“But I tried, didn’t I? Goddammit, at least I did that.”
Join Ian & Liam for our 305th episode as we get ourselves committed to one of the greatest American films ever made: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975). Kev and Megs? They won’t be joining us this week — Megs was last seen challenging Nurse Ratched’s medication schedule and Kev tried to lift the hydrotherapy console to escape. Security is “having a chat” with both of them.
This week we discuss:
- How Miloš Forman’s direction created a sense of art imitating life. But who was Miss Ratched and who was Mac?
- Jack Nicholson’s legendary performance as R.P. McMurphy — charming, chaotic, and dangerously alive. But is it just Jack playing Jack?
- Louise Fletcher’s cold, controlled terror as Nurse Ratched — is she evil, institutionalised, or the product of her system?
- The film’s astonishing supporting cast — from Danny DeVito to Brad Dourif — and why the ensemble might be one of the best ever assembled. Who asked for asshole Doc Brown?
- The real power struggle at the heart of the film: rebellion vs. routine, individuality vs. institution.
- Ian breaks down the film’s narrative structure and why one sequence isn't necessary
- Liam reflects on the humour, the heartbreak, and the explosive final act — does any other ending hit quite like this one?
- Is Mac crazy? How would someone pretending to be crazy present themselves in this environment?
- We discuss the film’s legacy: its Oscars sweep, its influence on pop culture, and its place in the “Great American Films” canon.
- Is McMurphy a hero, a catalyst, or a cautionary tale?
- What was Milos Forman trying to say in the film based on his personal lifestory?
- And finally, whether One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is the Best Film Ever — or simply one of the boldest critiques of power and conformity ever committed to screen.
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Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor.
Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/
