A vibrant convict (Jack Nicholson), seeking reprieve from
the work farm, feigns mental illness and inspires enthusiasm and rebellion
among his fellow downtrodden, emasculated patients at the state hospital, all
victims of Big Nurse’s (Louise Fletcher) icily calculated control. Of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’s many achievements,
foremost is its ability to capture audience attention so completely, be it your
first time viewing or your fifteenth. Though drastically different in tone from
Ken Kesey’s drug induced first hand fiction, supremely on display are Milos
Forman’s deft directorial abilities, the quintessential Jack performance,
Fletcher as the perfect foil, a superbly chosen supporting cast, Haskell Wexler’s
erudite cinematography, all adding up to an enduring fable on the testament of
the human spirit.
**** out of ****
