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Our movie guy, James Finnegan, on a the Coen Brothers classic The Big Lebowski which was released 25 years ago this week…
What makes a ‘cult classic’ – a particular film that has generated a dedicated and significant fan base over time.
It usually has eccentric characters, played by charismatic actors delivering idiosyncratic dialogue, supported by eclectic soundtrack and conducted by genius directors.
Jeff Bridges as The Dude.
Oh yes. It is usually unappreciated at the time of release. On the 25th anniversary of its release (March 6, 1998) there is no film that fits almost every criteria of a cult classic than The Big Lebowski.
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The story is, frankly, bizarre.
Spending his days sipping White Russians and the nights at the local bowling alley with his only friends Walter (John Goodman) and Donny (Steve Buscemi), Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski (Jeff Bridges), a sympathetic unemployed layabout, is a failure in every aspect of life.
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Then, as if having zero motivation to do anything weren’t enough, two goons, bent on collecting a debt, mistake the pot-smoking slacker for another Lebowski: the reclusive millionaire philanthropist Jeffrey ‘The Big’ Lebowski (David Huddleston).
As the pair of thugs irreparably ruin (please don’t ask how) an irreplaceable rug in Jeff’s decrepit home, The Dude gets caught up in an intricate kidnapping plot involving the magnate’s young trophy wife, Bunny (Tara Reid) whose life is now in Jeff’s hands.
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Written by Ethan and Joel Coen, and directed by Joel, this came out two years after the multi award winning ‘Fargo’ as well as following ‘Blood Simple’, ‘Raising Arizona’ and ‘Barton Fink’.
Dancing to Kenny Rogers.
It must be said that the language is very, very colourful as befits its main character’s major habit, so you have been warned.
It is hard to imagine any other actor who could have played ‘The Dude’. Jeff Bridges gives a career defining performance with such brio and energy, especially when it could so easily have been played over the top. Amazingly, the part is based on a real person, if not necessarily real circumstances
John Turturro in scene-stealing form.
When you surround him with those excellent character actors as named above, as well as John Turturro and Phillip Seymour Hoffman, you have a series of acting masterpieces to enjoy.
The original score was composed by regular Cohen Brothers collaborator Carter Burwell who uses classic sixties and seventies songs as well as more exoteric tunes.
There is, apparently, even a dedicated religion – Dudeism, also known as the “Church of the Latter Day Dude” that spreads the philosophy of the character, but as much as I enjoy the film, I would not go that far. Enjoy!
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