2016 Blind Spot Series: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

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What I knew going in: Seen bits and pieces and nurse Rached's reputation

 R.P McMurphy (Jack Nicholson) is a repeat offender, often jailed for violence among other things who pleads insanity even though no medical professional believes him. He winds up a psychiatric hospital where he attempts to rile up his fellow patients (played by Sydney Lassick, Christopher Lloyd, Danny DeVito, Will Sampson, and Brad Dourif among others) all while having a power struggle with the head Nurse, Miss Rached ( Louise Fletcher)

 It's nice to finally see the whole film. I always happened to catch the fishing part on TV and could never figure out how the hell they got there in the first place. It ages well, with only a few scenes that look dated.

 Apparently there's quite a few changes from the book; which I've never read so I can't comment on that. I thought McMurphy was an interesting lead and Nicholson is so charismatic and fun to watch. The supporting actors were also great in their roles, with Dourif being a standout and Christopher Lloyd doing really well for his first role. One thing that surprised me though was Nurse Rached. Fletcher was very good, but the way people describe this character, I expected her to be this furious sociopath. She was more like a terrible person on a power trip. She was calm and stern, but with so many people saying she's one of the most evil women in the history of movies, I have to say I expected something a bit more sinister. 

 Recommended: Yes

 Grade: A

Memorable Quote: "Would you like to take a vote?" - Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher) 

Comments

  1. Kevin PowersFebruary 9, 2016 at 6:02 AM

    I love this movie, though it has proven one of the hardest for me to re-watch. I would call Nurse Ratched evil, but only in the hyperbolic rage incited by Fletcher's performance. Few movie characters have made me angrier. Nicholson is so great, Dourif and Lloyd as well. And that score though. Glad you finally got to this one.

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamFebruary 9, 2016 at 6:51 AM

      I still expected Ratched to be so much worse with the way people described her. I'm glad I finally got around to finishing this too.

      Delete
  2. thevoid99February 21, 2016 at 3:40 PM

    I've got this film on my DVR as I hope to see it this week (as I'm currently in the late stages of the 29 Days of Bowie series with The Buddha of Suburbia).

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamFebruary 21, 2016 at 4:12 PM

      I hope you like it when you finish up and get a chance to watch it!

      Delete
  3. DellFebruary 23, 2016 at 5:37 PM

    I understand how you got the impression Nurse Rached was some foot stomping scenery chewing monster, but she's not. Really she's just trying to do her job. Within the frame of the story, though, she is evil because she thwarts our hero at every turn. Anyhoo, glad you like it. Nicholson was on fire and turns in a truly great performance.

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    1. Brittani BurnhamFebruary 24, 2016 at 8:39 AM

      Yeah, I understand that. I was just surprised. I expected her to be way more villainous based on the way people spoke of her.

      Delete
  4. Rebecca SharpFebruary 25, 2016 at 7:36 AM

    I haven't watched One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in ages but I do remember I loved it, just not one I could easily re-watch.

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamFebruary 25, 2016 at 8:29 AM

      I think it's got a decent rewatchability (if that's a word) not too heavy, not too long.

      Delete
  5. JoshFebruary 27, 2016 at 8:59 AM

    Yay! I love this movie. Nicholson is just amazing.

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamFebruary 28, 2016 at 8:31 AM

      He was great. I keep thinking about Christopher Lloyd in this too. I liked his performance as well.

      Delete
  6. KristinaFebruary 28, 2016 at 1:21 PM

    Glad you liked it, great acting. I can see how you would've expected Rached to be a more cartoony villain, I had the same impression before I first saw this.

    ReplyDelete

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