There IS a point to all this.

Rating: Null/10 (27 May 2004)

OK, Here goes. (Some minor spoilers).
Although I have been an IMDb enthusiast/member for quite some time, I do not usually write comments or reviews here (this is my first), but was moved to do so after seeing The Big Lebowski for the second time. I first saw it around 2 years ago.
It is pointless to re-iterate the comments of many other reviewers that this movie is simply great : Great movie, comedy, acting, directing etc. I agree wholeheartedly (See previous reviews for the merits of this movie). However, having watched the Dude again recently I thought I would attempt to add something new to previous reviews.
Is their a point or message to this movie? Well, for what it is worth ; here is my offering. It could be said that the main theme of the film is social or moral responsibility. We all have our faults, yet we constantly criticize others while ignoring our own. We have the Dude and Walter being completely disgusted at the thought of someone peeing on the Dude's rug. (And 'out of order' it certainly is. It held the room together, man). Then, very shortly afterward Walter finds it perfectly acceptable to stick a gun in an opponents face for a bowling faux pas. While constantly annoyed and frustrated by his best buddies lack of social and diplomatic skills, The Dude is probably committing the greatest sin of all : Most people consider that dropping out, not working and possessing a completely apathetic attitude to life is just not acceptable. We all think those characters are fun, have great lives and wish we could be them but we just can't. We have jobs, lives, wives, kids.. We then have poor old Donny : Everyone has a voice and a right to be heard but, Walter constantly reminds him that he is out of his depth and forever cuts him off. There are also other comments on the idle rich (Bunny) and the wealthy selfish types who are all consumed with themselves or what they do. Maude wants a child but is not interested in a partner or Father for her intended offspring. Most would consider that to commit a child to a one-parent relationship automatically, even before it is born, is a moral/social wrong.
Perhaps these things suggest that we all have a responsibility to the people and issues around us.
Then there is the problem of the little green pieces of paper. All morals or responsibility suddenly disappear when there are a million bucks floating around. Walter goes for the throat and decides that nothing is going to stop him and the Dude getting that money. The only thing that makes him think twice is when the Dude suggests that he may not bowl in the team. Even the Dude himself, totally laid back and previously only concerned with getting a new rug, gets caught up in the deceit and subterfuge, eagerly snapping up the chance for finders fees and other financial incentives for finding money that he and his buddy lost in the first place. Fine attitudes all round. In my opinion, this point is finally rammed home by the comically inept nihilist germans. They typify all the previous comments with a complete dis-regard for anyone and everything but themselves and financial or other gain.
The responsibility issue then goes further 'up the line' with Walter reminding his buddies, everyone around him and the audience about the Vietnam thing (Echoing not just Vietnam vets, but many other dis-enchanted ex-serviceman worldwide). Socially and morally responsible government anyone ? We are informed that the events take place shortly after the Gulf War. Saddam Hussein even makes an appearance, issuing The Dude with his bowling shoes in the dream sequence. A chilling perspective indeed.
Lastly, my favourite scene, which would seem to illustrate the main point. The Dude and Walter are in a coffee shop and are reminded by the owner to watch their manners/language as 'This is a family place'. The Dude wanders off but Walter just sits there. (His attitude and the look on his face are a picture). He is gonna finish his coffee, he ain't doing nothing bad. As he often says 'Am I wrong?'