The Big Lebowski Review
In 1998, Joel and Ethan Coen released The Big Lebowski, a film that to some, has gone beyond the screen and become a way of life. Most definitely a cult classic, the film has even spawned a yearly festival known as Lebowski Fest and a religion known as Dudeism. Even these tributes though, cannot quite capture the essence of the original film.
To me, The Big Lebowski is an endlessly rewatchable film, like so many of the Coen Brother's films. The Coen Brothers truly know how to make a film, and their mark is found all over The Big Lebowski. The film is perfectly cast, and beautifully shot by Roger Deakins, a frequent Coen Brothers collaborator but perhaps the best aspect of the film is it's sharp and clever dialogue. From the first conversation between The Dude (Jeff Bridges), Walter (John Goodman), and Donny (Steve Buscemi) in the bowling alley, the tone is set. The film is chock full of the word "fuck," but even this is used so cleverly in the dialogue that it does not feel offensive, certain lines almost feel as though they would be lacking without it. The conversations are so perfectly constructed that they feel loose, improvised even at times. These do not feel like actors playing their parts, but rather friends who have known each other for years.
While the film certainly has an outstanding cult following, this is not to say it is without oppositon, and those who dislike the film often point to one thing: plot (or what they feel is a lack there of.) While there are many who love the screwball plot, (another common trait in a Coen Brothers film) complete with it's often unbelievable twists and outlandish dream-sequences, the film is intended to be more than that. In The Dude, Jeff Bridges has created not only a character but a way of life. From every sputtered line of dialouge, every perfectly interjected "man," ideals are created. The Dude is the ultimate laid-back stoner, taking things as they come, and perhaps best spoken by "The Stranger," (Sam Elliot) "takin' 'er easy for all us sinners." He is forever-mellow, unwavered by every new obstacle of his life, he is like a buddhist priest of modern times.
The Big Lebowski is an incredible film, and certainly one that I highly reccomend. Watch the film and who knows, next year you could be heading to the latest Lebowski Fest, or becoming an ordained Dudeist priest. Or perhaps you'll just be like The Dude, "takin' 'er easy for all us sinners. Whatever you do, watch the film, you owe it to yourself.
5/5 Stars
