Mix Yourself a White Russian and Bask in Lebowski's Absurdity

Rating: 8/10 (7 May 2020)

What a ludicrous story. Absolutely bizarre in every way, and all the better for it. It was an absolute farce and there no sense or logic to much of it. All of this makes it very hard not to love The Big Lebowski.
The characters were so rich and eccentric that I really didn't know what was going to happen or why it was going to happen. The Coen's are experts in keeping you on your toes during a film. Just when you think things are going to zig the plot goes right ahead and zags. I absolutely love this style of story, and if you are a fan of the Coen's other work, particularly Fargo, this will be right up your street due to the similar levels of farce and buffoonery.
Bridges and Goodman were electric, with such good oddball chemistry between them. The sharp script was excellently delivered by both, handling comedy and drama equally well. Buscemi was a fantastic support as expected but the real standout aside from Bridges and Goodman was Julianne Moore. She was an absolute scene stealer whenever she was on screen, adding another great oddball character to the mix. Philip Seymour Hoffman as well! The list goes on, but suffice to say the cast was eclectic and excellent.
The Big Lebowski is wildly entertaining, although I must say I never really found it hilarious. Sure it was funny in parts, and there were laughs to be had, but it was never laugh out loud funny for me. Maybe some of the humour didn't age so well I'm not sure, for example the character of Jesus. Still funny but not as hilarious as it perhaps was 20 years ago. The Coen's deal more in black comedy and farce anyway, so I found myself smirking a sufficient amount which is a good sign.
As you'd expect from the Coen's the direction was pretty slick. Arty, surreal, and clean in equal measure. To top it all off there was a pretty popping soundtrack.
The Big Lebowski is a hoot! Probably one of the greatest collection of odd characters and the most absurd of plots combine to make a triumphant piece of cinema.