Amazon.com essential video: Based on a Larry McMurtry novel, this Martin Ritt film was a testament to the sex appeal of the young Paul Newman. Playing the title character--a total rotter who, by the end of the film, has double-crossed or screwed over everyone he knows, including his hard-working father and brother--Newman turns him into an intriguing antihero. Things are tough on the ranch and Hud's dad (Melvyn Douglas) needs help, but Hud is too busy looking out for number one, even as things fall apart. And guess who's going to land on his feet? Beautiful black-and-white cinematography by James Wong Howe won an Oscar, as did performances by Douglas and Patricia Neal. --Marshall Fine
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Hud
This is one of Newmans best, because he plays a completely dispicable
person with no redeeming qualities. He has no scruples and no character.
It is a great departure for Newman and he does a Great job.
Rating: - One of the most fascinating character studies of all time...
Quite possibly one of my all time favorite movies ever, `Hud' is an extraordinary example of how subtlety can be so overwhelmingly powerful. Using the swagger of its stars, `Hud' immortalizes itself as one of the strongest character studies I've ever had the pleasure of watching. Sadly, all too many individuals don't see `Hud' for what it was intended to be. They view Hud Bannon as a sort of anti-hero; a villain to be adored and or idolized when in reality he is a despicable and selfish human being not worth our adoration. We watch the film waiting for the good in Hud to shine through, but ... Read More
Rating: - "It don't take long to kill things; not like it does to grow."
The movie opens with scenes of endless barren Texas flatland, and a dusty small town caught in the middle of it like a spot on a napkin. Open spaces characterize the film, which takes place on a ranch surrounded by lonesome roads. It feels like open space; a breath of fresh air from the wishy-washy, politically correct, happy-ending Hollywood films of today.
Based on Larry McMurtry's novel "Horseman, Pass By," "Hud" is a gruff, manly meditation on life and death, loneliness, and moving on. An old cattle rancher's hopes are shot to death, and his few relatives are left to carry on his ... Read More
Rating: - You're a sociopath, Hud
"Hud" is one of Newman's greatest movies but, interestingly, I find his father, the old man, more compelling. Hud, as his old father notes, has his share of charm and even guts but he has no soul. He doesn't care. He doesn't care about people and lives only for himself. He uses others, especially women, but ultimately he is his own worst enemy and his reward is a emptiness.
Initially, Lonnie, his 17 y.o. nephew admires him and wants to be Hud's kind of man. Gradually, perhaps inevitably, the nephew learns all too much about Hud both from his grandfather and Hud's own selfish and ... Read More
Rating: - "Horseman, Pass By"
This movie stands in a class reserved for the best of best in western theme films. Based on the book by Larry McMurtry, "Horseman, Pass By", it also features a very credible performance by Brandon DeWilde as Lonnie, grown up from the little boy he once portrayed in another legend, the unforgettable "Shane" which was filmed about 10 years before. Lonnie worships Hud, who is his father's brother, and the realization that this man of his own blood is not of good character, is a concept too deep for him to grasp until the final turn of events mature him past his youth in the course of one day . The ... Read More
