The Big Lebowski is a movie that I had heard endless great things about, but never actually seen until now. The talented actors that are in the movie were enough to get me to watch it. Overall, I was extremely pleased with the film.
The Big Lebowski is the the story of "The Dude" who wants repayment for his stolen rug, and ends up getting entangled in a kidnapping mystery. What I love so much about the film is the story. This movie could have easily been confusing to follow, but in the hands of the Coen Brothers it is very entertaining and not one detail is skipped over. Well, almost every detail. There are a couple flaws in the film, one of them very minor and the other is glaringly obvious. When "The Dude" (Jeff Bridges) first gets Walter (John Goodman) involved, he just picks him up seemingly out of nowhere. I would have liked to have seen a story element that requires his involvement. The more important flaw in this movie involves the character of Donny, played by Steve Buscemi. There is absolutely no use for his character. Donny exists only so Walter has someone to yell at. He contributes nothing to the story, which is why his death falls flat for me. Despite this issue, the film is executed very well and, even though it is a comedy, keeps you on the edge of your seat as you wait to figure out what happens.
Jeff Bridges plays "The Dude", a very simple and laid back man who does not have a care in the world. Bridges plays the character perfectly, right down to his smartass remarks and even his physical movement. One of the great joys in seeing The Big Lebowski for the first time was finally seeing Bridges play what is arguably his most popular role.
John Goodman plays Walter Sobchak. Sobchak is man who is obsessed with the Vietnam Conflict, and gets extremely angry when something happens that he does not approve of. I have always been a fan of John Goodman, and it was hilarious watching him play this character and get angry over the tiniest thing. Sobchak is also a great contribution to the story because he is the whole reason that "The Dude" gets mixed up in this mess. This a great character that is even better in the hands of John Goodman.
Joel Coen is the director of The Big Lebowski. I love watching anything that has one, or both, of the Coens behind the camera because everything is so perfectly framed. The Big Lebowski is no different. Joel Coen frames things so well that even the opening credits are enough to make a film junkie go bonkers. He also knows that, even with a great cast of characters, this is The Dude's story and everyone else is just along for the ride. Not a single frame is wasted, particularly on Jeff Bridges.
Even with its flaws, The Big Lebowski is a classic film. The great story and characters make you want to watch this film over and over again. Put this on any "100 Movies To See Before You Die" list.
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