The Dude abides

Rating: 8/10 (3 August 2009)

Back in 1998 I rented "The Big Lebowski" based on the reputation of the Coen brothers's previous film ("Fargo"). Without any real expectations, my brother and I proceeded to watch it and by the end we were in agreement: We had just seen the funniest movie of all time. More than ten years later the film has aged gracefully and if it's not necessarily the funniest movie of all time then it's surely one of the top contenders.
The film centres on Jeff Bridges, playing a slacker who likes to go by the name of 'The Dude'. 'The Big Lebowski' has the same name as Bridges's character but that's where the similarities end. After a case of mistaken identity 'The Dude' ends up acting as a courier for the other Lebowski, delivering ransom money to kidnappers. Naturally, things go about as wrong as they possibly could and hilarity ensues.
The cast is top-notch. Jeff Bridges excels as 'The Dude' and he has great chemistry with both John Goodman & Julianne Moore. Throw in some Coen brothers vets like Steve Buscemi & John Turturro and add to that Philip Seymour Hoffman, Sam Elliott & others and you've got a cast that's to die for.
The Coens deliver the goods with both the screenplay and the direction. There are a ton of hilarious, memorable quotes and the film's look is always interesting and attractive. They also make some fine use of music including Bob Dylan's "The Man in Me", The First Edition's "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)" and a Spanish version of "Hotel California" by the Gypsy Kings. Overall, the film sports a much higher level of craftsmanship than we're used to seeing in modern comedies.
In the end, though, the film's cult status must be mentioned. The film has attracted a loyal following but there are bound to be those that just don't 'get' the film. Since I am firmly in the 'followers' camp I strongly urge you to give the film a chance.