The Big Lebowski [1998]

In this Chandleresque story about mistaken identity, a missing trophy wife called Bunny, white Russians looking to make a few bucks and an all-important bowling competition, Jeff Lebowski (The Dude) wonders how his simple life suddenly got so complicated.When the Dude gets a night time visit from a couple of goons looking to recover a debt from a wife he doesn't have, it's quite clear the none too bright dimwits have got the wrong man. When they realise their mistake they decide to soil a rug that "really ties his room together". Deciding the real Lebowski, whoever he is, should recompense him, he sets off looking for a new unsoiled rug but soon finds himself drawn into a complicated film noirish comedy of errors.Although the Coen brothers have made some fabulously entertaining films in their career that are usually as witty and sharp as a lemon wedge pocked right into your eye, perhaps none are as sharp and wildly entertaining as The Big Lebowski. Packed with characters to die for, the plot, for the most part, is not nearly as interesting or as funny as the pitch perfect performances and the hilarious script. Lines of dialogue so laugh out loud funny delivered with such conviction by Buscemi, Goodman and Bridges mean that like many of the '40s and '50s detective mystery films starring people like Humphrey Bogart that this film is loosely based on, the often complicated plot takes a back seat. It doesn't really matter if you are not quite sure what is going on because the journey, along with your companions, is such a pleasure to undertake. Although the story does eventually make sense and things are wrapped up with a reasonably neat conclusion, it's the getting there that really matters not the eventual destination.Jeff Bridges's eventual tombstone and definitely his obituary may very well have and make some reference to the "Dude", who has now become an American cultural icon. Lines from the film are now quoted almost as much as those from Withnail and I and The Rocky Horror Picture show. His portrayal of the ageing stoner who finds himself in a new confusing world where people have issues and agendas is beyond brilliant. There is very little to like about him in reality, he doesn't work, is usually very high, spends much of his life bowling and generally slobbing about in loose-fitting clothes, however, Bridges manages to instil the Dude with such warmth, likeability and good humour that it's almost impossible to dislike him. His dysfunctional relationship with his bowling buddies is a bit like a marriage that doesn't quite work but none of the participants can be bothered to do anything about it. The arguing at cross purposes, not really listening etc should be annoying in the extreme, but it's not it's very funny. As you would expect the mystery unfolds at a leisurely pace and not everything is as expected. Just like the best mysteries, there are a couple of red herrings to complicate things and add interest.The supporting cast including Julianne Moore, John Turturro and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman are fabulous and lift the whole production to a new level. The two drug-fuelled dream sequences are a nice touch that, although very different in tone, still manage to fit in perfectly with the flow of the film. These scenes are often badly done and stop the narrative in its tracks. Here they actually compliment it.Pretty much ignored on release, TBL now has such a dedicated following it may very well be the Coens most recognisable film, perhaps excepting Fargo. Superb and extremely funny.

As a big fan of the Coen brothers I'm guilty of being predisposed favorably tro review their movies. Having said this, I can't stop in my praise of this modern story of comedy and drama which - typical of the Coens - explores different phylosophical themes as the backdrop of a somewhat absurd chain of events, has rich and deep characters and abounds in poignant and memorable interactions and dialog. If you enjoy dark comedy with a tad of drama, existensialism and social commentary interwoven in the story, you'll love this.There is an abundance of talent here, where specially John Goodman, Jeff Bridges, Julianne Morre, Steve Buscemi and John Turturro provide incredible deliveries. Watch it, you'll be not dissapointed.

A Cult Classic with some really impressive bonus features.One feature that was really cool includes Jeff Bridges himself showing you a photo book that he made during the production of the film and explaining what happened between scenes that made him laugh during filming.Another cool feature is the scene location section - which allows you to discover where certain scene's were filmed on a map; a handy tool should you wish to visit those locations.

Bowler Jeffrey The Dude Lebowski is mistaken for a millionaire by incompetent kidnappers who have kidnapped the millionaire Jeffrey Lebowski's wife and want a ransom. The Coen Brothers masterpiece, a send up of classic film noir is sheer genius with a career best performance from Jeff Bridges as The Dude, one of the laziest laid back characters in cinema history and excellent supporting performances from John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore, David Huddleston as the other Lebowski, John Turtorro and Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Sam Elliot. Absolutely hilarious and a great thriller that needs paying attention to.

Well, what is it possible to add that has not already been said about this Coen Bros classic that is one of the best films made in the last 20 years. Jeff Bridges was outstanding and should have won an Oscar for his interpretation of "The Dude" with John Goodman close behind. The script is funny and almost, or maybe even, belongs up there with Billy Wilder - and I could not offer higher praise than that, If you've got a sense of humour and/or you just enjoy a superbly crafted film you'll love this film. If you haven't seen it before, where have you been!