[Classic Film] Number Three - One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

Trailer:

Information:

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★ - A Masterpiece Of film [For rating system, see information tab at top of blog]

Release Date: 19th November 1975

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Director: Milos Forman

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Writer: Lawrence Hauben - Bo Goldman (Screenplay) Ken Kesey (Novel) Dale Wasserman (Play)

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Cast: Jack Nicholson - Louise Fletcher - Danny DeVito - Michael Berryman - Brad Dourif

Famous Quotes:

1) 'Which one of you nuts has got any guts?'

2) 'That's right, Mr. Martini. There is an Easter Bunny' 

3) 'I must be crazy to be in a loony bin like this.'

4) 'I'm A goddamn marvel of modern science' 

5) 'Someone get me a fucking wiener before I die.'

6) 'Is that crazy enough for ya'? Want me to take a shit on the floor?'

7) 'In one week, I can put a bug so far up her ass, she don't know whether to shit or wind her wristwatch'

8) 'Why don't ya shut your goddamn mouth and play some music'

9) 'Rules, Piss on your fucking rules' 

10) 'Get out my way son, you're usin' my oxygen' 

11) 'Goddamn it chief, you about as big as a damn mountain' 

Explanation:

'One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest', released in 1975, remains a very unique, original film. It is one of the select few films in history to ever win the big five oscars - best actor, best actress, best director, best film and best writing, joined only by; 'It Happened One Night' (1934) and 'Silence Of The Lambs' (1991). 

The film follows McMurphy, an inmate who pretends to be insane in order to get out of his work duties - resulting in him being admitted to a mental institution. In the institution, he causes problems as he tries to liven the place, subsequently creating a rift between the patients and the nurses. 

The film is a fantastically constructed - the narrative is gripping, the screen chemistry is phenomenal and the direction is concise. Each element in its own is near flawless, resulting in one of the most popular and famous institution dramas in history. 

'One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest', whilst being a complete cinematic success, also has an interesting backstory. The rights to the film were initially owned by Kirk Douglas, whom never successful in its creation. Only when his son, Michael Douglas, bought the rights from his father, did the film begin production.

Furthermore, it is unknown to some that the mental institution that the film was shot in, was and remains a genuine mental hospital. Many of the extras in the film where real mental patients, resulting in lots of the scenes being improvised - this was something at which Jack Nicholson was very adept. 

Awards:

Oscar Wins: 

Best actor in a leading role: Jack Nicholson

Best actress in a leading role: Louise Fletcher

Best Director: Milos Forman

Best Picture

Best Writing, Screenplay based on another medium

Oscar Nominations:

Best actor in a supporting role: Brad Dourif 

Best Cinematography

Best Film Editing

Best Music, Original Score

BAFTA wins:

Best Actor: Jack Nicholson

Best Actress: Louise Fletcher

Best Direction: Milos Forman

Best Film

Best Film Editing

Best Supporting Actor: Brad Dourif

BAFTA Nominations:

Best Music

Best Cinematography

Best Screenplay

Best Soundtrack

Golden Globe Wins:

Best Acting Debut (Male) - Brad Dourif

Best Director - Milos Forman

Best Picture

Best Actor - Jack Nicholson

Best Actress - Louise Fletcher

Best Screenplay

Golden Globe Nominations:

N/A

*The Videos Used In This Post Are Not Mine*

[Review] Thor - 7th May 2011

★

★

★

★

★

 - Average [For rating system, see information tab at top of blog]

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Release Date: 27th April 2011
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Director: Kenneth Branagh
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Writer: Ashley Miller - Zack Stentz - Don Payne (Screenplay) J. Michael Straczynski - Mark Protosevich (Story) Stan Lee - Larry Lieber - Jack Kirby (Comic Book)
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Cast: Chris Hemsworth - Natalie Portman - Tom Hiddleston - Anthony Hopkins - Stellan Skarsgard - Kat Dennings

Review

Marvel’s latest installment ‘Thor’ produced a high level of anticipation prior to its release. It owes this to an effective advertising campaign in which a trailer, a series of posters and advertisements were created that generated the perfect air of excitement any film desires.

