The Big Lebowski (1998)

Featured Audience Ratings

• John M

  
  The Dude abides. Not much else I can say but what a great movie this is. One of the all time great cult films.

• Mark W

  
  This film has such a massive cult following that it has even spawned a traveling, annual festival called "The Lebowski Fest", at which fans congregate dressed as their favourite characters. It has also amassed a new belief system called "Dudeism" of which you can… More
  This film has such a massive cult following that it has even spawned a traveling, annual festival called "The Lebowski Fest", at which fans congregate dressed as their favourite characters. It has also amassed a new belief system called "Dudeism" of which you can be ordained as a Dudeist priest. Now, this might be going a bit far but it's all in the name of fun, of which, this Coen brothers tale supplies plenty of. Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) is a cannabis smoking throwback from the seventies. He minds his own business, enjoying "bowling, driving around and the occasional acid flashback". One day, two thugs break into his home and urinate on his rug - "which really tied the room together". As he looks for answers, he finds that he has been mistaken for his namesake Jeffrey Lebowski, the Passadena millionaire (David Huddleston). Otherwise referred to as "The Big Lebowski. Looking for compensation for his rug, he pays the millionaire a visit and finds that his absent, trophy wife Bunny (Tara Reid) owes money all over town - including known pornographer Jackie Treehorn (Ben Gazarra), who sent the thugs (to the wrong house) to collect on the debt. But the thugs aren't the only ones who have gotten their Lebowski's mixed up. A trio of Nihilists threaten "The Dude" for a ransom of $1 million, claiming they will kill his wife. Reluctantly, "The Dude" gets involved, with his crazed Vietnam veteran buddy Walter (John Goodman), in trying to get the bottom of all the confusion. Does this make sense? Don't worry, "The Dude" doesn't get it either. Trying to even give a synopsis of the plot in this complex tale, is hard enough, but that's to the Coens' credit in concocting this elaborate modern day private detective story. In the past, the Coens payed homage to crime writer Dashiell Hammett with "Miller's Crossing" and here, they pay homage to Hammett's contemporary Raymond Chandler. It has all the elements of a classic private-eye yarn but masquerades as a zany comedy. It's so much more than that. It's a film that relies heavily on consistently sharp dialogue and each word, pause and stammer are delivered perfectly by an exceptionally brilliant cast; Bridges is a very fine actor but this is his moment of glory, in a role that is perfectly suited. He has received numerous plaudits throughout his career - for his more serious roles - but this is his most iconic. Coens regular John Goodman is also at his maniacal best as his loyal buddy, Walter. Sam Elliott is wonderfully endearing, as "The Stranger", in cowboy attire, that's narrates the whole wacky tale and a scene-stealing John Turturro is simply unforgettable as Jesus Quintana, a latino, sex-offending bowler. In fact, it's very difficult to single out a specific performance, there are so many great appearances: from the likes of Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore, David Thewlis, Ben Gazzara, Jon Polito and the always marvellous Philip Seymour Hoffman. The entire cast are just sublime and deliver their, razor sharp, dialogue under the most creative guidance from the Coens. It's not just the performances that stand out though; usual Coens cinematographer Roger Deakins works with a rich and colourful pallet and the choice of music throughout, accompanies the scenes perfectly. I could go on and pick out every perfect detail of this classic but then I'd just be ruining it for you, even if you've already seen it. It'll do no harm to see it again - with a spliff and a beverage - and allow your "casualness to run deep". I have tried to find the words that do this film justice but I still don't think I have. Rest assured though, this is the most enjoyable Coens movie to date and an instant cult classic that wll take one hell of a film to topple it from my #1 spot.

• Greg S

  
  When thugs urinate on his carpet in a case of mistaken identity, 60s burnout "the Dude" is drawn into a complicated caper involving a millionaire's kidnapped porn-star wife---in the middle of his bowling league playoffs! This quirky Coen brothers gem is, almost without… More
  When thugs urinate on his carpet in a case of mistaken identity, 60s burnout "the Dude" is drawn into a complicated caper involving a millionaire's kidnapped porn-star wife---in the middle of his bowling league playoffs! This quirky Coen brothers gem is, almost without a doubt, the greatest acid-flashback bowling-noir comedy ever made.

• Kevin C

  
  A perfect 10. That's a bowling joke. And a double meaning. This movie is a perfect 10. If this movie was a woman, I'd be kind of grossed out.... But a little attracted. But this movie is a movie, not a woman.

• Directors C

  
  [img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img] It's a fact that the 1990's wasn't the best decade for witty and smart comedy movies, but The Big Lebowski was an exception. It's a real shame the critics didn't embrace it because… More
  [img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img] It's a fact that the 1990's wasn't the best decade for witty and smart comedy movies, but The Big Lebowski was an exception. It's a real shame the critics didn't embrace it because it's truly deserving of it's cult status. There's excellent chemistry between Bridges, Goodman and Buscemi and it's surprising "mumble" core style of comedy is just plain funny. In fact, it's so good that I can completely ignored the plot inconsistencies. It's not a solid movie, it's all over the place, but it is absolutely hilarious.

• Graham J

  
  I mean, c'mon, how can anyone not like this movie. The Dude has now become iconic.to slackers worldwide.

• Jameson W

  
  Super fun movie, man! Very funny film with awesome characters. Jeff Bridges and John Goodman are so great. I'm still not a huge Coen Brothers' fan, but this was definitely entertaining. I recommend it!

• Daniel L

  
  This is one of the best comedies I have ever seen. The film offers sharp, witty humor, fun and interesting characters, and an absurd but fun plot.

