Movie Review: The Big Lebowski
“The Big Lebowski” is one of my favorite movies of all time. If you haven’t seen this film, rent it. Its quirky, its different, its like nothing you have seen before (except if you’ve seen a Coen brothers film of course). The storyline involves Jeff Bridges as “The Dude”, a fantasy bowling musical number, wrong identities (there are two Lebowskis), the art world and a rug. There is never a dull moment in this movie. Talk about great timing…
Jeff Bridges in his early acting career was often cast as the leading man. Here you get to see what a great actor he really is. I can’t imagine anyone else doing this role. Frankly I think its an Oscar worthy performance. Then there is John Goodman in a great performance as Walter, one of “The Dude’s” sidekicks that causes more trouble than the Dude can deal with. Walter spent some time in “Nam” and you can tell he’s still livin’ it. Steve Buscemi is the straight man here in this trio of anti-heroes. Buscemi is always fascinating to watch even in the smaller role of Donny. Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman and John Turturro are all perfectly cast in detailed supporting roles.
There are more twists and turns, strange characters and funny stuff than you can imagine. Every time I watch this movie I get more out of it. The story and direction are top notch. Even the costumes are outstanding. “The Dude’s” thrift store sweater always makes me crack up. The characters alone make this movie memorable, with the direction and the storyline just as good. And the rug definitely “ties it together”.
1998. Starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore and John Turturro. Directed by Joel Coen. Written by Ethan and Joel Coen.
Rating: 
