“This aggression will not stand, man!” —The Dude
Today’s quick review: The Big Lebowski. The Dude (Jeff Bridges) is a laid-back guy who spends his free time bowling with his friends Walter (John Goodman) and Donny (Steve Buscemi). But a case of mistaken identity entangles the Dude in a web of intrigue, beginning with a vandalized rug and culminating in a $1 million kidnapping. The Dude has a chance to walk away with part of the money, but only if he can solve the mystery of just what is going on.
The Big Lebowski is a quirky crime comedy from the Coen Brothers. Artfully directed in the Coen Brothers’ characteristic style, The Big Lebowski is a meandering odyssey that tosses an underachiever into a situation that is far beyond him. Much of the film’s humor comes from its addled dialogue, a thicket of half-baked ideas, false, and low-stakes bickering. The tone is on the lighter side for the Coen Brothers, with only a couple of dark or violent moments.
Oddly enough, the plot of The Big Lebowski most resembles a noir. The crucial elements are there: the missing woman and her rich husband, the mysterious threats and encounters, the twists and betrayals. But the cunning insight and dogged persistence of a noir detective are entirely missing from the Dude. Instead, he stumbles through the mystery in a daze, clueless but driven by his kindhearted nature and the manipulations of those around him.
As such, The Dude is one of the stranger heroes in modern cinema. His is an ill-defined, ironic sort of heroism, defined less by his achievements than his attitude. Though not the most fulfilling angle for a story to take, it’s a perfect fit for the Coen Brothers’ offbeat style, and the story does have a moral of sorts. Fittingly, the plot is unpredictable, almost random, but by the end reveals itself to be a clever pattern of false leads and comedic misconceptions.
Jeff Bridges gives the character of the Dude a charm that holds the movie together. He is backed by strong supporting performances, particularly from John Goodman as the Dude’s bowling partner Walter, a high-strung Vietnam vet and an active hindrance to the Dude’s investigation. The supporting cast also includes Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore, David Huddleston, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Tara Reid, and John Turturro.
Watch The Big Lebowski if you are a fan of the Coen Brothers or simply in the mood for an unconventional comedy. The film’s vivid characters, smart script, and sprinkling of weirdness make it a unique and highly quotable experience. Skip it if you are looking for a straightforward comedy.
8.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for impressive writing, tone, and characters.