One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) – Film Review

Director: Miloš Forman
Cast: Jack Nicolson, Louise Fletcher, Danny DeVito
Certificate: 18

By Sarah Morgan

Many moons ago, I would have named One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest in my top 10 favourite films of all time.

But for reasons I can’t quite ascertain, I haven’t watched it for, ooh, maybe 15 or even 20 years, so when I was offered a chance to review a swanky new 4k restoration of it, I leapt at the chance, if only to see whether it still had the same impact on me.

I’m very pleased to say it did.

There can’t be too many people out there who haven’t seen this 1975 classic, which was only the second movie in history to win the Big Five Oscars – Best Film, Director, Actor, Actress and Screenplay (the first was 1934’s It Happened One Night; it’s only happened once since, when The Silence of the Lambs swept the board in 1991) – but if you’re one of them, the story focuses on RP McMurphy, a criminal who feigns insanity so he can spend his latest sentence in a mental institution, which he thinks will be cushier than a spell in jail.

“Crazed gleam”

However, this free-spirited, rebellious soul reckons without the presence of Nurse Ratched, a stern and terrifying presence with a rod of iron – her rules must be obeyed at all times, even when they don’t seem to make any sense at all.

She and McMurphy clash on numerous occasions, particularly as his approach to her and life in general wins the approval of his fellow inmates, making him hugely popular. In some cases, he even changes their lives.

The novel on which it’s based was written by 1960s counterculture figure Ken Kesey and was turned into a Broadway play, which starred Kirk Douglas as McMurphy. He also owned the film rights, but it was his son, Michael, who eventually turned producer and got the story onto the big screen.

By that time, Kirk was regarded as too old for the key role (goodness only knows how Michael broached the subject with his dad), so Jack Nicholson was cast instead. He’s absolutely perfect and seemingly born to play it; after all, he naturally has a slightly crazed gleam in his eye. There’s no wonder he won his first Oscar for his performance.

“Wonderful performances”

He’s matched all the way by Louise Fletcher as Nurse Ratched. Apparently many big name actresses turned the role down because they were uncomfortable with the idea of playing a villainous, unpopular character.

Their loss was our gain – again, it’s hard to imagine somebody else being as good. Sarah Paulson had a go in the 2020 TV prequel Ratched but, to my way of thinking, the entire project completely misunderstood the character, portraying her as a psychopath who knowingly carries out cruel and evil acts, when in fact, in the film at least, she thinks she’s doing the right thing, even if everyone watching realises she’s causing more harm than good.

The supporting cast is outstanding too, including Danny DeVito, who had appeared in the stage version, and Christopher Lloyd in his film debut. But it’s Will Sampson as Chief, a seemingly deaf mute Native American, who steals my heart every time. The moment he gains joy in playing basketball is one of cinema’s greatest-ever scenes.

And, of course, director Miloš Forman should be mentioned. He is, after all, the man responsible for gaining such wonderful performances from all concerned, while Jack Nitzsche’s theremin-fuelled soundtrack sets it all off brilliantly.

“More impressive”

Also look out for Scatman Crothers in a small but crucial role, five years before he reteamed with Nicholson in The Shining, and Brad Dourif, who’s heartbreaking as the young and anxiety-ridden Billy Bibbit… I could go on and on.

Needlessly to say, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a masterpiece. Even if there were no special features included in the disc, it would be well worth owning – the fact that there are a couple of modern interviews with key cast members and Michael Douglas, as well as an archive documentary, just means the new disc is even more impressive.

So, is it still in my all-time top 10? You bet!

Sarah Morgan( Writer )

Sarah Morgan studied film journalism at post-graduate level with the BFI and has been writing about TV and film for PA Media’s newspaper, magazine and new media customers since 1996. She’s also written for a wide range of other publications, both online and in print, including the book Offbeat and Intermission magazine, and is a regular contributor to the Talking Pictures TV podcast. When she isn’t watching movies, she’s collecting and reading vintage crime and horror paperback books or, for her sins, watching her beloved Sheffield Wednesday.

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FAQs – One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) 4K UHD

What is the film about?

Free-spirited R. P. McMurphy feigns insanity to serve his sentence in a mental hospital – where he clashes with the rigid authority of Nurse Ratched and inspires fellow patients.

Who stars and who directed?

Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher lead – directed by Miloš Forman – with Will Sampson, Danny DeVito, Brad Dourif and Christopher Lloyd in support.

Why is it significant?

It won the “Big Five” Oscars – Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress and Screenplay – only the second film to achieve this.

What is new about this release?

A 4K restoration presented on 4K UHD – with High Dynamic Range (HDR) for greater detail and contrast.

What is the certificate and runtime?

18 – 134 minutes.

What are the headline technical specs?

2160p 4K – 1.85:1 aspect ratio – HDR – multiple audio and subtitle options including English with English SDH.

What special features are included?

Two new round-table features – Conversations on Cuckoo: Group Therapy and Moviemaking Memories – plus the documentary Completely Cuckoo and a selection of deleted scenes.

Are the deleted scenes substantial?

They are short but illuminating – including “Pecking Party”, “Meet Nurse Ratched” and “First Group Therapy”.

How does Nicholson’s performance hold up?

Electrifying – a career-defining turn that balances mischief, compassion and tragedy.

Is Nurse Ratched portrayed as a simple villain?

No – Louise Fletcher plays her as a controlled, institutional authority figure whose certainty causes harm, adding complexity beyond a one-note antagonist.

Is this edition worth upgrading to?

Yes – the 4K HDR presentation and new cast conversations make it the best way to experience the film at home.