A Comparison Of The Movie One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

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One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest INTRODUCTION As all movies are created based on a book, there always seems to be changes and conflicting ideas. However, they still have the same main idea to the story line. The novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey and the movie directed by Miloš Forman deal with the main idea of society's control of natural impulses. The author/director want to prove that this control can be overcome. Although the movie and the book are very different from each other, they still have their similarities. MAIN BODY I. In General Differences A. Point of View 1. In the book, Bromden tells how society is a Combine and shows all his inner thoughts. 2. In the movie, Bromden does not have an inner narrative. B. George Sorensen, the germophobe 1. In the book, Sorensen tells McMurphy about his past as a sea captain and leads the fishing trip. 2. Sorensen is not present in the movie. C. Taber 1. In the book when McMurphy arrives, Taber has already been treated and released. 2. In the movie, Taber is included throughout. D. Bromden's Background 1. In the book, Bromden tells about his life before the hospital. 2. In the movie, it tells nothing about Bromden's former life. E. Dr. Spivey 1. In the book, Spivey is intimidated by Nurse Ratched 2. In the movie, Spivey is has no issues with Nurse Ratched F. Cheswick's Death 1. In the book, Cheswick drowns in the pool. 2. In the movie, Cheswick doesn't drown, goes on the fishing trip, and is sentenced to the Disturbed Ward. II. The Beginning Differences A. World Series Situation 1. In the book, McMurphy and the other patients remain in front of the television after it has been turned off. 2. In the movie, McMurphy and the other patients pre... ... middle of paper ... ... in the book, and in the movie he seduced the girl. 3. In the book, McMurphy gains money from the patients, and in the movie it only shows him getting cigarettes. VII. Symbolism A. McMurphy's Tattoo foreshadowing his death is removed from the film. VIII. Themes A. Natural v.s. Institutional B. Transcendentalist CONCLUSION With all the awards and praise, the movie was considered to be a masterpiece. On the other hand, Ken Kesey felt that this production would ruin his mindset of his own novel. The main reason why there were more differences between the book and the movie was because Kesey had arguments with the producers, Michael Douglas and Saul Zaentz. Of course, everyone has a different view of how a story should be told. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is superb as both a movie adaptation and a novel that all critics can appreciate.

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