November 18, 2025

Episode 305 - One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

2 hours 54 minutes

“But I tried, didn’t I? Goddammit, at least I did that.”

Join Ian & Liam for our 305th episode as we get ourselves committed to one of the greatest American films ever made: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975). Kev and Megs? They won’t be joining us this week — Megs was last seen challenging Nurse Ratched’s medication schedule and Kev tried to lift the hydrotherapy console to escape. Security is “having a chat” with both of them.

This week we discuss:

How Miloš Forman’s direction created a sense of art imitating life. But who was Miss Ratched and who was Mac?

Jack Nicholson’s legendary performance as R.P. McMurphy — charming, chaotic, and dangerously alive. But is it just Jack playing Jack?

Louise Fletcher’s cold, controlled terror as Nurse Ratched — is she evil, institutionalised, or the product of her system?

The film’s astonishing supporting cast — from Danny DeVito to Brad Dourif — and why the ensemble might be one of the best ever assembled. Who asked for asshole Doc Brown?

The real power struggle at the heart of the film: rebellion vs. routine, individuality vs. institution.

Ian breaks down the film’s narrative structure and why one sequence isn't necessary

Liam reflects on the humour, the heartbreak, and the explosive final act — does any other ending hit quite like this one?

Is Mac crazy? How would someone pretending to be crazy present themselves in this environment?

We discuss the film’s legacy: its Oscars sweep, its influence on pop culture, and its place in the “Great American Films” canon.

Is McMurphy a hero, a catalyst, or a cautionary tale?

What was Milos Forman trying to say in the film based on his personal lifestory?

And finally, whether One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is the Best Film Ever — or simply one of the boldest critiques of power and conformity ever committed to screen.

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Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor.

Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/

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