One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a classic American film that was released in 1975. Directed by Milos Forman, the movie is based on the novel of the same name by Ken Kesey. The film tells the story of Randle McMurphy, a criminal who is transferred to a mental institution and clashes with the authoritarian Nurse Ratched. One of the most striking aspects of the film is its use of mise-en-scene, which helps to create a vivid and memorable portrayal of life in a mental institution.
In One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, the mise-en-scene is used to convey the oppressive atmosphere of the mental institution and the struggle between McMurphy and Nurse Ratched. The film is set almost entirely within the walls of the institution, which is portrayed as a sterile and oppressive environment. The walls are painted in dull colours, and the furniture is functional and unattractive. The lighting is often harsh and unflattering, emphasizing the starkness of the setting.
The costumes worn by the characters also contribute to the mise-en-scene. The patients are dressed in drab and shapeless clothing, which emphasizes their lack of individuality and autonomy. In contrast, Nurse Ratched is always immaculately dressed in crisp white uniforms, which highlights her authority and control over the patients. Her hair is always perfectly styled, and she wears heavy makeup that gives her a cold and unapproachable appearance.
Props are also used to great effect in the film. One of the most memorable props is the electroshock therapy machine, which is used to punish patients who disobey Nurse Ratched’s rules. The machine is large and intimidating, with wires and electrodes that are attached to the patient’s head. The sound of the machine whirring to life is enough to strike fear into the hearts of the patients, and its use is portrayed as cruel and dehumanizing.
Overall, the mise-en-scene in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a powerful tool that helps to create a vivid and memorable portrayal of life in a mental institution. The sterile setting, drab costumes, and oppressive lighting all contribute to the sense of confinement and control that the patients experience. The use of props such as the electroshock therapy machine emphasizes the cruelty and dehumanization that is inflicted upon the patients. By using these elements effectively, the film creates a powerful and unforgettable portrayal of life in a mental institution and highlights the struggle between individuality and conformity.
