Exploring Representation in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

Exploring Representation in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to analyze the representations of gender, mental illness, ethnicity, and age in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest using technical language such as cinematography, mise-en-scene, editing, sound, and performance.

What do you already know about film representations of gender, mental illness, ethnicity, and age?

Introduction to One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

The film, released in 1975, is based on the novel by Ken Kesey and directed by Milos Forman. It is set in a mental institution and explores themes of power, control, and rebellion.

Gender Representation

The portrayal of Nurse Ratched as a symbol of oppressive femininity and McMurphy as a rebellious masculine figure highlights gender dynamics.

Mental Illness Representation

The use of lighting and camera angles emphasizes the oppressive nature of the institution, reflecting the stigma associated with mental illness.

Ethnicity Representation

The diverse backgrounds of the patients are subtly depicted through their interactions and behaviors, reflecting societal attitudes towards ethnicity in the 1970s.

Age Representation

The contrast between the youthful, rebellious patients and the older, subdued ones reflects the generational divide and societal perceptions of aging.

Technical Elements

The use of close-ups, long takes, and non-diegetic sound enhances the audience's connection to the characters' emotions and experiences.

Interactive Analysis

Watch and discuss key scenes from the film, focusing on specific technical elements and their impact on the representations of gender, mental illness, ethnicity, and age.

Conclusion and Reflection

Summarize the key points of the lesson and encourage students to reflect on the significance of film representations in shaping societal perceptions and attitudes.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.