Review of The Big Lebowski (1998) by Dan H — 05 Feb 2014
One of the best films you're likely to see, with one of the strongest scripts you're likely to run across. In this different take on the film noire genre, Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski (Jeff Bridges in what is undoubtedly his best role) gets entangled in a complex (or maybe not so complex) kidnapping plot when his favorite rug is peed on.
The Dude and his best friend Walter Sobcheck (played by an electric John Goodman in one of his all time best roles) make for a perfect screen duo, as each perfectly off set each other. The film also has strong supporting performances from Steve Buscemi as Donny, Philip Seymour Hoffman as Brandt, Julianne Moore as Maude, John Turturro as The Jesus, Tara Reid as Bunny, Sam Elliot as The Stranger, Peter Stormare as a nihilist, and David Huddleston as the other Lebowski (The Big Lebowski).
The Dude is one of the great screen heroes (one of the defining icons of this generation) as he drifts in and out of trouble all the while keeping the same bewildered and confused look on his face. He's mildly interested (and reluctantly invested) in what's going on around him, but he doesn't want anyone to get hurt.
All he wants is his rug back. Walter on the other hand, seems more awake than The Dude is. He has his own ideas about what's really going on, has an unhealthy fixation on Vietnam and his time spent in that war, has his own clear sense of right and wrong, and also is prone to angry, explosive outbursts.
The Big Lebowski is a surreal, bizarre, plain, and very funny film that benefits from strong performances, unforgettable characters, a fantastic script, and expert directing by the Coen Brothers. If you haven't seen this masterpiece of American cinema, then you are doing yourself a disservice.
Sure, like The Dude it may drift from here to there and it may be a bit muddied at times but it's a still a highly entertaining and damn fun film that also has some complex themes hidden inside it and little insights into every day life.
A must see.
This review of The Big Lebowski (1998) was written by Dan H on 05 Feb 2014.
The Big Lebowski has generally received very positive reviews.
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