Watch One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
- R
- 1975
- 2 hr 13 min
-
8.7 (1,065,707)
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a 1975 American drama film directed by Milos Forman and starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, and Michael Berryman. Set in a mental institution, the film follows Randle McMurphy (Nicholson), a criminal who fakes insanity to avoid hard labor in prison. McMurphy soon realizes that life in the institution is not at all what he expected and sets out to challenge the authoritarian rule of Nurse Ratched (Fletcher).
The film is an adaptation of Ken Kesey's novel of the same name, which was published in 1962. The story is set in Oregon in the early 1960s and explores themes of individuality, conformity, and institutionalization. The film portrays the struggles of the patients in the institution as they fight against the oppressive system and the power-hungry Nurse Ratched, who uses fear and manipulation to control them.
The main character, Randle McMurphy, is a rebellious and charismatic man who is determined to break free from the rigidity and monotony of the institution. He introduces the other patients to new experiences, such as gambling and fishing, and encourages them to stand up for themselves. McMurphy's behavior becomes increasingly confrontational, and he clashes with Nurse Ratched, who views him as a threat to her authority.
Louise Fletcher delivers a powerful performance as Nurse Ratched, a symbol of institutional oppression and control. She is cold and calculating, using her position of power to maintain order and conformity among the patients. Michael Berryman also brings depth to his role as Ellis, a patient with a facial deformity who struggles to fit in with the rest of the group.
The film is notable for its outstanding cast and its authentic portrayal of life in a mental institution. The scenes in the movie are shot in a way that draws the audience into the world of the patients, emphasizing their isolation and sense of confinement. The film's soundtrack, composed by Jack Nitzsche, also plays a significant role in creating the mood and atmosphere of the story.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest received critical acclaim upon its release and went on to win five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film remains a classic and is regarded as one of the best movies ever made. Its themes and messages continue to resonate with audiences today.
In conclusion, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a powerful and moving film that explores themes of individuality and conformity in a mental institution. Its excellent cast, authentic portrayal of mental illness, and poignant storytelling make it one of the greatest movies of all time.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a 1975 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 13 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.7 and a MetaScore of 84.