Lebowski?

**CDNSushi** · 8th March 12, 05:29 AM

So other than being about an ex-hippie slacker, does this movie actually have a plot of some kind?

**artificer** · 8th March 12, 05:39 AM

Originally Posted by CDNSushi

So other than being about an ex-hippie slacker, does this movie actually have a plot of some kind?

Yes and no. The story arc is quite simple and essentially goes nowhere, but that's part of the point. There is a lot more to the movie than meets the eye.
It isn't a movie that everyone will enjoy. The first time I saw it I hated it. The second time I watched it I thought (as I still do today) that it may be one of the most well-crafted movies in the last 30 years.

It was widely panned by critics at the time (who were probably expecting a more formulaic Cohen Bros. movie, along the lines of Fargo, their hit prior to Lebowski.)

I think multiple viewings and an open mind are helpful here. There is quite a lot going on in the background, and some really deep philosophical thought hidden behind the rather crude language and silly humour.

ith:

**Joshua** · 8th March 12, 06:05 AM

JD, I wouldn't pass too much judgement on the film, as a Cohen bros work it's one of the better cult-classic movies and features some of John Goodman and Steve Buchemi's best works (I dressed up as Goodman's character, Walt, for Halloween one year).

It does feature a lot of profanity, in fact during a cameo appearance by a fairly distinctive actor, he brings it to the main character's attention. The quote that is mentioned "The Dude Abides", is from this cameo appearance, relaying to the audience how Bridge's character is kinda like a zen-guru for those of us that take life too seriously, "takin it easy for all of us sinners".

But the whole movie is more or less the knocks and scrapes associated with being such a slacker.

**tulloch** · 8th March 12, 06:11 AM

Jock, I've been studying this culture for almost 57 years and there is so much I still don't understand. A lot of things I just smile, move on and try to understand from the context. So far I haven't been shot or stabbed.

**auld argonian** · 8th March 12, 06:28 AM

Consider The Big Lebowski to be a sort of Rorschach test.

Hey, nice marmot...

Best

AA

**GreenDragon** · 8th March 12, 06:30 AM

The rug really tied the room together.

**artificer** · 8th March 12, 06:32 AM

Originally Posted by auld argonian

Consider The Big Lebowski to be a sort of Rorschach test.

Hey, nice marmot...

Best

AA

"Obviously you're not a golfer".

ith:

**chewse** · 8th March 12, 07:24 AM

Originally Posted by Joshua

JD, I wouldn't pass too much judgement on the film, as a Cohen bros work it's one of the better cult-classic movies and features some of John Goodman and Steve Buchemi's best works (I dressed up as Goodman's character, Walt, for Halloween one year).

It does feature a lot of profanity, in fact during a cameo appearance by a fairly distinctive actor, he brings it to the main character's attention. The quote that is mentioned "The Dude Abides", is from this cameo appearance, relaying to the audience how Bridge's character is kinda like a zen-guru for those of us that take life too seriously, "takin it easy for all of us sinners".

But the whole movie is more or less the knocks and scrapes associated with being such a slacker.

I agree with Joshua. The Cohen brothers movies have always been one step removed from main stream Hollywood but they seem to line up big name actors like Jeff Bridges. Its the quirkiness of their movies which causes the cult like following.

Another Cohen brothers movie I love is O Brother, Where Art Thou which stars George Clooney and John Turturro.

**creagdhubh** · 8th March 12, 07:31 AM

Hahahaha! That was a great post, Scott!

Love that movie...huge cult following too!

"The bums have lost Lebowski, condolences, condolences...the bums will always lose!" Hahahaha!!!!

Cheers,

**biblemonkey** · 8th March 12, 07:39 AM

Originally Posted by chewse

Another Cohen brothers movie I love is O Brother, Where Art Thou which stars George Clooney and John Turturro.

I only saw that one (O Brother) once, and that years ago but I remember loving it. Such an amazing soundtrack, too.

"The Big Labowski" is definitely an aquired taste. I watched it the first time and didn't care for it. Second time, I loved it. Go figure. You just have to relax into the movie and do away with your preconceived expectations for what the movie should be. "Napoleon Dynamite" is like that, too.

The song that plays during his hallucination is awesome just for the lyric "I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in".