Showcase of brilliant acting

Rating: 9/10 (22 June 2016)

I've been continuing a recent binge of Nicholson films and I finally caught up with the biggest one I had never previously seen. (I know right?) It's a complex film and I don't know if I can quite appreciate it the way others have. I have to say that I did bring in a lot of personal baggage in with the film. I have been hospitalized for depression and I think I wasn't quite able to get the full sense of uplift one is supposed to from it. It sort of really bummed me out at times. The turning of McMurphy into a hero doesn't always work. Because there can't really full be a hero here.
It was kind of a rough one. One on hand I totally see why this film is acclaimed as highly as it is. With acting alone it is a complete triumph. In this kind of film it is extra challenging as you don't want to engage in easy choices as an actor. None of the cast do. They are all unique and fleshed out. I particularly liked Danny DeVito's portrayal of Martini. He has such a wide eyed innocence that you'd never expect from DeVito. There's a great moment when the tension is building with McMurphy and Ratched and Martini comes in with "How are we going to win our money back?"
Nicholson is brilliant of course. I guess what drove me to be a Nicholson fan was his more sinister roles like 'The Shining' or 'The Departed' but he is at his best when he defies expectations. His persona is always entertaining but a character with motivation has to be built around it. 'Cuckoo's Nest' may just be the best at this. The role is tailored made for him and yet it isn't like the trademark 'Nicholson' persona. McMurphy is edgy and sly but he is very much in control.
What really was needed and what keeps the film from being perfect is that McMurphy is never given a moment to explicitly face his own demons and insecurities. He isn't perfect. He hurts people over the course of the film. The final tragedy at the end is more his fault than Nurse Ratched's.
As a film showcase of brilliant acting talent and to see a premiere actor at the top of his game 'Cuckoo's Nest' is a must. I don't know how often I'll be revisiting it though.