Review of The Big Lebowski (1998) by Jaxon W — 17 Dec 2014

A cult comedy classic from the Coen brothers, Joel and Ethan, that has grown in popularity and reputation since its original release. Inspired by Raymond Chandler, and perhaps Robert Altman's "The Long Goodbye," Jeff Bridges stars as an unemployed stoner named Jeff Lebowski, better known as The Dude, living in LA, who gets caught up in a case of mistaken identity that turns into a kidnapping plot, where he assumes the role of a private eye.

Typical of the Coens, the plot is secondary to the visual audacity and bizarre interrelationships as the movie delves into kidnappers, nihilists, porn mobsters, and even bowling. The Coens throw in a Busby-Berkeley musical number with Saddam Hussein in a bowling alley.

Jeff Bridges, seen in a bathrobe with a long beard and sunglasses while drinking a white russian, gives a masterful comic performance of idiosyncrasy. The Dude emerges as a representative figure of indolence and insouciance.

John Goodman is outrageously brash as the Dude's impetuous Vietnam vet bowling partner, Walter Sobchak, who frequently references Judaism and Vietnam. The dialogue is endlessly quotable with profane uncouthness.

Once again the Coens turn a genre on its head. Set during the Gulf War, the movie has a sly political undercurrent. Repeated viewings have caused me to laugh hysterically. Written by Joel and Ethan Coen.

Produced by Ethan Coen. Directed by Joel Coen. Off the wall soundtrack is by Carter Burwell. Cinematography is by Roger Deakins. With Julianne Moore as a Yoko Ono-type avant garde artist; Steve Buscemi as naive bowler Donny; David Huddleston as pompous, wheelchair bound millionaire Jeff Lebowski, whom the dude is mistaken as; John Turturro, daringly funny in a bit of racial caricature, as Latino bowler Jesus Quintana; Sam Elliott as the Western narrator; Philip Seymour Hoffman, Peter Stormare, Tara Reid, David Thewlis, Ben Gazzara.

Selected for preservation by the National Film Registry.