ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST

Characters

You have a list already of the characters from the opening sequences of the film.

Major Characters

2 Main Characters Randle Patrick McMurphy and Nurse Ratched

Minor Characters - several significant ones

Task

1.  On refill (or binder books) list the minor characters names down the side of your page in what you believe to be their order of importance. Be prepared to justify your chosen order.

2.  Beside each write a word or phrase that best describes that character.

How can you justify your choice of description?

To do this you need to think about the way these characters are presented and developed. The director has manipulated you into having the required response to a character through characterisation.

Characterisation occurs through the directors decisions about acting (actions, gestures and expressions), costumes, dialogue, lighting and colour.

Task

Choose one of the following and develop a profile of their characterisation paying particular attention to the changing nature of their character and how we are made aware of this through various techniques.

Billy or The Chief


Now consider the 2 major characters. When considering them you must be aware that the intention is to always see them in relation to each other. They appear to be complete opposites. Black and white, good and bad etc in this sense they are more than just characters they are symbols.

Task

1.  McMurphy has been described as, “An energetic, swagging, wisecracking, non-conformist, rebellious patient/prisoner.” Do you agree with this assessment of him? What would you add?

2.  Give an example of how each of the following is used to ‘define’ his character.

·  Costume

·  Colour

·  Camera shot/framing

·  Camera angle

·  Dialogue

·  Sound

·  Action

3. Write a paragraph answering the following questions.

What background info is given to us about McMurphy? How is this provided for us? Why might we be given this knowledge? Does this information have an effect on our attitude towards him?

4. How does McMurphy himself describe why he is in trouble?

5. At what point do we realise that McMurphy senses he must enter a battle of wills with Nurse Ratched? (refer back to your diagram of plot conflicts).