The Big Lebowski (1998)

 

If you know the Coen Brothers ,you know you will always be in for a film that is quirky, sometimes bizarre, yet always entertaining. This one is no exception. In fact, this might even be their magnum opus in all its wonderfully insane glory. 

You know what's also great about this one? The more you see it, the better it gets. Yes, it's that kind of a film. 

Jeff Bridges is The Dude, a slacker who spends his time bowling and blowing. One day, some thugs break into his apartment and pee on his rug, although it very quickly transpires that they have the wrong house and also the wrong Lebowski. Yes, slacker Jeff Lebowski has a wealthy namesake. The Dude wants a new rug and thus goes to the other Lebowski to get compensated, but gets turned down. Things take a turn for the weird when the trophy wife of Lebowski gets kidnapped and they want The Dude to make the money drop off. It doesn't go quite according to plan. And from then on, it's insanity galore as The Dude is thrust between German nihilists/pornstars, Lebowski's artsy daughter (a gleefully hardcore Julianne Moore) and his friends Walter and Donny, the former being a man with some serious anger management issues. When everything around him goes crazy, The Dude waltzes through life and takes it all in his stride and in spite of the myriad of problems he encounters, The Dude abides. 

So if you're looking for a coherent narrative, it's here, but it might take a while before you get it. But the twists near the end just make it all the funnier. And by the time you've seen this one for the third time, you'll be laughing your backside off in advance. It's that silly and ingenious at the same time. 

But let's be honest: you don't watch this for the story, but for the characters, who are all gloriously weird and intriguing. Bridges as The Dude is our lovable scamp who gets thrust into situations he never wanted to be in in the first place. But he tries to make the best of it anyway. The German Nihilists are hilarious, Julianne Moore is great as some emotionally distant artist who pretty much just wants The Dude's seed, because she wants a baby. But who really steals the show is John Goodman as Walter Sobchak. He goes from being calm to absolutely insane in two seconds flat and he plays it with such gusto, it's hard not to get drawn in. Honestly? He should have gotten an award for this performance. Steve Buscemi as Donny is very low key, and most of the time he just gets "Shut up Donny." tossed at him, but he is like that one awkward friend you really love and often don't notice until he's gone. 

Besides all this, this film is beyond quotable. Heck, nearly every line of dialogue is a great quote, which is a testament to the writing. It is witty, memorable and a lot of these have become staples in the vernacular. Now thàt is cool. 

No, it's not for everyone, but just give it a try and discover why this is one of the greats.