One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
Director: Milos Forman
Cast: Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Brad Dourif, Danny Devito, Christopher Lloyd
Memorable Line: "I must be crazy to be in a loony bin like this."

The first movie since “It Happened One Night” to sweep the Oscars in all the major categories and deservedly so.

Based on Ken Kessey’s novel, this movie is a power house for performances. Nicholson’s larger than life acting style is a perfect fit for Randall, the low-level criminal who thinks he can get the soft treatment in a local asylum. Randall seems out of place among the volunteer patients, but as the movie progresses he seeks ways for his fellow patients to revolt against the repressive control of the oppressive head nurse.

From top to bottom, the cast is spot on. Nicholson commands the screen when he’s on camera. Louise Fletcher is every bit his equal as the over bearing Nurse Ratched. There's a pent up authoritarian menace behind her every word.

Forman is masterful in portraying both the claustrophobic atmosphere of an institution for the mentally ill and antiquated treatment procedures of the institution. The film does an excellent job of balancing the outrageous humor of the situation with the seriousness of the oppressive treatment of the asylum.

A top notch film in every aspect and one that shouldn't be missed.