Review of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) by Robert I — 20 Jan 2013

"Medication time ... medication time.".

We watch as "Mac" is moved from prison to a mental hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. From the offset he appears to be a square peg in a round hole ... or perhaps a Cuckoo if you will (famous for dropping their eggs into the nest of another bird). The movie is funny, dramatic, irritating, inspirational and sad. It gets me every time. The soundtrack is brilliant and the acting is top draw. For me the water fountain is symbolic of the whole movie. Mac has an idea, but is not strong enough to complete it. But as he says;.

"At least I tried damn-it, at least I did that".

Ironically the only man who is strong enough to carry out the task is only mentally strong enough to do so because of the incapable McMurphy.

If you haven't seen One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest yet I urge you to do so. It is an excellent film that has stood the test of time. After nearly 40 years it is still as good today as it was in 1975. It still has as great an impact as ever and I would regard it as a classic.

Lets put it into perspective. The 1970's are considered to be one of, if not the greatest decade for quality film-making. Cuckoo is one of, if not the greatest film of the 70's. Jack Nicholson is noted for being one of, if not the greatest actor alive or dead. His role as R. P. McMurphy is without shadow of a doubt one of the highlights of his career, possibly even a career best.

Having said that it is not a one man show. There are many notable performances and many largely unknown actors stepped into the spotlight on the back of this film; Michael Berryman (The Hills Have Eyes), Danny DeVito (er... Twins ... Junior .... Batman Returns), Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future), Vincent Schiavelli (Man on the Moon) and Brad Dourif (Lord of the Rings) to name but a few.

It was the first movie to claim all 5 of the big Oscars since It Happened One Night. Director (Milos Forman - the Czech who was unknown outside Europe), Producer (Michael Douglas - TV actor with a famous Dad), Actor (Jack Nicholson), Actress (Louise Fletcher - in the role of Nurse Ratched. A role turned down by ever "name" actress is Hollywood) and best film.

From any angle, whether you see the take on middle America or not (that they will shut you up and force you to conform one way or another), whether you like Jack Nicholson or not, whether you have read the book or not this movie is up there with the very, very best. I love it!

After thought.

I wonder, is Nurse Ratched was called Nurse Ratched because it sounds a bit like ratchet? Ratchet being a tool used to tighten or loosen nuts. Depending which way you turn it.