This film is truly an under-rated gem! A classic!

Rating: 10/10 (8 August 2000)

As I look over the other comments for the Coen Brothers' film, _The Big Lebowski_, I see that I am not alone in my appreciation. When I first saw this film in the theater, it was a bit of a let-down, coming on the heels of the brilliant _Fargo_ (one of the greatest American films of the last 20 years, and that's no understatement). But when I first rented it on home video, I was sucked in by the charm and the atmosphere of the film.

It has such a laid-back, easygoing style that I can see how it might not appeal to those looking for nonstop action. But if you're willing to surrender to the peculiar charms of this film, you too might begin to see it for the work of genius it is. I've since purchased the film on video and have watched it several more times--it really is a film that grows on you and it is hilarious to boot.
John Goodman has never been better than in the role of the insufferable Walter, who knows everything and will never admit he's wrong, even when he clearly is. But he's a true friend to the Dude, played by Jeff Bridges, and Donny, played by Steve Buscemi. The three of them are bowling buddies, and in the course of preparing for the big tournament, they get pulled into a weird little mixup involving a carpet, a wayward wife, and the Big Lebowski, who just happens to have the same name as Bridge's character.
I've seen this described elsewhere as a sort of anti-mystery and that's one way of enjoying it. Imagine Jeff Bridges as a sort of stoned, clueless Philip Marlowe, stumbling through his investigation. The comedy though is just so relaxed and unforced, unlike that in the Coens' _Raising Arizona_, a film I've never been able to watch. The acting in this film is amazing, with a cast of independent film allstars.
The more I think about it, the more I wonder if this film might not be just that much better than _Fargo_. If not, it's a very close second. If you rent the film and it doesn't appeal to you at first, give it a chance--you might find that it grows on you, too.