No Title

"Cuckoo's Nest" is concerned principally with the place of the individual in society and the means by which certain elements of society seek to impose order and exercise control, sometimes at the expense of the individual's (mental) health, but certainly at the expense of independence and freedom.

The hospital in the film is society in microcosm, with the patients displaying (or representing) problems in coping h life and the pressures they feel in the exercise of their social functions. However, it also represents the ways (discreet and quite indiscreet) in which "society" applies pressure on the individual to conform to what is regarded as the "norm" in terms of behaviour and attitude.

An essential point to note is that the story is not concerned with so-called "lunatics". These men have not lost their minds - they are simply having difficulty in coping with the problems and pressures thrown at them by society. As such they inspire pathos, sympathy and compassion. More importantly still, we could all succumb to similar pressures and end up in a similar position.

Behind the outwardly caring and helpful faÐ*ade of (mental) health care lies a subtle and widespread attempt to enforce compliance and acceptance of authority. This is achieved not just through the clear manifestation of physical discipline and control, but also (and more effectively) through the use of "therapy" in which the analysis of a problem not only assumes the very existence of, and responsibility for such a problem, but actually promotes and aggravates it as patients reflect and brood on their problems, doing nothing to diminish them and instead blowing them out of all proportion.

Into this centre comes Randall Patrick McMurphy (are we to read significance into the initials RPM?), a highly sociable free spirit who seems to offer an alternative to inward-dwelling reflection in the form of socialisation. He treats his fellow inmates as equals, is not judgmental (beyond displaying human and perfectly understandable frustration), accepting his new friends for what they are and offering them the chance to forget their problems, or at least to keep them in proportion as he involves them in one defiant scheme after another.

In contrast, Nurse Ratched is a tool of society, used to exercise order and control. This she achieves less by direct confrontation and more by subtle means such as playing on and maintaining character weaknesses, undermining self-confidence, and constantly "rubbing salt in open wounds" through therapy sessions, the consequence of which is to maintain the malleability and suggestibility of her patients.

She may represent any element of society which seeks to oppress or "depress" other elements, rather than being seen as the instrument of bureaucratic oppression. There are many who delight in the weaknesses of others and who derive pleasure and strength from the torment they inflict. Nurse Ratched, and indeed the entire hospital may be seen as representative of coercive and intolerant elements of society at large.

Another "message" to come out of the film is that we can change the structure of our society - if we have the courage and determination to do so.

R. P. McMurphy is one such determined man. He is a natural, highly sociable free spirit who challenges Nurse Ratched's authority because he resents by instinct her frequently underhand tactics of maintaining authority. It is worth noting that it is not so much order itself he rejects (he may even see the necessity of some order), but more the ways in which order is achieved, and perhaps the extremes to which she is prepared to go.

His determination and actions reflect a relatively simple man who is just what he appears to be. He is open and has no "side". He is mischievous and fun-seeking, yet he is thoughtful and sensitive to the condition and plight of his fellow inmates. When he acts, he acts by nature rather than by reflection. He fails to see the bigger picture and certainly does not consider matters of principle. He acts simply according to his conscience and does what he feels is right. Harding and the others would perhaps like to be able to act in this way, but they have questioned themselves (and doubted themselves) to such an extent that they have lost confidence and can no longer function as "normal" members of society. McMurphy remains unfettered by such considerations and as such represents a considerable challenge to the domineering elements of society, though he himself fails to understand what he represents to both the hospital administration and his fellow inmates.

It seems to me that McMurphy means and does no great harm, but he is a constant thorn in the side of the authorities as he doesn't take life too seriously, while those around him (authorities and inmates) appear to have created problems for themselves exactly in taking life too seriously.

Nurse Ratched appears to be caring and well intentioned - she may even believe that in thwarting McMurphy's plans for change and various other schemes she is acting for the greater good of her patients. However, as McMurphy's challenges become ever more "dangerous",