The screening also honors Karlovy Vary’s long-standing ties to Cuckoo’s Nest. Director Miloš Forman was a loyal supporter of the festival, and he, along with Douglas, Zaentz, and actor Danny DeVito who also starred in the film, are all recipients of the festival’s Crystal Globe for Outstanding Artistic Contribution to World Cinema.
“We are truly honored to present One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest on its 50th anniversary,” said KVIFF Executive Director Kryštof Mucha. “The presence of Michael Douglas, Paul Zaentz, and the Forman family will make this an unforgettable moment in the festival’s history.”
Adapted from Ken Kesey’s novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest follows Randle McMurphy, a rebellious gambler whose defiance of authority challenges the rigid confines of a mental institution. A powerful parable of freedom versus control, the film marked a turning point in Forman’s career and paved the way for his later international successes.
The film made Oscar history as only the second to win all five major Academy Award categories: Best Picture (Douglas and Zaentz), Best Director (Forman), Best Actor (Jack Nicholson), Best Actress (Louise Fletcher), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Lawrence Hauben and Bo Goldman).
Michael Douglas last visited Karlovy Vary in 1998, when he and Saul Zaentz were honored with the Crystal Globe. Paul Zaentz, who worked closely with Forman on Amadeus and Goya’s Ghosts (2006), also produced acclaimed titles including The English Patient (1996) and The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999).
