I have yet to read the book, but I saw the movie two days ago. It was depressing, but I love the over-all message.
Here is my impression (if there are any discrepancies between the film and the novel, please inform me). I acknowledge that most of these characters are probably unhealthy, but whatever.
Randle Patrick McMurphy- ENTP
Nurse Mildred Ratched - INTJ
Dale Harding - IXFJ
Billy Bibbit - INFP
Sydney Lassick - ENFP
Martini - ISFP
Chief Bromden - IXXX
Max Taber - XSTP
I think most of these are spot-on.
My opinions:
McMurphy - E_TP - I am not sure whether he is S or N. He definitely has a hedonistic streak in the movie, which is what landed him in trouble in the first place. At the same time, as the movie proceeds, he seems to have more than disregard for the rules (and something more like NT-contempt for the arbitrary rules). I think part of his reluctance to leave is rooted in his belief that the patients are harmed by Ratched’s control, and his leadership style is a lot like Keirsey’s NT Individuator in that he wants and provides for them some freedom to grow. This is the one of the two reasons he takes the patients on the fishing trip: 1) For the SP Se experience of it, 2) For the catalyst of growth and confidence that the trip provides. See how he puts Cheswick, for example, at the wheel of the boat.
Nurse Ratched - I
STJ - I can't recall a more distorted SJ character in a movie. Sure, we're all used to the cliche INTJ scheming villian, but I think Nurse Ratched is a classic dysfunctional SJ. Ratched as an SJ would make her the perfect nemesis of an NT McMurphy, assuming that’s what he is. She is obsessed with rules and procedure, and often uses them as favored tools in her sadistic treatment of the patients. Recall what she says after the “incident†with Billy Bibbit:
“The best thing we can do is go on with our daily routine.â€
Harding - ISFJ
Billy Bibbit - ENFP - He seems more shy than introverted.
Cheswick - ENFJ - Definitely an NF. He reacts strongly to having his perceived rights trampled on (with the cigarettes), and notably, during one prominent scene he is disturbed enough by the lack of Fe being used by Nurse Ratched that he has to speak up:
“If Billy doesn’t feel like talking, why are you pressing him?â€
[YOUTUBE="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5NyyC-UjBM&feature=related"][/YOUTUBE]
YouTube - i want my cigarettes
[YOUTUBE="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jESI8JZUbDQ&feature=related"][/YOUTUBE]
YouTube - World Series Scene - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's nest
Martini - ISFP
Chief Bromden - INFP
Taber - _S_P