TW: Dissociative Identity Disorder and Trauma
Ratched (2020) is a television series available on Netflix, since the 18th of September. The show is based upon the character Nurse Ratched, from the 1962 novel, One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest, by Ken Kesey. The novel was adapted into a film of the same name in 1975, starring Jack Nicholson.
Creators Ryan Murphy and Evan Romansky built upon the infamous character of Nurse Mildred Ratched in this new programme. Murphy is one of the creators of American Horror Story, therefore the two programmes share similarities - including Nurse Ratched being played by American Horror Story actress, Sarah Paulson.
Although I have never read the Ken Kesey book, I have watched the Milos Forman film multiple times. I didn't see many similarities between the two portrayals of this same character. Ratched (2020) presented her as a sometimes murderous but kind hearted woman. Were as, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (1975) presented a hard faced nurse who lacked care for her patients, and enjoyed her authority over them.
I noticed a slight decline in the narrative. For many episodes it seemed smooth, planned out and coherent. Then it went to a 'months later' situation like they were grasping for a conclusion. I only realised the season had ended when the next episode wasn't suggested. It felt a little rushed and unfinished. It wasn't a satisfying ending for me.
My favourite part of this series was definitely the music and the stylistic lighting choices. The music resembled old horror, which gave an eerie vibe throughout. I feel as though old horror music is always the most effective at creating a chilling atmosphere. The lighting is an interesting and unexpected choice. I enjoyed the red and green lighting that would emerge to express the characters emotions. We were able to "see red" as the characters anger would build.
The character of Charlotte Wells was really well represented by Sophie Okonedo. Wells suffers from dissociative identity disorder, and was shown switching between her identities multiple times. We recognise her different identities and she gave off the impression of a whole new person with each switch.
There was inaccurate information about this psychological disorder in the series. Charlotte spoke of a traumatic event that had happened to her as a woman, showing it as the "cause" of her illness. However, it is known that this disorder is developed from chronic and severe childhood trauma or abandonment. It is also disheartening that yet again another character with DID is being represented as highly dangerous and murderous in media.
I really enjoyed the character of Huck Finnigan, played by Charlie Carver. He was likable and shared a great message that someone who looks slightly different and perhaps a little unsettling can be the sweetest person. Amanda Plummer's character was amusing and enjoyable to watch also. Though my favourite was Nurse Bucket played by Judy Davis.
Although I do like Sarah Paulson and her work, I believe she needs something completely different from her typical role. Her characters can be very similar. therefore blend a little with her acting. I see her as Paulson and not the character she is playing. Perhaps branching out and experiencing a whole new personality will help stretch out her acting abilities and be great practice to improve.
Also there are a large amount of sexual scenes that were a bit much, but I think that's just the creators style, as we can see with the scenes in American Horror Story.
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