"Thanks Mac"

Rating: 10/10 (17 January 2001)

Stick a slightly off-balance criminal trying to stay out of jail, by posing as insane, have him interact with the mentally ill and what do you get? You get one hell of a movie.
The mentally ill have a simple schedule that never changes and never varies. Thus, no change in their mental progression (Nurse Rachett makes certain of that) She is the personification of the stagnant state of the harmonious, monotonous routine that is insanity itself.
Enter Mac (Jack Nicholson, in his most brilliant role) "Crazy? no, but he's definitely sick", as offered by one of the shrinks. Mac offers a refreshing change to the others, by refusing to conform to the daily routines, and challenges the regiment that is holding back all of their potential progress. The power struggle that ensues, is nothing short of brilliant.

A subtle, defining moment in this movie is when one of the mentally ill (Chezwick) is under the impression that Mac is about to leave and simply offers, "Thanks Mac".