One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (DVD 2002)

A brilliant film. The original book by Ken Kesey remains one of my absolute favorite reads (incidently Mr Kesey was allegedly asked to provide the screenplay for the film but he experienced 'writers block' could not and so denounced the entire movie as a result which is a shame as the film really captures the essence of both the main characters and the story).

It is also tantamount to Nicholsons screen presence that he got the lead here as, in the book, his character is a red haired stocky Irishman, but he certainly made the role his own and he commands your attention whenever he is on screen.

Essentially it is the story of how one brawling troublemaker pleads insanity to escape a tough jail sentance and instead get sent to a 'cushy' mental institution. But what he finds, and eventually comes to realise, is that the hospital ward he is sent to is far far worse than any cell could be. The oppressive matron overseeing the show is fond of pyschological games and she runs things with a ruthless efficiency, keeping her 'patients' in check with loads of viscous mind games. Not suprisingly there is soon a battle of wills between Nicholsons troublemaker and the Matron. A fight for the hearts and minds of the other patients in the ward. Men who are in the Matrons charge but who have become Nicholson's friends.

A powerful and clever film that benefits from every character being played by a proficient and believable actor. A must see. And, even if seen, a definate must read as the film is good but the book is even better.