Review of ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’
‘One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ is a delightful comedy with a distinct theme of institutional control versus human dignity in exploring how the authoritarian rule in society was rampant. The characterization in this film best describes the theme
Mc Murphy is the cocky convicted whose character makes an intriguing turn in the entire film. He is one of the energetic, mouthy, and hairy styles, who set the mental institution in motion regarding what he perceives about the leadership “Maybe the voice did not have to shout”(00:00:49-00:00:53). He challenges the authority of the mental institution by encouraging other men to stand up for themselves. Characterization of Mc Murphy is used to explain the theme, especially when he chooses to fight the forces of evil in Nurse Ratched in the mental institution that was used to oppress them and pays for it with his life.
Similarly, Billy is another character in the comedy that his role brings out a clear theme of institutional control versus human dignity. Though he longs to be like Mc Murphy, he is not strong enough in the beginning (Gilbey par 1). However, the strength and courage expressed by Mc Murphy make Billy a more devoted disciple after understanding how he can be in charge of his own life. Therefore, this characterization explains the theme of human dignity versus the institution’s control of how one can be transformed to be who he wants to be.
Lastly, Rachet, she is the nurse and face of the mental institution. She interacts daily with all the characters in the institution. She wore a stony face as well as being the most potent enemy of Mc Murphy. She is cruel to patients and exercises total control over them “your hand is staining that window” (00:01:50-00:01:52). In other words, she represents the cruelty in the institution. Her characterization is used t explain the theme of institution control over human dignity.