What kind of direction did Nurse Ratched receive?

A

Angelshare1

Well-known member
When I see a really interesting performace, I always imagine what kind of direction was given. What do you think the director did to get that performance out of Louise Fletcher in One Flew Over the Coockoo's Nest? There's no way of knowing of course but let's say you had to direct someone to get that result. What would you say to them?
 
I am certainly no expert but this is what I tend to do...

First I would look for the right person for the right job. Try to picture them in the roll and delivering the lines you have in your head. Then I try to describe the character in detail. Their thoughts and feelings, give them a background story and where they are coming from in life in general. I let that sink in for a few days and then have a rehearsal. From there it is very minimal directing mostly giving them line readings and maybe a couple different delivery options. Hopefully by that point it is coming together. Other thoughts?
 
I give the actors an objective:
Nurse Rachett may have seemed to be a *****, but to her character, she was not. Sample direction:
You must keep everyone in this hospital in line and following the rules or complete anarchy will ensue, especially in a place where personalities are so fragile. And you must treat all the residents as if they were 6 years old.
 
I heard an interview with Milos Forman, who is from Czechoslovakia, where he said that he alway saw Nurse Ratched as a metaphor for the Communist State. Where everything is done "for your own good", but ends up being oppresive. I don't know if he talked to Louise Fletcher about that.
 
Are there any cast/director commentaries or behind-the-scenes documentaries available? Some 'old' films have had recent DVD versions released with great modern extras, even if some interviewees tend to have unrelaible memories of decades-old film making.
 
cyclone said:
I give the actors an objective:
Nurse Rachett may have seemed to be a *****, but to her character, she was not. Sample direction:
You must keep everyone in this hospital in line and following the rules or complete anarchy will ensue, especially in a place where personalities are so fragile. And you must treat all the residents as if they were 6 years old.
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nicely put
 
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