One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest film is based on a 1962 novel by Ken Kesey. It also won five Academy Awards. Ratched is a 2020 Netflix series, which is inspired by Nurse Ratched.
When it comes to quality, Milos Forman’s 1975 movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is best, but the timeline of Netflix’s Ratched Series is perfect, which sets the viewer’s mood perfectly.
Both Ratched and One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest are great films in itself, but if it comes to choosing one movie, then what do you think, which flick is the best?
The story of both series and film has a similar concept, but they are somewhat different when it comes to portraying message and directorial execution. We have broken down each movie in its performance, storyline, and aesthetic wise below.
Performance & Storytelling
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest has a simple premise where Randle Patrick “R.P.” McMurphy (Jack Nicholson) acts to be mentally unstable and enters a psychiatric facility to avoid labor at a prison. In the facility, Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher) has total control, but she starts to feel threatened in Randle’s presence.
Nicholson played his role quite well when it comes to power dynamics, fast-talking, and overall performance, whereas Fletcher mostly communicates in a non-verbal way.
There were some minor issues in the Ratched series where it feels like it is veering off in various directions. It is why the flick gained negative reviews from the viewers. The character arc was not as strong as compared to Milos Forman’s film. But Sarah Paulson played the role of Fletcher quite well.
Aesthetics & Direction
If we talk about visuals, then Ratched gets one point because the series gives a warm viewing experience to the audience. The overall story looked like a well-polished series, and it is all about mood where viewers can understand Ratched’s dangerous and endearing character. You can watch the trailer below and see it yourself.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest leaves a great impact on the viewers because it has naturalism. It was well directed by cinematographers Haskell Wexler and Bill Butler.
The film mostly comes to life during the group sequences and tries to tell viewers about the characters’ motivations. Viewers loved some parts where McMurphy has conversations with his fellow mates.
Messaging & Relevancy
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest gives a message of hope to the audience. The patients struggle to survive in the outside world, but they easily connect within the hospital. McMurphy is shown as the savior among his fellow patients.
Instead of rebelling, he begins to think about the happiness of his peers. There is hope for Nurse Ratched too, who is dealing with her problems.
But Ratched loses the viewers’ focus through numerous dramatic subplot. Netflix viewers might enjoy the series because it has many thrill elements, but the directorial execution might turn off some viewers.
So if you are expecting the series to be great like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, then it is a big no.
Final Words
After considering all the facts, we feel One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest is a better adaption. From comedy to drama, the 133 minutes film has everything that a viewer wants in a flick. One incredible thing about this film is when McMurphy tries to act as he will get out of any tough situation. We will be back with more articles like this one, so stay tuned.
