Director's Series: The Coen Bros.' THE BIG LEBOWSKI (1998)

Everyone has a film that is beloved by everyone…except them.

For me, one of these films is the Coen Bros.’ THE BIG LEBOWSKI. I’ve only viewed it once (and that was probably 25 years ago) and I thought it was “fine”, but nothing special. One of the reasons for my retrospective on Coen Bros. films is that it would be an excuse to revisit this film to see if my “meh” reaction to it still stands.

Well…I am here to tell you that it does not…my view on this film has change and I now am in the camp that THE BIG LEBOWSKI is a comic masterpiece.

Set in Los Angeles, THE BIG LEBOWSKI follows “The Dude” (Jeff Bridges in a career defining performance) who gets mixed up in a kidnapping plot, so he turns to his bowling buddies for assistance/advice.

And comedic zaniness ensues.

This film is the Coen Bros.’ at their absurd best, poking fun at “the establishment”, wealth, corruption and greed through the eyes of cosmic-stoner-philosopher “THE DUDE” who, unwittingly, bestows great wisdom on all he meets.

This film is definitely a case of “the journey is more important than the destination” and, more accurately, this is a case of the CHARACTERS along on the journey are the real treat of this film.

Starting with 7x Oscar nominee Jeff Bridges (and Oscar winner for 2010’s CRAZY HEART) departing greatly from his everyman leading man roles to play constantly stoned “The Dude” who’s matter-of-factness and lack of ambition are in stark contrast to all those around him who have strong ambitions. It is a career-defining role that catapulted Bridges career in a completely different - and much more interesting - direction.

He is ably complimented by John Goodman (BARTON FINK) who jumped to the “A” list of actors for his portrayal of The Dude’s fiercely loyal, Vietnam Veteran best friend, Walter Sobchak, who’s advice to the dude is questionable…at best.

The Coen’s waited for Bridges and Goodman to be available for these roles before filming (they made FARGO while waiting) and they were VERY smart for waiting for it is shocking that neither Bridges nor Goodman were nominated for Oscars for their roles in this film - they are that good.

Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, David Huddleston, Peter Stormare, John Turturro, Jon Polito and even a young Philip Seymour Hoffman all show up in supporting roles that adds to the quirkiness and delight of this film.

This being a Coen Bros. film, the direction and dialogue are tight and the Cinematography by famed Cinematographer Roger Deakin is extraordinary along with the musical soundtrack by Carter Burwell (with T Bone Burnett).

It is a comedic, absurdist film that - if one has not seen it in a while (or ever) - one must check it out.

For…the dude abides.

Letter Grade: A

9 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)