In “One flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”, we possibly have the best performance of Jack Nicholson. However there are more reason to consider this film a classic. If you have read the book, you will agree that this is one of the best books adaptations. Milos Forman’s film premiered on November 19, 1975 and won critical acclaim and a shelf full of Oscars.
‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ is the story of Randle McMurphy (Jack Nicholson), who acts it out insane in order to get to a mental institution, instead of prison, for his crimes. He quickly gets the attention of Nurse Ratched (Louise Flecher). Ratched is a authoritarian caretaker who tortures systematically the patients and everyone are afraid of her. The film follows the exploits of McMurphy as he constantly undermines Ratched and builds a relationship with his fellow patients.
The film stood proudly the test of time and thanks to its compelling story and stunning performances became a classic. In fact “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” reached No.33 on AFI’s 100 Years… 100 Movies. It stands behind “The Godfather Part II”.
The achievements of this amazing film don’t end there. It is also one of the few movies that have won the Big Five at Oscars. While many people from the industry are spending their whole careers to get an Oscar, Forman’s film got in one night: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Screenplay. It was only the second film to do so 40 years after Frank Capra’s “It Happened One Night” (1934).
If we consider all the ups and downs of the film, with actors fighting among themselves and with the director and changes in the cast in the last minute, it became a success against all odds. “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” is an all time classic and a favorite Oscar movie, which will always belong on the best that Hollywood has to offer.
