Issue 157

Book Review: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

08th October 2007

The Academy Award winning role of McMurphy seems like a bespoke part for the roguish Jack Nicholson. The stark white setting and chilling presence of the beastly Nurse Ratched have etched themselves into the memories of film-goers since its release in 1975, but the novel, by Ken Kesey, was also one of the most influential pieces of American literature in the twentieth century.

Although almost every front-cover of the novel now bears Nicholson's trademark grin and iconography from the film, McMurphy in the novel creates a striking effect with his physical appearance, his shock of red hair and his strong build are outward indicators of his brash confidence, his Irish descent, and his unfortunate tendency for fighting and f**king.

One main difference between the film and the novel is the fact that Chief Bromsden narrates the story. We see his reasons for being mute and although his ability to talk doesn't come as as much of a shock as it is in the film, it is explored more fully.

Although Nicholson's McMurphy is a criminal in the film, there's a movie-star charm about him that makes him all the more forgivable. In the novel, aspects such as the Chief's commentary and scenes that were never adapted into the film show a darker side to him that appears less acceptable. Despite liberating the other patients he also cheats them, and admits to the statutory rape of a 9 year old girl.

The film uses real patients and doctors to create realism, and by filming all actors all the time, ensures they lived the conditions of their characters even when not directly in the limelight. The film with its haunting soundtrack and sense of dread is critically acclaimed as one of the best book to film adaptations, but interestingly Ken Kesey himself refuses to watch the film, because of disagreements with its producers. It is wise not to follow Kesey's example though, as both book and film are breathtaking pieces of art.

Holly Thomas