Where to begin?

Rating: Null/10 (13 December 2011)

So, like my title would suggest, I Am having a difficult time figuring out where to begin with a review/comment about this film. I do not wish to reiterate all the same old things about how great it is, how it won the four major Oscars ( Picture, Direcotr, Actor/Actress), and how life changing it was. Please don't mistake the tone of this for cynicism, because it most certainly is not. I think the reason I am having so much trouble is because what can one person even say about this film? Seriously. Obviously from a technical standpoint the film is first rate. There is no doubt about that. The use of long takes, the gloomy feeling that the director and cinematographer bring to the ward all make for the feeling like something is crawling under your skin.. It is pretty creepy. But then, enter McMurphy (Nicholson), with his rebellious, wise-cracking ways, the I am smarter than you and I know it attitude, and the film turns comical. I did enjoy that part of it, the comedy that is. What I did not enjoy was the ending of the film. A lobotomy, really? The part that bothered me the most about the ending was not the film itself, but the fact that this film was only a small glimpse ( however artistically licensed) into the tragic world of life in mental health care facilities across the country at that time. What the hell were we (people in general) thinking? The electric chair is used to end someone's life, but a small dose for someone who is already clearly defective is OK? Really? That scene is probably one of the most memorable in the film next to the chief's escape and the party scene. The form and content of the film are excellent, as are all the technical aspects. The story moves along at a good speed, something often difficult to achieve in a movie with such a enclosed setting. The lighting is especially effective and the set design/ costumes all ring true for the time. it is very easy to see how both Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher attained their Oscar's, as both performances are some of the best I have ever seen. I would definitely recommend this film to anyone who wanted to see Jack at his finest as well as peer into the terrible world of the mentally ill.