One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Starring: Jack Nicholson, Louise Flectcher, Danny DeVito, Will Sampson
Directed by: Milos Forman
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
1975

Times Seen:
Tim: 1


Summary: McMurphy (Jack Nicholson) decides he can avoid jail if he pretends to be insane. He successfully gets sent to an insane aslyum, but Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher) seems to be on his every move.

Review:

Tim: There are good movies, there are great movies, and then there are outstanding movies. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is simply outstanding. When you look at the greatest movies of all time, this film is always near the top. Make no mistake about it, this is an absolutely terrific movie. It accomplished the incredibly rare feat of sweeping the major Academy Award categories- Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. That hadn't happened in over 40 years.

Jack Nicholson has played some iconic roles over the years, but perhaps this is his best. He gives the most perfect performance I have ever seen. This is truly acting perfection. Pay attention, because he is jaw-dropping good here. Louise Fletcher is so menacing and we are so full of hatred for her as Nurse Ratched. She is one of the most villainous characters to ever appear on screen. She is also one of the most complex, multidimensional characters as well. The cast is well rounded out by Danny DeVito and Will Sampson.

This is a haunting film that will stay wiht you, long, long after you finish watching it. The movie ends in one of the most heartbreaking, shocking, controversial ways imaginable. I still have a hard time believing it. I almost get shivers just thinking about the conclusion.

On rare occasion, there are movies that are so important and such monumental achievements that viewing ceases to be voluntary and becomes mandatory. This is one of Hollywood's most classic and remarkable films. It represents everything that is good about the movies, and is part of the reason we go to the movies. I love this movie, and if you want to see an example of what movies should be, then you need to look no further than right here. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a classic in every sense.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 9



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Shining, Easy Rider