Tour de force, Nicholson's best

Rating: 9/10 (3 November 2001)

Chief Bromden's narrative is matched for excellence is this film, with Jack Nicholson perfectly cast as McMurphy, who although not more rambunctious than the novel version of Ken Kesey's feisty character, has the edge in sarcasm. Nurse Ratched is also portrayed very well, by Louise Fletcher, and the acting overall is stellar. The portrayal of Billy Bibbit and his situation superb, as is the 1963 World Series scene. (Interesting: in real life, Tresh and Mantle did homer against Koufax, two-run and solo, respectively, but in different games, and that represented all of the Yanks' damage against him; Koufax pitched in games 1 and 4, Downing in game 2.) However, my favorite moment is McMurphy's lifting effort. We return again to the chief at the end, as the final scenes, like the rest of the movie, do not let us down. Striking a blow for freedom, this film is Nicholson's finest effort.