442. GREAT CINEMA ADAPTATIONS: ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST

Peter Josyph via Zoom   Ken Kesey’s 1962 novel is told in the first-person by Chief Bromden, who co-habits Oregon State Psychiatric Hospital with the rebellious Randle McMurphy, a con-artist who fakes madness to escape jailtime and whose specialty is disrupting Nurse Ratched’s strict routine amongst the inmates. Inspired by Kesey’s work as an orderly, the novel continues to be challenged and banned in multiple states. Miloš Forman’s 1975 adaptation—which was shot in the hospital in which the story is set—won nearly every award for which it was nominated (34). In addition to Jack Nicholson as McMurphy, the extraordinary cast includes Danny DeVito, Brad Dourif, Louise Fletcher, Will Sampson, Scatman Crothers, and Christopher Lloyd. Our discussions will feature the Nest’s 13-year journey to the screen, including the involvement of both Kirk and Michael Douglas; major interference by the Czech government; the unique way the performances were captured; and the complex themes of psychiatric