Review of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) by Patrick D — 01 Feb 2013

This was even better then the book which I also loved. This is definitely Jack Nicholson's best performance. Such a remarkable movie, and there is truly nothing like it. That is why I gave it a rare 5/5. It is one of the few films that I have given a 5/5. It is so fantastic. I can see how this would have inspired other films such as "Awakenings," "Shutter Island," "Shawshank Redemption," and even "The Green Mile.".

The entire power struggle between McMurphy, and Nurse Ratchet was intense at times, and there were moments that you felt really good, then you would feel really bad. You were always rooting for McMurphy, because he came across as a guy who may have been bad at first, but then like a guy who you would love, and worship almost. You can see how all of the other patients looked up to him, and worshiped him at times. The most amazing scene in the movie is when he pretends to be watching a baseball game to prove to the nurse, that you can't bring us down.

There were a lot of remarkable scenes in this where it was a combination of the acting, what was going on, and the setting that made it so amazing. Another one is the scene when he try's to get out so he can go to the bar to see the baseball game, and he try's to lift the fountain, and at first everybody thinks he's crazy, but then they get really serious when they see how hard he is trying. Also the first meeting when he suggests that they should watch the game. When Nurse Ratchet says that they will change the schedule if there is a majority vote. Then nobody votes because they are all scared of her. The scene when the chief talks for the first time is such a great scene. When he hands him the stick of gum, and then he says "Thank you," so McMurphy gives him another piece to see if he will talk again then he does. Just another fantastic scene in this remarkable film. So many memorable scenes.

Now Nurse Ratchet you really hate her, as you are supposed to. Louise Fletcher played her role so perfectly, and the fact that you hate her more and more as the film goes along shows how convincing she is. She doesn't really have any personality. She is just an evil control freak, who treats her patients like children. Jack Nicholson did play himself a little bit at times, but did take on this really likeable character, who you love by the end of the film.

This film also had a lot of actors who went on to have great careers after this. Brad Dourif's performance as Billy Babbit was so good, and when you look at his filmography what a career his performance in this film sparked. Danny De Vito, though I will remembe as the Penguin in "Batman Returns (1992)," this did jump start his career if you ask me. This film just had such a major effect on the film industry. The word remarkable is what I use to describe the movie most of the time, for all of the reasons I discussed earlier.