The film adaptation of Ken Kesey’s novel, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” was primarily filmed at the Oregon State Hospital in Salem, Oregon. This location served as the backdrop for the fictional psychiatric ward where the story unfolds. The hospital’s existing facilities, including its wards, day rooms, and exterior grounds, were utilized to create a realistic and immersive environment. This choice significantly contributed to the film’s gritty and authentic portrayal of institutional life.
Filming in an actual psychiatric hospital lent a powerful layer of verisimilitude to the production. The setting imbued the narrative with a sense of immediacy and heightened the emotional impact of the characters’ struggles. This decision also fostered a collaborative atmosphere on set, as patients and staff members participated as extras and advisors, further enhancing the film’s realism. The Oregon State Hospital, even today, remains a significant landmark in cinematic history due to its association with this iconic film.
