Film: One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest
Director: Miloš Forman
Country: Czech Republic / USA
Released: November 1975
Runtime: 135 minutes
Genre: Drama
Studio: Fantasy Films / United Artists
Influenced: Darren Aronofsky, David Fincher, Spike Jonze, Lynne Ramsay, Danny Boyle
Adapted from the 1962 novel of the same name by Ken Kesey, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is set in an Oregon psychiatric hospital and is a powerful portrayal of the oppressive mental health system in the United States. Randle McMurphy (Jack Nicholson), a charismatic and rebellious criminal, feigns mental illness to avoid hard labour in prison and instead ends up in the mental institution. Upon his arrival, he encounters a rigid and tyrannical nurse named Mildred Ratched (Louise Fletcher), who maintains complete control over the patients residing on the ward. Nicholson and Fletcher are part of an impressive cast, including future stars Danny DeVito, Christopher Lloyd and Brad Dourif, as well as the wonderful William Sampson Jr as Chief.
Kirk Douglas was the catalyst for turning the novel into a film, acquiring the rights in 1963, and then initially adapting it as a Broadway play. Along with his son Michael, Kirk became a co-producer of the film and a long-time champion of the project, including persuading the renowned Czech director Miloš Forman to take the helm. Forman skilfully captured the essence of the novel, striking a delicate balance between the serious and the comedic, allowing the film to explore profound themes while maintaining moments of levity. Forman adopted a collaborative approach with the cast, creating an atmosphere of trust and creativity that helped shape the unforgettable performances and brought the characters to life.
McMurphy's arrival disrupts the monotonous and oppressive routine of the ward. He inspires the other patients to challenge the authority of Nurse Ratched, encouraging them to embrace their individuality and find their own voices. McMurphy convinces the hospital's staff to take the patients on a fishing trip, providing a temporary escape from the oppressive environment. Also, in group therapy sessions, McMurphy challenges the patients to express themselves, fostering a sense of community and solidarity among them. This leads to emotional breakthroughs and daring acts, including a secret party on the ward, when they smuggle in alcohol and two women. The wild festivities climax in a confrontation between McMurphy and Nurse Ratched, which leads to a devastating finale.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest was groundbreaking in its realistic depiction of mental illness and its portrayal of the profound impact of institutionalisation. Forman's use of subjective camera shots, particularly from the perspective of Chief Bromden, was another innovation, provided an immersive cinematic experience and allowing viewers to perceive the oppressive atmosphere faced by the patients firsthand. The film received instant critical acclaim upon release and was a major commercial success, winning five Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Jack Nicholson), Best Actress (Louise Fletcher) and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film played a significant role in advocating for improved conditions and treatment for individuals with mental illness and has influenced and inspired so much TV and film, including a sinister Nurse Ratched spin-off on Netflix.
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