Its been 20 years since the Coen Brothers movie “The Big Lebowski” was released; a heist style comedic crime caper that could have only successfully existed in the decade of the 1990s.
Like their other film “Fargo,” “The Big Lebowski” has a lot of constantly moving parts, memorable characters, and an infusion of utter silliness that can’t be denied. Unlike “Fargo,” “Lebowski’s'” off the norm style isn’t quite as effective, and while laughs are aplenty, the overall result isn’t nearly as flawless.
Jeff Bridges stars in a role designed seemingly just for him. Bridges plays the enigmatic character The Dude; a pacifist slacker who wants nothing more out of life that to bowl with his friends, drink his customary White Russian, and avoid doing actual work. The Dude is described by an opening narration as a man for his time and place, and he fits right in.
Jeff Bridges has won an Academy Award for Best Actor (“Crazy Heart”) and has been nominated for 6 others going as far back as 1971. Bridges is one of those actors that can pull off any serious character, and its interesting to see him excel with such a goofy style. Bridges makes The Dude a guy we can all fall in love with, and makes his cartoonish demeanor come to life.
The rest of the cast is perfectly represented with a hysterical John Goodman as The Dude’s best friend Walter, taking the prize for funniest character. Goodman is a terrific comedic actor, as witnessed in movies like “King Ralph,” and here fits right in alongside Bridges to forge a hysterical one-two punch. Other Coen Brother’s usual alums Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare are present, and a shockingly funny Philip Seymour Hoffman shows you why he is one of the all time greats.
“The Big Lebowski” has a 90s style dialogue and cinematography, and its outlandish plot which bears some similarities to that of “Fargo” with a botched kidnapping and ransom demand sending The Dude on a comical quest is the sort of thing that just doesn’t get attempted in today’s movie world.
While the laughing happens early and often, “The Big Lebowski” gets a little dull in the middle, and a shaving of 10 minutes or so from its 117 minute run time would have been welcomed.
If you are a fan of the Coen Brothers style, you will enjoy “The Big Lebowski.” I don’t think it comes close to “Fargo,” but it is still an enjoyable picture.
by – Matt DeCristo
