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Different Generations Review One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Milos Forman (Director)
This review takes a different turn: one movie, two reviewers. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (OFOCN) is arguably the most watched psychiatric film in history. Although undisputedly perception-altering in its day, much of that significance might be lost on younger psychiatric nurses and students. Hence, dual reviewers: a younger nurse (D.J.B. ~30) and an older nurse (N.L.K. -60).
Younger Nurse's Review
When this column was first proposed, I embraced the opportunity to review this iconic film - then immediately experienced a terrible case of writer's block. The novel was published 10 years before I was born and the movie was released when I was only 3 years old. Until I entered nursing school at the age of 25, my understanding of mental health and illness was based on a familiar mix: mainstream media sources, the "wisdom" of family and friends, and some introductory-level psychology content. Through the narratives of my psychiatric nursing professor, I was able to appreciate the meaning of the historical events featured on the timeline in my nursing textbook. Now as a psychiatric nurse, I feel qualified to review the accuracy of OFOCN's portrayal of the mental healthcare system, therapeutic environment, treatments, patients, and staff - except that I wasn't there. Therefore, my analysis of this film's historical accuracy is somewhat limited by my lack of personal nursing experience during the era depicted in the story. However, I propose that as new nurses enter the profession, it is our responsibility to become familiar with the history of nursing and health care; otherwise, we are doomed to repeat mistakes and fail to appreciate how - and why - progress was made.
Psychiatric nurses of all generations must be aware of the effect that OFOCN continues to have on their patients. Questions remain: In what ways might OFOCN be useful for student learning? Is the influence of this film based on historically accurate representations? Is OFOCN a "Real Reel" for yesterday ... or even today? I will present ways in which OFOCN reflects reality in today's mental healthcare system, for better and worse.
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