A lifestyle film of the aging hippie

Rating: 9/10 (8 August 2002)

The Big Lebowski is a rare comedy in that it makes you laugh at the reasons for the Dude's behavior rather than at the absurdity of the situations he is in. It's not a detective/comedy and it sure as hell isn't a bowling comedy; it's a lifestyle movie with wonderfully written characters. Jesus is a perfect example of comedic genius with a flat character. He's a pedophile bowler that has the ability to intimidate guys like the Dude, who probably doesn't really even care enough to be intimidated. But that's the type of conflict that this movie deals with. The Dude and Walter never really learn any lesson or go through any major character changes. You must keep in mind that this movie is just a crazy story whose main purpose is to express the comedic traits within the characters. Fans of character conflict should love this aspect. Those looking for a buildup and climax may not appreciate the story so much. The whole detective story is given to the audience blatantly. But, like the Dude, you become wrapped up in the craziness of all the distractions from the cast of characters such as Autobahn that are thrown into the mix. So when the story ends, you feel like the Dude; someone who just drifted along as everything sort of passed right by you. But worrying about all of it would be very un-Dude.