G****** marvel of unique genre!

Rating: 8/10 (29 April 2007)

Although Milos Forman is not my favorite director, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST is one of those movies I find unforgettable and highly recommended. It's storyline is, perhaps, not that action filled, its colors also might seem faded for some viewers, yet, this movie really has a magical power that makes it unique and involving, even if you watch it reluctantly. Why?
It's a movie with a seemingly simple plot, with a few characters, but the characters are so well developed that you will find them close to real. That is a very important aspect, particularly concerning this genre since the content of such a movie, as a matter of fact, is primarily built upon characters. The focus seems to be put on McMurphy (Jack Nicholson) who comes to a mental institution as a punishment for having an affair with a minor. However, within the several minutes of watching the film, you realize that you are in a sort of claustrophobic world consisting of patients overcoming problems with their psyches. Everyone is there for his own, has his own trouble, on the one hand, but, on the other hand, they are in a group and get over together. Like in the minority of films, you see characters as real people, there is no room for any cliché! Let me consider the few most appealing ones.
Whom does McMurphy meet when he arrives? Among many there is Mr Harding (William Redfield) who is desperate, mocked by others and feels "peculiar" because he suspended his wife of marital treason. There is Charlie Cheswick (Sydney Lassick), desirous to live alone and to have his own cigarettes at last. There is a giant Chief Bromden (Will Sampson) allegedly deaf who lives within his odd world. There is, foremost, a rigid nurse Mildred Ratched (Louise Fletcher) who does not stand new ideas for the schedule. Finally, there is Billy (Brad Dourif) who is upset due to unfulfilled love. Yet, he does not give up searching a woman... McMurphy appears among such peculiar people and where everyone deals with his tiny world, his claustrophobia of emotions and desires. However, what he (McMurphy) does, how he reacts is absolutely unexpected and astonishing...
These characters are presented in memorable moments. First, if you decide to see the movie, pay attention to the boys' talk with Harding, the way they mock him through self-defense. In fact, everybody partly knows that there is something wrong with them, yet they mock others to defend themselves, not to be found "peculiar", not to become scapegoats. Second, a mention must be made of the whole memorable sequence when McMurphy takes the boys fishing. It's just humor combined with a terrific atmosphere and a feeling of realism. Finally, Billy's plot is particularly interesting with the shocking ending...
But most people will probably agree with me that the strongest point of the movie, except for good direction, good development of characters, great moments, are... the performances. Many reviewers mention this aspect as no.1 and they are absolutely right. Yes, Forman's film can boast one of the best acting ever! Jack Nicholson does the marvel of acting. He is tremendous in this role from the very start to the very end. The swear words that he often uses suit here, there is no exaggeration, no foolishness, no "bad vulgarity." Who can forget him saying "I am the g****** marvel of modern science!" Louise Fletcher also does a fine job as the nurse expressing feelings galore. Consider her moment when she gives medication to patients, for instance. William Redfield is terrific as Harding with his mimics, his uniqueness among the rest. And Will Sampson as the Chief...what a choice! If there are top notch performances in a movie, that is where you can find them!
ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST is a unique film. It constituted a vehicle for Nicholson where he showed his talent memorably. It also maintained in my memory as one of those films that helped me understand the ambiguity of human psyche (the ending exceptionally proves that). What more can I say about this movie...quite a difficult story, in general, but very well presented; quite odd characters, but extremely well developed; quite a number of unknown staff (as seen from the perspective of 1975) but real actors-artists. If I were to rate the film in general, I'd give it 8/10, but if performances only, 10/10 with no hesitation! G****** marvel of unique genre!