JohnDoe
Bryn
Brenton
The Big Lebowski (1998) – Trailer Included
Heroic Lethargy
John Doe’s life has gone full tilt boogie in the two weeks, yearning for 36 hour days the time just hasn’t been there to post and so it is with regret that he apologises to visitors for the lack of new material. He will aspire to be more diligent, but in the interim, on with the post at hand.
The US DVd which JD was lucky enough to pick up on his recent jaunt
Starring: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, Phillip Seymour Hoffman
“The Dude abides” – The Dude
Set in Los Angeles, California just around the time of America’s first bout with Saddam, The Big Lebowski is a modern comedy classic.
Meet Jeff Lebowski aka the Dude (Jeff Bridges), or his dudeness, or El dudearino, a lazy man. A man who has smoked pot for decades so now has little motivation for anything outside of bowling with his tragically anti social buddies (John Goodman and Steve Buscemi).
“What the fuck are you talking about? The chinaman is not the issue here, Dude. I'm talking about drawing a line in the sand, Dude. Across this line, you DO NOT... Also, Dude, chinaman is not the preferred nomenclature. Asian-American, please.” - Walter
A case of mistaken identity sees the Dude get his rug pissed on by nihilists who stupidly think he is the wealthy megalomaniac Jeffery Lebowski (David Huddleston). On a quest to get a new rug the dude decides to visit the opulent mansion of his name sake, where he is insulted and dismissed.
“Nihilists! Fuck me. I mean, say what you like about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos.” - Walter
Strangely summoned back, he is told that the other Lebowski’s trophy wife (Tara Reid) has been kidnapped and the Dude is hired to drop off the ransom, but all is not what it seems.
“Fortunately, I'm adhering to a pretty strict, uh, drug, uh, regimen to keep my mind, you know, uh, limber.” – The Dude
As the plot twists begin this pseudo mystery sees our laid back hero turned P.I in the middle of a domino effect of happenstance, coincidence and bad luck.
“That rug really tied the room together.” – The Dude
From the bowling alley to gutter balls
John Doe Says
Eccentrically scripted, shot on a colour soaked palette this film by the Coen Brothers reminds us that hilarious comedy does not have to be aimed at the lowest common denominator. Nor does it need to be so intellectual that it defeats it purpose by over use of complex prose.
That’s not to say that the story of “the dude” isn’t intelligent or full of inspired plot devices that surprise and amuse. In the hands of the visionary Directors Joel and Ethan Coen (Millers Crossing, Barton Fink, Blood Simple, Hudsucker Proxy, man Who wasn't There)the film is visually engaging as the radical camera set ups provide a complimentary atmosphere for the absurdities to work in context.
The soundtrack is a gifted selection of eclectic joys, the dream sequences astonish with their smooth blend of sound and vision, what should be farcical oozes an essence of cinema that elevates each and every scene. The acrobatic screenplay with its acerbic wit flows into each new character plight. Like the films of the 1930’s and 40’s every character, no matter how little screentime they get is pivotal and memorable.
The gifted casting sees Jeff Bridges (Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, Starman, The Fisher King, 8 Million ways to Die) abandoning his past and bravely entering new territory in the same way Michael Douglas did in Wonderboys. His long haired lay about is loveable, unassuming but never played for sympathy.
As Walter, the Vietnam vet with serious issues John Goodman (Arachnaphobia, The Big Easy, Bringing Out the Dead) as always is at his boisterous best in the Coen universe adding to his collaborations like the phenomenal Barton Fink.
Steve Buscemi (Living in Oblivion, Tree Lounges, Reservoir Dogs) again proves his mettle, he still looks like the slimy guy but he draws our sympathy and plays a more tender gentle role akin to his delicate turn in Ghostworld.
Julianne Moore (Boogie Nights, Children of Men, Cookies Fortune, Safe) as the high brow artist is a delight and Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Happiness, 25th Hour, State and Main) owns every scene in which he appears and you can’t help but laugh.
It is a real treat to see Ben Gazzara (Killing of a Chinese Bookie) as the smut peddler Jackie Treehorn and his entrance is sublime.
Sure John Doe gushes over this celluloid gem but that’s because so few comedies soar to the heights achieved here. The Big Lebowski is immensely rewatchable and honestly never gets old. The acting is top shelf and every scene is a minuet of honed film-making. So if you haven’t seen it jump on board, if you have go revisit it and have a smile on JD.
For the uninitiated here is the opening of the film
A neat music video to Bob Dylan's The man in Me
Flick Wit
Horrorphile
Probably my fourth favourite Coen film after Blood Simple, Barton Fink and Fargo.
"That rug really tied the room together." HAHAHA!
Jesus. Hilarious character.
And craggy Sam with that deep voice.
randomthoughts
Phil's Wellness Tips
great review tho
cheers
Louie
Celebrity Obsession
Movies and Life
It's good to see you. Sometimes it's hard fitting everything in isn't it?
This is a film that I always hesitated to see, but at the same time I'm curious about it and more so after your review....
I might have to do it soon,
Tracy
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
I'm with Tracy on this one... always hesitated.
Yep, Dude, picked it up, put it back several times *chuckle*
I will hang on to it now that I've seen and read this.
Thanks
Lilla ...
Film & TV on DVD
Film & TV on DVD
Fargo fell flat for me overall, some good scenes but not in my top echelon, but I love Fink and Blood Simple. (Millers Crossing tops my list)
"The Jesus man" is golden and Sam is just one cool bananna.
Film & TV on DVD
That's OK there are plenty of films people tell me are hilarious and I just don't laugh, the joy of subjective viewing.
Thanks for dropping in...maybe my next choice will be "right up your alley" (Bowling pun intended)
Film & TV on DVD
Bridges falkes in and out for me too, but I would be lying if I didn't admit to loving Fisher King, Starman and Thunderbolt.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman is just so interesting to watch and his choices are unique...."he's in seclusion in the west wing" is my fave line delivery of his in lebowski.
great to see you, hope I can drop by your site soon when I get time.
Film & TV on DVD
Everything spiraled for me about 2 weeks ago and I haven't got my footing again yet, still determined to maintain.
As your aware comedy is so subjective but I think you may well get something out of this Coen delight...correction, I hope you get something out of it...
Film & TV on DVD
Give it a try, because its not obvious humour and the audience needs to work with it....then it engages
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
A small point: it's not the nihilists that pee on the Dude's rug, I think... isn't it the thugs from Jackie Gleeson?
This movie combines every aspect of filmmaking into one high quality production: the script is perfect, the dialogue so quotable. The opening tracking shot of the bowling ball? Mesmerizing.
whew... nothing but compliments from me.