The Big Lebowski movie review

The Big Lebowski, released in 1998 is a comedy from the minds of the Cohen Brothers (directors of Fargo), starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Juilianne Moore, and narrated by Sam Elliott. The Big Lebowski was not well received by film goers and had mixed reviews when it was released, however over the next few years it found a strong cult following, and is now a highly quoted movie and has become culturally iconic. Even if you have somehow never seen this movie, you have heard quotes and references to it, where I work one of my drivers rarely goes a day without referencing this movie. There is even a religion based on the Dude, and the movie is commonly referenced in music, for example there is a band called Let's Go Bowling, and the Canadian folk punk musician Greg Rekus has an album called The Dude Abides. There have been analysis written on the films social and political themes, there is even film festivals dedicated to The Big Lebowski, and believe it or not scientists have named plants and spiders after the Big Lebowski. This is a movie that far surpasses the mindless drivel that is often passed off as comedy movies, this movie has an intelligence about it, and an awareness to it. The Dude speaks to the slackers out there who were too young to be hippies, and who grew up in a world where there was no difference left to make, so they tuned out. We all know a Dude, we all know a Walter, we all have a friend who is Donny, these characters are us in a way, and that is why this movie works so well. The Cohen brothers are amazing writers and film makers, and movies like Fargo and The Big Lebowski really showcase that talent. The actors are all perfectly cast for their roles, and many of these actors, these are their iconic roles that they are often remembered for, it is hard to see Jeff Bridges and not see him as the Dude, or Sam Elliott as "the stranger", or John Goodman as Walter (or Dan from Rosanne, as those seemed to be his career defining roles). The film also looks good, it is artistic yet not pretentious, the art direction in it is fantastic, and it works to create the feel of the movie. The costumes are also perfectly chosen, interestingly enough most of Jeff Bridges wardrobe came from his own closet at home, and Walter, with the vest, military jacket, and cargo shorts, perfectly creates the look of his character who is a neo-conservative but still with a southern California feel to his character. I mean really you can't make a movie about dudes from southern California that takes place in the 90s and not have them wearing cargo shorts. The Big Lebowski also doesn't rely on tired comedy tropes that seem to plague many movies of the genre, and created its own style which has been imitated in other movies, but never truly been recreated. Even the music selection perfectly fits the feel of the movie. I mean honestly I really can't say anything bad about this movie, hell I can't even say that it is over-hyped, because it is honestly very deserving of the cult following, and the praise, and love that it receives. Sorry I didn't really talk about the plot of the movie, and I think it was a conscious decision to not discuss it, because the plot is complicated and multi-layered, and I feel that really the plot isn't as important to the movie as the characters are. But if you want to know the movie is about mistaken identity, which leads to a kidnapping, double crossing many times over, mystery and intrigue...honestly if I were to describe in detail the plot, the movie is a crime/mystery. There is a lot going on this movie, but all that matters really, is that the Dude abides. Would I recommend this movie? Yes yes yes yes....a million times yes! This is one of my favourite movies, and I feel that this is a must see, for everyone. If you have not seen it, I will tell you the truth, a lot of references that people make will make a hell of a lot more sense to you, and probably become a lot more funny and relevant to you. Drop whatever you are doing and go watch The Big Lebowski.