While at a first glance one might consider this to be simply a fine entertaining piece of filmmaking, showing us the adventures of a rebellious free spirit in a mental ward, it’s story goes much deeper, for we have only scratched the surface. With the film of the story of “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest”, Kesey holds a mirror to our society and the images we see reflected back are of a dark, oppressive and controlling society whose goal is to foster social integration and squelch individuality, creating a compliant society.

McMurphy solidly exhibits his leadership when he contests Ratched’s refusal to change the schedule. Ratched informs Mac that the schedule can only be changed with a majority of the resident’s votes. Smugly secure the Mac won’t garner the majority of the votes, Rached agrees to a vote. Her expectations are confirmed when only nine votes are in favor. Mac demands a revote and this time the Chief votes in favor giving Mac the needed 10 votes. Ratched of course, overrules the second vote. There will be no change in the schedule and no World Series .In a moment of sheer brilliance, Mac sits in front of the black screen TV and delivers a play-by-play of the World Series and within minutes all the patients are gathered around to “watch” and listen. From this point on, Chief trusts Mac and becomes a follower.

Nurse Ratched plays the Ward Superintendent. She is the ultimate authority. Kesey describes her as “enormous, capable of swelling up bigger and bigger to monstrous proportions.” The films physical portrayal of nurse Ratched perfectly embodies Kesey’s description. Her appearance is one of frightening tight control. Every fiber of her being seems to exude a dark, cold and brooding control. Ratchet’s control and ability to use it are evidenced by even her manner of speaking: soft, monotone and restrained with placid smiles. She is a consistent bureaucrat obsessed with her own authority. Nurse Ratched equates sanity with “correct behavior”. The choice to picture Nurse Ratched entering the ward to begin her workday wearing a black coat over her sterile work uniform symbolizes her black and white approach to life. Either you’re in control or you’re not. Either you’re insane or you’re not. Either do what I say or face the horrendous consequences.

During a hospital departmental meeting, discussion is underway regarding Mac’s diagnosis. Ratched recommends Mac not be moved neither back to the state prison or “up stairs.” R.P. Mac Murphy’s fate is sealed as Ratched declares, “ I say we keep him.” With this statement, Mac is now committed to the hospital. Committed without his consent. Committed without his knowledge. (Seger 319). Mac’s fate is sealed.

of McMurphy as the hero character Kesey uses the archetypical figure, (Seger, 323) of the trickster. McMurphy completely embodies the trickster throughout the film as the ‘bad boy” creating chaos, disrupting and disturbing the peace and quiet on the ward. His anarchist behavior is a constant threat to the structure of the asylum.

When this film was originally released in the 70’s, it was frequently criticized for it’s negative portrayal of women and it’s racial stereotyping. While I can clearly understand those viewpoints, I think th

Some topics in this essay:
Nurse Ratched, Billy Mac, Ratched Chief, Randall McMurphy, Repeatedly McMurphy, Mc Murphy, Nest” Kesey, Mac Murphy’s, Ward Superintendent, American Indian, nurse ratched, mac chief, authority nurse ratched, tell mother, electroshock therapy, change schedule, world series, christ figure, seger 319, mc murphy, “one flew cuckoo’s, flew cuckoo’s nest”, authority nurse,