Innovative, Slight Humor and Enjoyable

Rating: 10/10 (31 July 2012)

This movie garnered Jack Nicholson's first Oscar win and is one of his greatest role in his cinematic career. Nicholson's performance as the rebellious Randle Patrick/R.P. MacMurphy is one made up of comedic and dramatic elements. The film is a thrilling drama about mental patients under the iron fist of the cold-hearted, stoic Nurse Mildred Ratched (Louise Fletcher who garnered the Best Supporting Actress Oscar that year as well). This film also marked a high point for a young Michael Douglas as a producer in the early days of his film career as well as the feature film debut of Brad Douriff as Billy Bibbit, a young stuttering, suicidal patient (Douriff later appeared in 1980's 'Child's Play' opposite Chris Sarandon and also played Sheriff Brackett in 2007's 'Halloween'). 'Cuckoo's Nest' is a fun film loaded with drama mixed with comedy and tragedy. Nicholson's performance will amuse the viewer as well as possibly irritate at points with his antics, but he is a joy to watch in this movie. An Oscar winner and much worth a viewing.