The Coens could equal Tarantino for producing smart dialogue that completely fits each character. The characters' words always seem almost too realistic. Buscemi's exclusion of the conversation is a truly hilarious moment as he tries to figure out what they were talking about. And that leads to the excellent cast. Jeff Bridges IS The Dude, a low-life who smokes marijuana all the time, while drinking and bowling.
Bridges makes a seemingly unlikeable character pleasant to watch.
The real treat here is John Goodman who after a disastrous turn in Blues Brothers 2000 regains his dignity. Goodman's portrayal of the Vietnam veteran is completely hilarious, and his interrogation of the 15 year old is a comic gem. Julianne Moore, fresh off from her Oscar nominated portrayal in Boogie Nights , plays her character with zest. Buscemi is actually probably the most normal character of the bunch, though he still provides many jokes of the film. Sam Elliott shows up in two scenes as The Stranger, although his character is mostly just there for narration.