Cohabitation Collection – The Big Lebowski
Details: Stache owned. Both had seen.
Stache’s Review:
One of the classic comedies of all time. I feel I can honestly say that. In college this was probably watched once a week. And, like any good college movie, this was quoted ad nauseum. So I will review this film through quotes.
THE STRANGER: But sometimes there’s a man, sometimes, there’s a man. Aw. I lost my train of thought here. But… aw, hell.
Sam Elliott’s intro helps set the stage, not just introducing the setting (LA) and the hero (The Dude), but also the narrative style comprised of random asides and meandering thoughts. There are very few dialogues in this film that have one character speaking to another, where both are clear on the conversation. Everyone is either lying or they are confused. Sometimes both. And that makes sense, as this movie is a classic “who done it.” But unlike most where all the characters have their stories straight and are on top of their shit, The Big Lebowski features a cast of characters that are the complete opposite.
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.
This quote highlights my favorite thing about The Dude. Throughout all of the conflicts of the film, he remains true to himself and his concerns. It’s all bowling, white russians and his carpet. There is no cathartic moment. He will continue being The Dude.
WALTER SOBCHACK: What the fuck are you talking about? The chinaman is not the issue here, Dude. I’m talking about drawing a line in the sand, Dude. Across this line, you DO NOT… Also, Dude, chinaman is not the preferred nomenclature. Asian-American, please.
John Goodman is fantastic in this flick. And I pulled this quote because it illustrates his character to a T. Walter is a man who lives by rules. They just happen to be his own and could be seen as skewed. He’s more than fine carrying a concealed machine gun, but reacts harshly (to say the least) when another bowler steps over the line (literally, a line).
There are so many other good characters, and quotes, I could go on. For comedies, this is the Coen Brothers masterpiece. And they do what they do best. Write remarkable dialogue and direct a complete cast. There isn’t a single character that isn’t developed to the extent their role requires.
And with that, go watch this again, soon. I leave you with this. Another quote that wraps up the whole film.
WALTER SOBCHAK: Well, there isn’t a literal connection, Dude.
THE DUDE: Walter, face it, there isn’t any connection.
Stache’s Take: Sam Elliott Stache (appropriate) *****
Stiletto’s Review:
It had been quite some time since I watched The Big Lebowski. Every time I see this movie, I forget how funny it is. Jeff Bridges is great as The Dude. I love John Goodman, probably my favorite character in this movie.
The story line revolves around a case of mistaken identity. Easy enough. But with lots of twists, turns, bowling, and bath robes.
The cult following surrounding this movie is incredible. It has to be stoners mainly. I’ve been dying to go to the
Lebowski Fest for a long time. It even came to Las Vegas and I missed it. No matter, I would have felt extremely under-schooled on the subject.
Anywho, if you haven’t seen The Big Lebowski check it out. If you have, dust it off for an awesome movie night and mentally relive college.
Stiletto’s Take: Bowling Shoes with Heels (those are probably really awful looking, dude) *****
Average Guy/Girl Rating: *****
Tags: bowling, El Duderino, jeff bridges, john goodman, Lebowskifest, sam elliott stache, stoners, The Big Lebowski, The Dude