One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, directed by Milos Forman and released in 1975, is a film that captures the tension between free will and tyrannical institutional authority. The film is based on Ken Kesey’s novel. The film’s setting is a mental institution, where there is a mixture of insane and willing volunteers who are kept within the facility. The film is creatively put together both in narrative, and also in the acting performances, masterful directing of the film, and creative cinematography. In this review, I will explore the film’s acting, directing, and cinematography, with a particular focus on the dramatic action that takes place in the film.
In One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, there is an ensemble cast led by Jack Nicholson as Randle P. McMurphy. Nicholson’s portrayal of the rebellious inmate is masterfully done. From his first appearance in the institution, he demonstrates a dominant presence and a kind of “You can’t control me” attitude. His reckless and rebellious actions, whether he was challenging Nurse Ratched or stirring up his fellow patients and causing them to get in trouble (such as in the fishing trip), he serves as a great driver of the plot and help progress the narrative throughout the film. Nicholson’s ability to balance humor and intensity as an actor creates a well-developed character. His infamous line, “I’m not crazy. I’m just a little unwell,” shows McMurphy’s struggle for a breakaway/freedom for himself which I thought Nicholson did a great job in portraying this character.
Another great actor in the film, Louise Fletcher, played Nurse Ratched as a perfect counterbalance to McMurphy. Fletcher’s portrayal is very disturbing because she maintains a calm attitude even when the patients are getting emotional. Often as the viewer this becomes annoying as well because you want her to react and so you grow to resent her throughout the film. She has very manipulative tendencies throughout the film and you begin to feel as though she doesn’t actually care about the patients at all. The tension between McMurphy and Nurse Ratched reaches its peak during scenes such as the group therapy sessions where her control is challenged. Fletcher’s ability to convey calmness in her expressions heightens the moments of these encounters. Her interactions with McMurphy cause multiple power struggles which become more apparent near the end of the movie. Eventually McMurphy tries to choke Nurse Ratched and this is the final straw. At this point McMurphy is “silenced” so to speak, and Nurse Ratched “wins” for lack of better terms.
Milos Forman’s direction is pivotal in converting the raw emotions of the script to the screen. His approach is quite interesting, allowing the film to delve deep into the complexities of mental illness and how the audience views it. Forman’s ability to create an immersive atmosphere within the confines of the institution enhances the narrative’s impact. The film’s pacing is something I thought was really well done, building tension gradually through different moments such as in the group therapy sessions but also having interesting revelations throughout such as the fact that Chief can talk. I thought the director also did a good job of conveying things so that you would love certain characters and dislike others.
One of the ways that the quality of directing is displayed is by the emphasis on the characters’ relationships. The film’s pivotal scenes, particularly the group therapy sessions and the fishing trip, show McMurphy’s influence on the group, but also the way that the group has come to respect him and bond with him. At the very least his fellow patients trust him. The director does a great job with these interactions, allowing the audience to witness the transformation of the characters from passive subjects of institutional control to men of free will who are able to have fun and enjoy the day together such as in the fishing trip.
The composition of shots in this film are well planned and executed, particularly during moments of heightened tension. For instance, the scene when McMurphy lifts the heavy control panel and attempts to escape is both visually stunning and symbolically rich. The overhead shot captures the moment’s urgency, illustrating McMurphy’s struggle against the constraints of his environment. This shows the film’s central conflict, highlighting the clash between individual free will and desire and institutional control. There’s also a use of contrasting colors throughout the film that serves to highlight the characters’ emotional states. The drab, muted tones of the institution reflect the bleakness of the characters’ lives, while moments of hope and rebellion, such as the fishing trip, are filled with vibrant colors that symbolize the fun and freedom they are experiencing.
I enjoyed watching this film and thought it displayed a creative touch in acting, directing and cinematography. I would highly recommend the film to any viewer who wants a suspenseful and at times humorous film to watch.
