One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Before i watched this film, i was told by those around me that it was one to watch; that it deserved its plaudits and that it had won five Oscars. I thought i'd give it a go.
The film, starring Jack Nicholson, is set within a mental institute and explores the very core of what it's like to spend days, weeks and even years within a confined space; with only those with depleted psyches as roommates. It explores the ways in which the human mind - even one which is sound to begin with - is tested in an environment not intended for those of a sound mind or judgment.
Nicholson's character (McMurphy, or Mac) arrives at the institute a sane criminal, one who passes himself off as mentally insane so as to avoid jailtime but soon finds himself struggling to live in a place which offers no freedom other than their own thoughts. Whilst the inmates are free to wander the halls and talk to themselves and each other, the mental fragility of those around him proves difficult as Mac finds himself suffocated by the authoritative nature of the head nurse, Mildred Ratched (played superbly by Louise Fletcher) and the physical confines of the building itself.
As times goes by, Mac attempts to stir things up by introducing activities such as gambling, and with every decision he makes, Ratched becomes more weary of just how insane Mac really is; her tolerance waning with every passing day. One of the more rivetting aspects of the film is the bond which builds between Mac and the resident Native American, Chief, a man previously thought of to be deaf and a mute but who takes a shine to Mac's fresh attitude and youthful demeanour. Midway through the film, it is revealed that Chief was able to speak all along, that it was Mac's nature which unlocked the man's zest for life and a newfound sense of adventure was discovered. The relationship is one of mutual friendship, reinforced when the two partner up to battle the institutes guards shortly before Chief's secret is revealed.
Following a fishing trip and a raucous booze-riddled Christmas party captained by Mac, things take a turn for the worse as one of the inmates, Billy, kills himself after sleeping with a prostitute, realising the moral quandries of the act and the impact it will have on his mother if she finds out.
The sudden death shakes Mac to the core, as he sees how destructive the institute can be upon an inmate's psyche and subsequently attacks Ratched, blaming her for Billy's suicide.
In the final scenes, Mac is returned to the ward by guards and put to bed, prompting Chief to reignite his passion for escaping and suggesting the two will leave, one way or another. As he holds Mac in his arms he realises he has had his brain operated on, leaving him mentally deficient and unable to ever be free again. Chief, acknowledging his promise, kills Mac and flees.
There are many areas where the film succeeds and others where it lets itself down. Too often a shot is overplayed and begins to lose meaning, other times shots add nothing to the piece. But where the film excels is in exploring the very concept of the human psyche and what it means to be free, both psychologically and physically. Louise Fletcher deserves mention for her cast-iron performance as the cold and seemingly fixated villain, and Nicholson for his outstanding role as the frustrated and subsequently mindless inmate, both receiving Oscars. While the film holds no significance within film history per sé, it serves as a reminder of just how powerful freedom is and how we must treasure the control we are able to exert on our lives.
8/10
