going on long before the film begins, and never truly finds a resolution. We sense that Homer holds a grudge against his son, and as time goes on, we learn exactly what that grudge entails. As for Hud, he sees to dislike anyone and everyone around him. Even the family housekeeper Alma (Patricia Neal) feels his resentment; unfortunately, she also witnesses his misguided passion when he attempts to sexually abuse her in one rather difficult scene to watch.
All in all, I this film isn’t anything out of the ordinary: there aren’t any surprising plot turns, battles (it is a modern Western, after all), or romances. There are, however, some powerful acting performances here, led by Newman, who is at his best in this film. For that reason, “Hud” is worth seeing.Hud - djfunkybob
This is an acting masterpiece from one of the final movies from the golden age of film. The movie is in black and white, has basic sets, and the only special effects are the actors’ raw emotion. Generations clash when Hud’s high-principled father struggles to hold on to his ranching business and Hud pushes modernization. Newman is absolutely perfect in his Oscar-nominated role as the complex Hud – charming and smart, but incredibly despicable, cutthroat and weak. Hud is haunted by dark secrets, consumed with grief, and has turned to the bottle for comfort. As soon as you start to feel sorry for the man, his weaknesses win over and all compassion is gone. Neal and Douglas were both deserving of their Oscar wins. Neal plays the wise, strong and sexy Southern housekeeper who garners Hud and Lonnie’s affection. Douglas made you feel his heart break in the scene where he says goodbye to some old longhorns.
Member Reviews
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A dud. - Damion
Seven Oscar nominations? I cannot begin to understand why this film is so severely over-rated.
With a "story" with no real plot that is boring and pointless almost to the point of utter irritation, "Hud" holds absolutely nothing to speak much about.
As ...Newman at His Best - MovieProf
“Hud” is not an easy film to sit through: alcoholism, abuse (both verbal and physical), and depression dominate the action. However, Paul Newman is brilliant, which makes viewing a lot easier.
Newman plays Hud Bannon, a tough, irresponsible son of ...Hud - djfunkybob
This is an acting masterpiece from one of the final movies from the golden age of film. The movie is in black and white, has basic sets, and the only special effects are the actors’ raw emotion. Generations clash when Hud’s high-principled father struggles ...