Where was One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest filmed?
1975
City Locations
Oregon (USA), California (USA)
Location Types
Hospital, Storefront, Riverside
Location Styles
Manufactured, Dock, Craftsman, Cape Cod, 70's
About One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
A cult classic, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest gained immense popularity in 1975 due to its vivid depiction of spirited non-conformity that struck a chord with audiences. Based on Ken Kesey's 1962 novel bearing the same title, director Milos Forman helmed the psychological thriller.
The movie showcases a skilled ensemble cast, consisting of Louise Fletcher, Jack Nicholson, Christopher Lloyd, Brad Dourif, and Will Sampson. The story follows Randle P. McMurphy (Jack Nicholson), who is sent to an insane asylum in Oregon for evaluation after faking insanity to avoid prison work detail. He meets Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher) and other inmates and challenges the institution's oppressive system through his rebellious actions.
The film centers on McMurphy’s confrontation with Nurse Ratched and her system of order in a mental hospital while trying to break free from societal conformity. Despite his unorthodox methods of resisting authority, he provides a sense of hope and freedom for the other patients within the facility. However, his actions soon lead to catastrophic consequences that will forever change their lives.
Despite author Ken Kesey's dissatisfaction with the film adaptation of his novel (resulting in him refusing to watch the movie and even suing the filmmakers for altering his message), the Academy highly praised the movie, bestowing upon it all five leading Oscars. It became one of only three films (as of 2021) to win the Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay Oscars.
In 1993, the United States Library of Congress recognized the film as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" and chose it for preservation in the National Film Registry.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Locations
In January 1975, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest went into production, with the majority of filming taking place in Oregon. Some scenes were recorded in Depoe Bay and 450 Court St., NE Salem, Or. 97301. This part of Oregon is known for its natural beauty and landmarks, including mountains, lush valleys and rivers, and diverse wildlife.
A trip to One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest filming locations provides prospects to experience some of Oregon's most breathtaking scenery and visit some of the region’s historic sites. For instance, visitors can explore the J Building at the Oregon State Mental Hospital where parts of the movie were filmed. Although the J Building has since been demolished, its memory lives on with props from the film on display at the Museum of Mental Health located on the premises.
Furthermore, the hospital received recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. Visitors can also go on a boat ride in Depoe Bay or take in views from Court St., NE Salem, both landmarks present in scenes from this artistic masterpiece.
Fun Facts:
For a film centered on a group of psychiatric patients, the actors embraced some realism when the cameras weren’t rolling. They stayed at the Oregon State Hospital during production and even interacted with the psychiatric ward’s real patients.
The hospital scenes in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
OSH Museum of Mental Health, 2669, 2600 Center St NE, Salem, OR 97301, USA
In 1963 Oregon, Randle Patrick McMurphy, a criminal serving a relatively brief prison sentence, is declared insane, a ruse he accepts in the hopes of being transferred to a mental institution. The facility, however, is governed by the relentless and authoritarian Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher), who has subdued the patients into a state of disheartened institutional compliance.
Throughout his stay, McMurphy establishes friendships with his fellow patients, particularly Chief (Will Sampson) and Billy Bibbit (Brad Dourif). In one scene, around Christmas, McMurphy grows tired of Ratched's harsh methods.
He sneaks into the nurse's station at night and calls his girlfriend, Candy (Mews Small), asking her to bring him alcohol and help him escape. Candy arrives with a friend and drinks in tow. Subsequently, Billy starts flirting with McMurphy's girlfriend, prompting him to arrange a date for them later.
A wing of the Oregon State Mental Hospital provided the setting for the psychiatric ward scenes. A necessity for filming at the hospital was maintaining the original 1963 setting (as contemporary treatment methods differ).
The J Building has since been torn down; however, the Museum of Mental Health on-site exhibits props from the movie. A dedicated section called "Cuckoo's Nest" showcases photos and quotes from patients and the film crew. The museum also houses a machine that was thrown through a window by Chief Bromden.
The Museum of Mental Health is situated at 2669 Center Street between 24th and 25th Streets in Salem, along Hwy-5, roughly 50 miles south of Portland, Oregon. To get to the OSH Museum of Mental Health from Portland, take an I-5 S road by car.
McMurphy drives the bus scene in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
450 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301, USA
The scene of the bus painted a vivid picture of rebellion and freedom. It was a turning point for the patients, who were determined to escape from their institutionalized life. McMurphy takes control of the bus and drives it away from the mental institution, bringing with him several other patients and Candy.
They all enjoy the Oregon scenery through the window as they drive along the
Road. The unforgettable scene features an iconic line from McMurphy, who turns to his fellow passengers and says, “See how easy it is.” The line encapsulates what the movie is all about; the fight for liberation and independence against a tyrannical system.
450 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301, USA provided the setting for the scene. While there have been some changes since then, the building now houses a bookshop instead of furniture (as you could see in the film). However, the view has remained largely unchanged since 1975, including the nearby trees, which provided an idyllic backdrop as seen on the screen.
To reach this location today, travelers can fly into Portland International Airport (PDX). From there, they should rent a car or take public transportation to Salem.
The fishing trip scene in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Bayview Ave & Coast Guard Dr, Depoe Bay, OR 97341, USA
McMurphy takes a group of mental patients from the institution out on a fishing trip. We see Billy Bibbit (Brad Dourif) nervously trying to talk to Candy while Cheswick (Sydney Lassick) steers the boat. As a fish bites onto one of their lines, they all go into a mad scramble, finally getting two giant fish back onshore.
The fishing trip scene was filmed at Depoe Bay, located along I-101 about 12 miles north of Newport. With its claim to fame as "the smallest harbor in the world," Depoe Bay offers chartering services for boats and is accessible to people who want to recreate the scene from One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. Depoe Bay was named after Charles "Charley" Depot, a Siletz Indian who received the land through the Dawes Act of 1887 in 1894.
To get to Depoe Bay from Salem, take OR-22 W and OR-18. Alternatively, from nearby cities, such as Lincoln City or Pacific City, take US Highway 101 South until arriving at Depoe Bay.
Conclusion
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest remains a cinematic marvel, nearly five decades after its release. The realism is apparent from the filming location and the actors’ stay at the psychiatric ward before and during production.
One week before the slate went down, the actors observed the psych ward patients going about their daily routines and group therapy. Fletcher and Nicholson reported witnessing a patient undergoing electroconvulsive therapy.
These tidbits should inspire the avid wanderlust who is interested in going on a trip inspired by the filming locations of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.
Overall, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is an excellent movie that everyone should watch at least once in their lifetime. Its timeless themes and powerful performances make it an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you've watched it.