Review of The Big Lebowski (1998) by Jordan K — 03 Apr 2015

The Big Lebowski is a big turn from the Coens' previous film Fargo, one of my favorite dramas of all time - it's an extremely odd and spun out tale of a trio of stoners retrieving a stained rug back, and it's a masterpiece to some and stupidity for others - myself, it's good but extremely overrated.

Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski, a stoner with a love of bowling with his dysfunctional buddies, gets a taste of infamy when he is confused for a cranky disabled millionaire of the same name, as he attempts to get compensation for a urinated rug taken by nihilists. The Dude's stupidity eventually puts a number of characters in danger, including the "Big Lebowski", The Dude's best friend with extreme PTSD and anger issues Walter Sobchak, and The Big Lebowski's slutty playgirl wife, who is kidnapped.

The Big Lebowski has an extremely large fanbase, complete with conventions and a full religion - I found it to be entertaining but not hilarious, not near as good as critics or fans say it is - it's something new from the Coens and it's arguable to say whether it really worked out - the film's pros consist of its wide array of dysfunctional characters and its unique and trippy dream sequences dreamt in times of worry by The Dude. Cons are some jokes that fall flat and aren't appealing to all - Big Lebowski is intended for a certain crowd and it didn't appeal directly to me, but it had its moments.