Unfortunately however, after seeing ‘Thor’, I don’t think it lived up to the ‘hype’ that it’s advertising promised  - while in some aspects it is good, in others it is greatly lacking.

‘Thor’s’ narrative is relatively unique. It is based on a comic book that is centered on Norse mythology. It follows the character ‘Thor’ who is banished from his home of Asgard and sent to Earth after nearly starting a war. This narrative is split between the fantasy realm of Asgard and Earth, following two different character plots that results in a ‘cross over’ between the two worlds. 

Using the Norse mythology as a basis for the narrative is very effective. The main characters; ‘Thor’, ‘Odin’ and ‘Loki’ are names derived from popular myths and legends, and consequently to see them in such a large motion picture format generates a historic element that engages the audience and instantly grips them to the narrative.

Directionally, the film is very adept. It is generally constructed in an imaginative way, and contains some exciting action sequences that immediately engage whilst other scenes maintain a standard conciseness, as a good contrast, that does not try to overwhelm the viewer. The director, Kenneth Branagh, did not try to make the film too ‘artistic’, but instead let its extravagant narrative speak for itself.

Visually, the film is also of a high standard. Asgard is a fantasy realm, and has been given a ‘dreamlike’ quality, and while it does not have the visual effects that match ‘Avatar’s’ standard, the choreography and direction of the action sequences makes up for this – Thus resulting in a film that is incredibly entertaining in terms of action. 

However, in my view the films problems stem from its writing and performances – as the narrative is spilt between a world of realism and a world of fantasy, there is always a danger that the film will not gel, and ‘Thor’ unfortunately did not. The dialogue that was used for the characters residing in the fantasy realm seemed ‘cheesy’ and inconsistent. When the two split narratives merge, the film looses the ‘epic’ factor that the initial action and fantasy scenes had created, which leaves the viewer focusing on a story that becomes predictable. It is almost like two separate films have been written, then loosely glued together in an attempt to give the film a third dimension.

In terms of performances, the film is disappointing. Chris Helmsworth, the lead actor playing ‘Thor’ is completely one dimensional, playing the action sequences effectively but offering nothing exceptional in the portrayal of his character.  Supporting performances from Nathalie Portman and Stellan Skarsgard are adequate, while most others come across as ineffective scapegoat actors, further let down by a script containing dialogue that makes them cliched.

If ‘Thor’ had remained a pure fantasy film, and been completely set in Asgard, then these dialogue and performance problems would not have been as noticeable. It is when you introduce the element of realism; in this case the earth based narrative, that brings about the ‘cheesy’ factor.

Having said this, ‘Thor’ remains entertaining. If you look beyond the problems I have mentioned, and are just looking for something you can enjoy without really having to do much thinking - ‘Thor’ is perfect! 

Posted On Phantom's Reviews, The website I contribute to.

[Review] Arthur - 27th April 2011

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★

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★ - Leaves A Lot To Be Desired [For rating system, see information page at top of blog]

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Release Date: 22nd April 2011
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Director: Jason Winer
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Writer: Steve Gordon (Story) - Peter Baynham (Screenplay)
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Cast: Russell Brand - Helen Mirren - Jennifer Garner - Greta Gerwig

Review

Arthur was an interesting film - Though it had a very recognizable cast, the film did not have a very effective advertising campaign and many people who I discussed it with had not heard of it, let alone wanted to see it! 

In a way I was no exception, I knew about the film, and though I could guess at its genre and type of narrative simply from Russell Brand's previous films, I knew little about the plot - therefore, I was slightly surprised upon viewing the finished product!

'Arthur' is about a Billionaire and his relationships with the people around him. He is a heavy drinker but a very generous, kind person.  The character of Arthur, played by Brand, is not portrayed that differently to the standard 'drink & drug' fueled cliche he usually plays. This time however the performance has a much more innocent feel to it, and suggests a realization that he is just a child at heart. 

Brand's performance is solid, you instantly like the character - he provides a very 'loveable' dimension to Arthur that is new to his acting arsenal. The character does not differ greatly from other roles he has played, and shows, again, his ability to play a 'drunken' eccentric very effectively and comically – however, I feel we are at the point where I would like to see Brand try something different, otherwise he leaves himself vulnerable to type-casting. 

