Review of The Big Lebowski (1998) by Diego T — 17 Feb 2014

"Nobody fucks with the Jesus.".

Continuing my Philip Seymour Hoffman tribute reviews, we have one of my all-time favorite movies: The Big Lebowski. Okay, calling this just "one of" my favorite movies is an understatement. This is my third-favorite movie of all time, a spectacular and hilarious film that is recognized worldwide as quite possibly the ultimate cult comedy. The Coen brothers have done countless amazing things, but I believe that this is their magnum opus, a beautifully filmed, endlessly quotable, hilarious, impeccably acted, and twisted comedy wrapped up in a mystery novel flavor. In short, this is one of the best movies ever made, and was completely snubbed at the Oscars... just like every other great movie.

The Big Lebowski stars Jeff Bridges in the now-iconic role of Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski. The Dude is possibly the most likable character in the history of film, and it's all because of his attitude towards life, which can be summed up in two words: "Fuck it." This is a guy who goes with the flow, does what he wants, and always seems to come out on top in the end. Easily the #1 movie character to have a beer with, he is the definition of "cool under fire," going so far as to make snide remarks to the guy waterboarding him in a toilet and passively stealing a rug from the guy who just threw him out of his house. Everyone wishes they could be The Dude in real life, but that's impossible, because nobody is as quick-witted and mesmerizingly laid-back as he is. Is he a bit of a cartoon character? Yes he is. Does that make him any less awesome? Not even close.

The plot of this movie is deliberately complex, and it will probably require a rewatch or two before you fully grasp the ins and outs of its twisty plotline. But here's the basics: The Dude is assaulted in his home by two thugs who have mistaken him for a different Jeff Lebowski, whose wife owes their boss money. After one of them pees on The Dude's rug, he goes to find the other Jeff Lebowski (David Huddleston) to get him to compensate for the rug, at the urging of his friend Walter (John Goodman, in a career-best performance). Hilarity ensues... and any more information past this would probably be unwise, as spoilers for this movie are a sin. It also has Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and John Tuturro as a creepy pedophile bowling master named Jesus. Throw in the Coen's typical knack for visual flair, and you've got yourself a cult fucking classic.

Unless you've been living under a rock since 1998, you've probably heard some of the most memorable quotes from this movie, which include "This is what happens when you fuck a stranger in the ass," "Careful man, there's a beverage here," and "He fixes the cable?" Of course, quotability isn't really the biggest asset a movie can have, but it implies great dialogue throughout. And unlike most movies, the best one-liners of this film are not in the trailers. They're all throughout the movie. The dialogue is consistently sharp, and it's being spoken by great characters, who are in turn played by spectacular actors, all at their career best. It's such a glorious melting pot of noir detective stories, realistic dialogue, and pure, unfettered randomness, it's irresistible.

Final Score for The Big Lebowski: THE RARE AND COVETED DIEGO TUTWEILLER 10/10 STARS!!! This movie really is spectacular. There is not a wrong note throughout the film; its transitions from humor to drama and back again are seamless and expertly crafted. Jeff Bridges gives the performance of a lifetime, and all the dialogue he speaks is meticulously written (the Coens wrote in every last line for The Dude, including all the "ums" and "uhhs" in his speech pattern). If you don't like comedies usually, fine. If dramas aren't your thing, okay. But if you can't appreciate the level of genius it takes to create a movie as near-flawless as this one, you have no business trying to watch movies. And that is something I cannot abide.