Rule Breaker
Three Oscars were awarded to cast members of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, burying wider discussions of other performances, notably the simple presence of Nurse Pilbow (Mimi Sarkisian), her only credited screen role.
Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher) is a commanding presence in a psychiatric ward, but before Ratched’s unwavering allegiance to unbending rules is clear, it’s Pilbow who suggests Ratched’s coldness. Sitting in a group next to Ratched, Pilbow looks down. She anxiously fiddles with her fingers. Soon we’ll know why. Nobody talks back to Nurse Ratched. Pilbow, without so much as saying a word, accentuates the fear. It’s understated, a small role with few lines, but Pilbow’s worried expressions say everything.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest captures America’s changing social dynamic of the decade
Written in the early 1960s, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest captures America’s changing social dynamic of the decade. Less about the conditions of the patients – many of whom just need someone to care and understand – One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest brings an anti-authority rebellious streak to a confined setting. If Easy Rider found its American counter-culture on the roadways, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest brings a rebellious figure to those who need it in the form of Jack Nicholson.
Nurse Ratched runs this institution with fear. Her steely eyes, her hair that looks akin to horns, her dominating voice; she’s a presence to all, except McMurphy (Nicholson). We learn of McMurphy’s ugly criminal past, but never the cause of his behavior. No one seems to care. Authority never stopped McMurphy before, nor will it now. He believes the men in Ratched’s care only need to live without rules, so he breaks them free for a fishing trip that’s unforgettable. Much as this is meant as comedy, it feels less funny than it does as a relief, or just a reprieve from the stale walls and tattered beds they sleep in.
Making it to theaters in 1975, the source material feels post-Vietnam in the later context. Angry men return home to find a system incompatible with their newfound fears, depressions, and violence. This as authorities try to fit them back into society through stern rules. This is a stretch, but One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is Rambo: First Blood, where McMurphy/John Rambo are expected to assimilate, run afoul of authorities, and find themselves turned away – or even turning away from – help while desperately searching for a sense of belonging. Rules have their place, but they’re not a cure. Just ask Nurse Pilbow.
Video
While this isn’t the sharpest source material, this beautiful 4K scan shows wonderful texture behind a light, mild grain that’s easily resolved. Texture stands out when/where it can, rich and precise at its best. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest appears natural, and from a source devoid of any damage.
The pleasing color has a vintage warmth in the film stock. The palette is mundane, but that’s appropriate. The off-white walls seem stained by cigarette smoke, while the naturally heated flesh tones look wonderful.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest features excellent black levels and moderate contrast. Dolby Vision isn’t doing much to enhance the contrast, but it’s no detriment to the overall depth.
Audio
Both a stereo and 5.1 mix are included, the surround track in DTS-HD serving as the default. It’s generally a stereo mix, with slightly better separation. Activity around the facility, whether music playing on a record or someone hitting a speed bag, splits the soundstage convincingly. A helicopter lands in the left rear with convincing results.
While there’s hardly a stretching of the dynamics or range, the fidelity is outstanding. There’s no loss of clarity due to age and the dialog can sound new. It’s unbelievable considering the time period.
Extras
A pretty dull and familiar set of bonuses include two conversations reflecting on the shoot (one 13-minutes, the other 10-minutes), an older making-of that runs about 80-minutes, and some deleted scenes are it.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Movie
An anti-authority piece that’s more than the mental status of its patients, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a fight to celebrate life against a structured system.
The following six screen shots serve as samples for our subscription-exclusive set of 50 full resolution uncompressed 4K screen shots grabbed directly from the UHD:
