The Big Lebowski

“F**k it, Dude, let's go bowling" 

1998
Directors: Joel and Ethan Coen
Writers: Joel and Ethan Coen
Cast: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman and Julianne Moore

A case of mistaken identity, not to mention a soiled rug, lands free spirit, Geff “Dude" Lebowski, in a whirlwind of chaos as he attempts to return millionaire Leboswki's wife. When films these days involve crooks, lost toes, trophy wives, crazy Germans and many more undesirable situations, they seem ridiculous and excessive, but here, it works. For starters, the Dude is iconic. Bridges' southern drawl, hippie clothing and casual demeanour makes for a funny and loveable protagonist whose Vietnam veteran sidekick, Walter (Goodman) is just as appealing. Add on Donny (Buscemi) and the stick he receives from Walter (did I mention he was in Vietnam?) and the trio is unbeatable - in comedic terms, that is, not in the plot. Don't forget about Philip Seymour Hoffman as Mr. Lebowski's (the rich one) employee either, who is equally amusing.

The film's other key selling point is the witty dialogue. I'll just let some quotes speak for themselves:

The Dude: Let me explain something to you. Um, I am not “Mr. Lebowski". You're Mr. Lebowski.
I'm the Dude. So that's what you call me. You know, that or, uh, His Dudeness, or uh, Duder,
or El Duderino if you're not into the whole brevity thing. 

The Dude: It's like what Lenin said....you look for the person who will benefit, and, uh, uh....
Donny: I am the walrus.
The Dude: You know what I'm trying to say....
Donny: I am the walrus.
Walter Sobchak: That fucking bitch....
The Dude: Oh yeah!
Donny: I am the walrus.
Walter Sobchack: Shut the fuck up, Donny! V.I. Lenin, Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov!
Donny: What the fuck is he talking about, Dude?

The Dude: These are, uh...
Brandt: Oh, those are Mr Lebowski's children, so to speak.
The Dude: Different mothers, huh?
Brandt: No.
The Dude: Racially he's pretty cool?
Brandt: [laughs] They're not literally his children. They're the Little Lebowski Urban Achievers - inner city children of promise but without the necessary means for a - necessary means for a higher education. So Mr Lebowski is committed to sending all of them to college.

The Dude: That rug really tied the room together.

8/10