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| The Big Lebowski (1998)
 
Starring: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore, John Turturro Director: Joel Coen Rating: R Category: Comedy  |
ALSO! Click here to read our interview with Jeff Dowd, the real life Dude.
Narrated by Sam Elliot and starring an ensemble cast of some of the industry's best character actors, this Coen brothers film involves two different Jeffrey Lebowskis, one of which is described as "the laziest man in Los Angeles County," a genial deadbeat who insists on being known simply as "The Dude" (Jeff Bridges). Introduced in a supermarket sampling milk from the carton, the Dude is a slacker who spends his days smoking weed and drinking White Russians, and his nights bowling with buddies Walter (John Goodman) and Donny (Steve Buscemi). To say his life is simple would be a great overstatement.
On arriving home after a night out with the guys, the Dude comes across a pair of thugs at his humble abode (one of which urinates on his cherished rug) to remind him of his wife's mounting debts. The Dude informs them that he has no such "lady friends," and upon looking around the Dude's less-than-impressive apartment, the thugs rightfully conclude that they must have the wrong Lebowski. The Lebowski they're looking for (David Huddleston) is a millionaire who lives across town in Pasadena with his sex-obsessed trophy wife Bunny (Tara Reid). When Bunny is suddenly kidnapped, the rich Lebowski calls on the Dude to act as an intermediary to the situation, leaving him to deal with a suitcase full of ransom money and a gang of nihilistic German punks (don't blink or you'll miss Aimee Mann ordering pigs in a blanket in German). At this point, the film spins out of control, introducing separate subplots that showcase the Coens' well-known fondness for strange supporting characters.
As tempting as it is to completely dismiss "The Big Lebowski," it would be foolish to do so. The Coens have a gift for conjuring up a series of wickedly funny eccentrics and then finding just the right actor to inhabit those characters completely. For example, John Turturro plays Jesus Quintana brilliantly. A flamboyant bowler who's also a registered sex offender, Jesus has no real significance to the film, but he adds undeniable magic and appeal to the finished project. Incredibly funny, yet admittedly stupid, "The Big Lebowski" is the perfect movie for a rainy day. If you don't watch and listen carefully, you won't get half the jokes. This is definitely a repeat film. Watch it more than once or don't watch it at all.
~Jason Zingale
jzingale@bullz-eye.com