Totally Memorable

Rating: 10/10 (4 January 2012)

I saw this film when it first came out nearly 40 years ago, and the impact it had on me then has remained with me to this day. It saddens me that some people have been so obtuse as to score a 1 simply because it doesn't "stick to the book". This site is about 'films' and really the whole army can't be out of step (witness the overall 8.8 score despite its detractors). Treatment of mental health has moved on a lot since this film was made, but this film brought to light the type of horrors that were happening in the 70's. An absolute classic, combining humour, pathos and hope.
Jack Nicholson's name became synonymous with the film and, with the exception of "The Shining", it is probably the film for which he is best known. As the self-committed 'lunatic' who sets about changing the lives of the other patients in an asylum, his wacky charm and disregard for authority seem to epitomise the characteristics of the different roles he has played over the years.