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Ro · 08-11-2008, 01:42 AM

The MacGuffins are extremely happy to select, with their third team selection and 75th overall pick, for entry in the Best Picture category:

One Flew Over The ####oo's Nest

I can't take it no more. I gotta get outta here.
I can't. I just can't.
It's easier than you think, Chief.
For you, maybe. You're a lot bigger than me.

Like Getbak mentioned about his pick, this is one I considered taking in the second round almost 50 selections ago, and am absolutely ecstatic about adding to my team. For those of you making note of some classic films that need to go on your "must-see" queue, I humbly suggest bumping OFOTCN to the top of your list. It's at once a triumphant expression of the human condition, a heartwarming comedy, a scathing indictment of the institutionalization of societal outcasts, and a moving tragedy. In 1975 it became only the second (and currently, only the third) film to sweep the 5 major Academy Awards, and to this day has maintained its reputation as both a fantastic technical work and a genuine crowd-pleaser that doesn't seem to grow tired as the years go by.

Based on a novel by Ken Kesey, OFOTCN draws much of its strength from one of the best adapted screenplays to ever hit the screen. With profound statements about rehabilitation, institutionalization, mental illness, the justice system, and authority, it conveys a social significance that almost never fails to engage. Director Milos Forman's work is impressive also. Never drawing attention to the editing, his camera work allows for maximum character development and adds significantly to some of the more powerful scenes with its subtle precision. He drew attention during the film shoot for using some unconventional techniques- shooting (almost) the enitre film in sequence, filming scenes without using the traditional "action!" and "cut!" queues for the actors, and by encouraging the actors to get in character by shooting on location and involving real patients.

The result is some of the finest acting I've ever seen by a tremendous ensemble cast. Much has been said about the performances of Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher in this film, so I won't get into that too much, other than to say they are both excellent in the highest order. Fletcher's Nurse Ratched has become a symbol of militaristic and oppressive authority, but there is much more to her character than a simple blanketing sterotype. And Jack is perfectly cast and hits the ball outta the park in this one with his delicate balancing act between rebel and prisoner, inspirational leader and fragile, broken man. But the rest of the cast shines as well- it is a real testament to the film as a whole that even the minor characters seem well-developed and integral to the story.

By the time then ending arrives, which is simply unforgettable and one of the most famous in the history of cinema, it's difficult not to be overwhelmed by this one. Like I said above, if you've glossed over this one at the movie store only to rent the current flavor of the week, do yourself a favor and watch this landmark film.

08-11-2008, 01:42 AM	#321
Ro #1 Goaltender Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Kelowna Exp:	The MacGuffins are extremely happy to select, with their third team selection and 75th overall pick, for entry in the Best Picture category: One Flew Over The ####oo's Nest I can't take it no more. I gotta get outta here. I can't. I just can't. It's easier than you think, Chief. For you, maybe. You're a lot bigger than me. Like Getbak mentioned about his pick, this is one I considered taking in the second round almost 50 selections ago, and am absolutely ecstatic about adding to my team. For those of you making note of some classic films that need to go on your "must-see" queue, I humbly suggest bumping OFOTCN to the top of your list. It's at once a triumphant expression of the human condition, a heartwarming comedy, a scathing indictment of the institutionalization of societal outcasts, and a moving tragedy. In 1975 it became only the second (and currently, only the third) film to sweep the 5 major Academy Awards, and to this day has maintained its reputation as both a fantastic technical work and a genuine crowd-pleaser that doesn't seem to grow tired as the years go by. Based on a novel by Ken Kesey, OFOTCN draws much of its strength from one of the best adapted screenplays to ever hit the screen. With profound statements about rehabilitation, institutionalization, mental illness, the justice system, and authority, it conveys a social significance that almost never fails to engage. Director Milos Forman's work is impressive also. Never drawing attention to the editing, his camera work allows for maximum character development and adds significantly to some of the more powerful scenes with its subtle precision. He drew attention during the film shoot for using some unconventional techniques- shooting (almost) the enitre film in sequence, filming scenes without using the traditional "action!" and "cut!" queues for the actors, and by encouraging the actors to get in character by shooting on location and involving real patients. The result is some of the finest acting I've ever seen by a tremendous ensemble cast. Much has been said about the performances of Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher in this film, so I won't get into that too much, other than to say they are both excellent in the highest order. Fletcher's Nurse Ratched has become a symbol of militaristic and oppressive authority, but there is much more to her character than a simple blanketing sterotype. And Jack is perfectly cast and hits the ball outta the park in this one with his delicate balancing act between rebel and prisoner, inspirational leader and fragile, broken man. But the rest of the cast shines as well- it is a real testament to the film as a whole that even the minor characters seem well-developed and integral to the story. By the time then ending arrives, which is simply unforgettable and one of the most famous in the history of cinema, it's difficult not to be overwhelmed by this one. Like I said above, if you've glossed over this one at the movie store only to rent the current flavor of the week, do yourself a favor and watch this landmark film. Last edited by Ro; 08-11-2008 at 12:50 PM.