№4: The Big Lebowski (1998)
Directed by Joel Coen (and Ethan Coen)
Starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, David Huddleston, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and John Turturro
“Nihilists! Fuck me. I mean, say what you want about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it’s an ethos.”
The Big Lebowski was not a favourite of mine after I first watched it. Initially, I just didn’t get it. However, after a second viewing, I came to recognise it for what it is — a wonderful absurdist comedy.
The premise of the film is a case of mistaken identity: the Dude or Jeffery Lebowski is mistaken for a millionaire of the same name. The story is set in motion when two thugs come to the Dude’s house, shove his head down the toilet, and urinate on his rug. The thugs are representatives of Jackie Treenhorn, a porn magnate, who is owed money by the other Jeffery Lebowski’s wife.
The convoluted plot is part of the film’s charm. On first viewing, you’ll certainly get lost, but as Roger Ebert notes, The Big Lebowski is “about an attitude, not a story.”
You will need to listen intently, as the dialogue is rich with sharp, hidden jokes — Treehorn treats ‘objects like women’ or V.I. Lenin. not John Lennon.
When researching this piece, I uncovered a few interesting facts. The Dude and Walter are both based on real people. The Dude is a fellow called Jeff Dowd, a producer and political activist (in fact, Dowd once commented to the Cohen Brothers that a “rug [in his home] really tied the room together.”)
The film relies heavily on the cast — it is all about the idiosyncratic characters. The actors rise to this challenge. But its also testament to great casting. Even bit part characters are brilliantly portrayed. As for the main cast, this is hands down John Goodman’s best work.
Another thing I love about this film is its soundtrack. For me one track stands out: a Spanish version of ‘Hotel California’ by the Gipsy Kings, which acts as a perfect overlay for the introduction of bowling rival, Jesus Quintana. Made even better when one considers the Dude’s hatred for The Eagles, revealed later in the film.
Final thoughts
The Big Lebowski remains one of the genuinely great cult classics. It has a made a immense cultural impact — spawning a philosophy known as Dudeism. However, at the time of its release many simply didn’t get Lebowski — which lent more towards the absurdist and the experimental.
I knew that I needed to include a Coen Brothers film in my top 25. Fargo (1996), No Country for Old Men (2007), and Lebowski remain my favourites.
A scene from the picture
This is the most iconic scene from the film — the introduction of ‘The Jesus.’ A perfect summary for film’s humour.
