One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Wow. IMDB’s #9 film does not disappoint.
With lovable characters, a compelling story, and a perfect blend of comedy and intensity, those who haven’t seen One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest are missing out on a wonderful film that is the source of many an allusion (including a great Futurama episode where Bender is McMurphy and Roberto is Chief).
The script produces a wealth of characters who all bring something unique and valuable to the table. McMurphy (Jack Nicholson) teaches the individuals in his ward of the mental hospital that they may not be quite so crazy as society thinks, while taking them on adventures they’d only dreamed of having. Each chapter of the story reveals a little more about McMurphy and with each of his actions, his new friends become increasingly bold and rebellious.
The acting is superb; All the actors play their characters perfectly. Each character is believable and viewers will be able to connect with them, regardless of their conditions.
The special effects aren’t anything new or fantastic. There is some blood, they’re on a boat, etc. but nothing in particular. But none of them were poorly done, or ruined immersion, so it’s a non-issue, really. If special effects alone determined a movie’s quality, then Avatar would be the best movie ever. (It’s not.)
The soundtrack is appropriate, but not great; Average would be the right word for it.
The directing and cinematography produce a diversity of camera angles, stylistic choices, and silences at the appropriate moments for the appropriate periods of time.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest could be watched many times, and a new piece of detail gleaned from it each time. Viewers will find themselves invested in the fate of characters immediately and their eyes glued to the screen to find out what happens to them.
| Author | Script | Acting | Cinematography | Soundtrack | Directing | Special Effects | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 8.833 |
| Marc | 10 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8.833 |
| Jon | 9 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8.0 |
Benjamin J. Friedman
Jonathon Medlock
Marc Willis
couchtheater 
My dad has always spoke really highly of this movie but I have never gotten around to seeing it. I hope Amélie is on y’alls list. Though its in french so it may not qualify for thier top 250. but its freaking great. anyway this is interesting. I’ll stop back by for sure. 😛
check me out at http://www.wakingupinwaco.blogspot.com
I can say that I wholly believe your father is correct in his love of this movie. I saw it when I was younger and appreciated it, but now I feel like I truly understand what’s going on. Great film.
I am fairly certain Amelie is on our list. If you want to check if we’re going to watch a movie, Marc has posted a list here: https://couchtheater.wordpress.com/2011/04/10/the-master-list/
Just use that URL and then the CTRL+F function to search for your movie. We’re watching a ton of foreign films during this project, so it may very well be on the list. Thanks for reading!