Supporting roles from Helen Mirren, Jennifer Garner and Greta Gerwig are also effective. Helen Mirren, in particular, plays a very 'uptight', tense role that contrasts perfectly with the character of Arthur, providing another source of comedy - The performances in this film were positive and safe. There was adequate screen chemistry throughout,- a vital factor in this type of comedy. 

I did feel, however, that there was something lacking in the narrative. The plot was predictable and in parts seemed to have unnecessary scenes. It also moved along at quite a slow pace, and whilst comical, did not contain material that had you 'holding your sides'! Competition in the comedy genre now is so fierce that this type of film has to be very unique and unfortunately, 'Arthur' does not possess this ‘not to be missed’ quality. 

'Arthur' - A happy, almost delightful film in many ways  (courtesy of Brand's character) that is easy to watch. Unfortunately, it lacks a strong narrative that simply was not funny enough. 

[Top Ten] Highest Grossing Horrors

10) The Silence Of The Lambs

Release Date: 31st May 1991

Director: Jonathan Demme

Cast: Jodie Foster - Anthony Hoppkins - Ted Levine - Scott Glenn

Gross: $204,000,000

Information:

'Silence Of The Lambs' was released in 1991 and became one the most acclaimed thrillers of all time. It won a total of 5 Oscars, including best picture, best actor and actress and best director. The film, based upon a novel of the same name, is about an FBI agent who seeks help from incarcerated cannibal Dr Hannibal Lecter, in catching a serial killer called 'Buffalo Bill', a transsexual man who skins his victims.

The film became so acclaimed due to its 'chill' factor, mainly because of the excellent performance from Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter. Coming up to twenty years from its original release date, 'Silence Of The Lambs' remains one of the most popular thrillers in history.

9) Alien

Release Date: 6th September 1979

Director: Ridley Scott

Cast: Sigourney Weaver - John Hurt - Tom Skerritt

Gross: $206,000,000

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'Alien' was a very unique film when it was first released - it was the first film to portray Aliens in the way it did, incorporating both Sci-Fi and horror in its gripping narrative. The film follows a team of humans who land on a planet to investigate an SOS distress call, they quickly find out they are not alone on the planet as they are forced to fight the highly aggressive alien race that has killed the previous human inhabitants. 

Alien quickly became very popular - when it was originally released, its violence and gore was considered to be very shocking, and thus generated a high level of interest. It won an Oscar for visual effects and has stood the test of time, known now as one of the greatest horror and Sci-Fi films in history. 

8) The Amityville Horror

Release Date: 27th July 1979

Director: Stuart Rosenberg 

Cast: James Brolin - Margot kidder - Rod Steiger

Gross: $226,000,000

Information: 

'The Amityville Horror' owes its success to a very successful advertising campaign. Like with 'Silence Of The Lambs' it was based on an acclaimed novel that generated a debate: was the story based on fact?

The films narrative is simple; a newly married couple move into a house where a murder was committed, and quickly discover the house has supernatural elements. It is a classic example of a psychological horror that became so popular it was remade in 2005. 

7) Jaws 2

Release Date: 6th June 1978

Director: Jeannot Szwarc 

Cast: Lorraine Gary - Roy Scheider - Murray Hamilton

Gross: $228,000,000

Information: 

'Jaws 2' simply became so successful of the back of its world famous prequel 'Jaws'. The film is about a second large shark that terrorizes waters around Amity, a narrative that is similar to the first 'Jaws' film. 

Jaws 2 was not as popular as its prequel, but still remains a very famous horror film. The lead actor; Roy Scheider, remained for the second installment, but supporting actors and director changed from Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss and Steven Spielberg to Lorraine Gary, Murray Hamilton and Jeannot Szwarc. 

6) Signs

Release Date: 13th September 2002

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Cast: Mel Gibson - Joaquin Phoenix - Rory Culkin

Gross: $258,000,000

Information: 

'Signs', released in 2002, became a successful motion picture due to a large advertising campaign and the reputation of M. Night Shyamalan after his 1999 picture 'The Sixth Sense'. Signs is about a family living on a farm who find unexplained crop circles in their fields, a indication of alien presence. 

