When The Dude Lebowski is mistaken for a millionaire Lebowski two thugs urinate on his rug to coerce him into paying a debt he knows nothing about. While attempting to gain recompense for the ruined rug from his wealthy counterpart he accepts a one-time job with high pay-off. He enlists the help of his bowling buddy Walter a gun-toting Jewish-convert with anger issues. Deception leads to more trouble and it soon seems that everyone from porn empire tycoons to nihilists want something from The Dude.
Review
Its a travesty that most critics only read The Big Lebowski at its most superficial level and called it a modern take on a Raymond Chandler potboiler. I simply cant begin to perceive how one could sit down in front of this cinematic poppoetry as it plates gold on the silver screen and not feel so incredibly alive. The dream sequence Busbee Berkley musical numbers are unique and aweinspiring the humor is rich subtle and clever in the way it satirizes politically correct arrogance the freeflowing story avoids (even pokes fun at) nonessentials like plot points and payoffs. But what really makes this film such a masterpiece such a panacea is the incredible humanism the care that the Coen brothers put in developing The Dude (Jeff Bridges) Walter (John Goodman) Donnie (Steve Buscemitremendously endearing) and Brandt (magnificently played by Phillip Seymour Hoffman). Looking at the films use of Sam Elliott to play The Stranger who constantly rambles about the many wonders of The Dude (among other things) it is clear that the film is an ode to a Dudist way of life. And in a time where so many film promise that they have the answer to the worlds problems and end up as slick stylistic showoff films what more could one ask for than a goodhearted film like this Not to mention the performance by Jeff Bridges which ranks among the best performances of the nineties he has a relaxed slouch a goofy smile an enthusiastic dance and his buttons can only be pushed by Walter who John Goodman plays with charm and fury. The Coen brothers have always been considered cold filmmakers but there is nothing here but warmth and humanity (as is the case with the Coens Fargo). What we have here is one of the greatest achievements in modern cinema and if you cant see that grab a White Russian hit the bowling ally and find your innerDude as soon as possible.