In terms of awards and response, 'Signs' was actually received negatively. It had no major award nominations and was criticized by a range of different film personalities, it seem that 'The Sixth Sense' was an impossible act to follow. 

5) Psycho

Release Date: 25th August 1960

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Cast: Anthony Perkins - Vera Miles - John Gavin

Gross: $280,000,000

Information:

'Psycho' is arguably the most famous horror film in history. Released in 1960, its famous scenes and soundtrack are still recognizable to all generations. The film follows a young woman after stealing $40,000. She is forced to stay in a small motel, only to encounter Norman Bates, a psychotic man doing the bidding of his possessive mother.

'Psycho' was a huge success and is the perfect example of a film that has stood the test of time. Alfred Hitchcock's unique style was already popular prior to the films release, resulting in 'Psycho' being a very anticipated film. It became one of the landmark films from which most other horror films find their inspiration. 

4) House Of Wax

Release Date: 25th April 1953

Director: Andre De Toth

Cast: Vincent Price - Frank Lovejoy - Phyllis Kirk 

Gross: $332,000,000

Information:

'House Of Wax' owes its success to it's advertising. It became very anticipated, as it was one of the first 3D horror films ever released. The film is about a wax museum's sculptor using human bodies to create his pieces of ‘art’ - the sculptor's assistant starts to get suspicious resulting in him discovering all kinds of horrors. 

Though 'House Of Wax' was successful at the box office, like with 'Signs' it was critically slated. Many felt that the 3D effects used where unsuccessful and that the narrative of the film was weak. 

3) The Sixth Sense

Release Date: 5th November 1999

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Cast: Bruce Willis - Haley Joel Osment - Toni Collette 

Gross: $378,000,000

Information:

'The Sixth Sense' became a very successful film for many reasons. The film has a unique narrative about a young boy who has the ability to see ghosts - he seeks help with his condition from a therapist who slowly starts to realize the boy is telling the truth. 

'The Sixth Sense' was nominated for six Oscars including best supporting actor, best picture and best director. It has the reputation of being one of the most chilling films ever made, appearing in may 'top ten' horror film lists by different film enterprises. 

2) The Exorcist

Release Date: 16th March 1974

Director: William Friedkin

Cast: Ellen Burstyn - Max Von Sydow - Linda Blair - Lee J. Cobb

Gross: $727,000,000

Information:

Along with 'Psycho', 'The Exorcist' is arguably one of the most famous horror films in history. This film became so successful because it was the first film of its kind. Turning over $727,000,000 in gross, 'The Exorcist' is about a young girl who is possessed by a demon. In her desperation, the girl’s mother turns to a priest to banish the entity from her innocent daughter. 

'The Exorcist' created a high level of controversy after its release, many people where so scared by it they had to leave the cinema - there where even stories of people committing suicide as a result of the film. Today, 'The Exorcist' is considered to be the first psychological thriller ever made, and continues to hold a very feared reputation.  

1) Jaws

Release Date: 1st January 1975

Director: Steven Spielberg 

Cast: Roy Scheider - Robert Shaw - Richard Dreyfuss

Gross: $842,000,000

Information:

'Jaws' is the most successful horror film in history. Its success was down to a famous cast, effective advertising, and of course the reputation of Steven Spielberg. The films narrative is simple; it is about a large great white shark that is terrorizing the waters around the small island of Amity. 

'Jaws' won three Oscars; best sound, music and editing, and was further nominated for best picture. Its famous sound effects are still recognizable now and it remains one of the world’s most popular films. 

Phantom's Reviews

Just a bit of personal news:

I have offically started working for a new website called 'Phantom's Reviews' - I film reviewing website that specilises in horror, sci-fi and fantasy. Here is the link:

Phantom's Reviews

Nothing will change with my blog, I will still be posting the same articles, I just will be doing work for this new website simaltaniously. Any articles or reviews I write for the website will be posted my blog aswell, just with the website link at the bottom.

So take a look at the website, hope you enjoy it :)

All the best,
FilmDebate, Adam