• AJ V

  
  This movie is very very 90s, and with the mixture of thriller conventions, edgy independent styles, and a bit of extravagance, you get the Coen bros. style. Overall, I didn't like this movie much, it wasn't as funny as I thought it would be, nor was it very exciting.… More
  This movie is very very 90s, and with the mixture of thriller conventions, edgy independent styles, and a bit of extravagance, you get the Coen bros. style. Overall, I didn't like this movie much, it wasn't as funny as I thought it would be, nor was it very exciting. It's not a bad movie, though, there are a lot of interesting scenes. If you're a fan of the Coen bros, you should see it.

• Matt G

  
  'The Big Lebowski' is not only a terrific film, it's a celebration. This is the number one cult classic of all time, and I truly cannot imagine anything else taking it's place. I guess there is no real reason for this to be in my top five favorite comedies, but… More
  'The Big Lebowski' is not only a terrific film, it's a celebration. This is the number one cult classic of all time, and I truly cannot imagine anything else taking it's place. I guess there is no real reason for this to be in my top five favorite comedies, but each time I watch it, it just clicks with me and I can't seem to get enough of it. The Coen Brothers (granted, they both wrote it but only Joel was the credited director) have crafted something of pure greatness, as well as all of their films that have followed. They both are very talented writers and with 'Lebowski', they have created the most quotable lines ever ("All the dude wanted was his carpet back", "Shut the fuck up Donnie") that become more funny after every viewing. The noir selections of this are well-intended and shot terrifically. I hate to admit it, I am guilty. I just saw this for the first time not too long ago, but even if I'm a newbie 'Lebowski' fan, and I'm not as a big a fan as others, I am confident to say that this was a terrific film that is suitable and clearly intended for multiple viewings. For many people, this is the film that made them fall in love with film. While I can't say that because I fell in love with film decades prior to seeing this, but I do understand why this is such a celebrated film. It has received so much praise from audiences and critics alike, that it has spawned a documentary and even costume screenings. The cast assembled here is perfectly picked and unbelievably charismatic. There is so much to say, but I'll start with the obvious; this is Jeff Bridges greatest performance. Jeff is so magnificent in his portrayal of the bowler/slacker Jeff Lebowski, but everyone calls him "The Dude, His Dudeness, or El Duderino" (by far my favorite line from this). John Goodman stars as Walter Sobchak, a retired veteran whose mind is "stuck" in Vietnam. Goodman is extremely well casted, and knows how to deliver his angry lines ("This is what happens when you fuck a stranger in the ass!"), but always seems to want to go bowling after all that happens throughout the film. Steve Buscemi plays Donnie, the innocent one, who according to Walter, needs to shut the fuck up. Donnie is apart of the bowling trio, and Buscemi is great, but his character isn't very important until the third act. Julianne Moore is Maude Lebowski, offering yet another fantastic role from this film. Maude is a free spirit, as well as a sexually insane feminist. The only issue I ran into with this character was that Moore was marketed as one of the key players in the film, and while she has some screen time, definitely not enough to be considered a bigger character than Donnie. Come to think of it, John Turturro's character Jesus had maybe five minutes or less of screen time, yet his name is on the poster. Being a very likable actor, there was no way that I wasn't going to love Sam Elliot in this. Elliot is one of the funniest characters in the film delivering an intentional over the top performance as The Stranger who delivers one of the most important lines in the end. I want to mention one more role, and that was Phillip Seymour Hoffman's character, Brandt, who was the assistant to The Big Lebowski. Hoffman's character is just so innocent and likable that I can't help but smile every time I see his character attempting to be the biggest kiss-ass to The Big Lebowski. He's particularly funny when he begins to call Jeff "The Dude" while intentionally making his character as over the top and ridiculous he can be. All of these characters are ultimately met with pleasing results. As I mentioned, there is no real reason why this is one of my favorites of all time, it just clicks with me. It's not expected that a small film about a case of mistaken identity would be this astounding and re-watchable, but it manages to be ridiculously fun. As I watch it over and over again, I realize how ridiculous and stupid 'The Big Lebowski' is, but you know what? I enjoy it each and every time. The dude abides.

• Reid V

  
  One of the most audacious pieces of filmmaking I have ever seen. It is wholly original, well acted, and brilliant. Master craftsmen themselves, the Coens assembled a team of experts to pull off this bizarre masterpiece. From the stellar performances by the likes of John Goodman, to… More
  One of the most audacious pieces of filmmaking I have ever seen. It is wholly original, well acted, and brilliant. Master craftsmen themselves, the Coens assembled a team of experts to pull off this bizarre masterpiece. From the stellar performances by the likes of John Goodman, to the pitch perfect music by T. Bone Burnett, the commitment from all of the players involved here make this would be disaster into quite an unforgettable experience. In the interest of full disclosure, I didn't like this film when I first saw it. Yet, with every repeat viewing, the film just delivered more every time. This is a testament to the Coen's genius, as they can truly elevate any material, no matter how outlandish, and create a monumental work.

• Brad W

  
  The Big Lebowski asks the greatest question, why can't someone buy him a damn rug, it really ties the room together. The plot of the movie was so simple (even the Dude says its very complex) and dumb that it created the perfect comedy, I loved it. The cast was perfection, Jeff… More
  The Big Lebowski asks the greatest question, why can't someone buy him a damn rug, it really ties the room together. The plot of the movie was so simple (even the Dude says its very complex) and dumb that it created the perfect comedy, I loved it. The cast was perfection, Jeff Bridges and John Goodman play two of the funniest roles I have seen in decades, they are truly one of a kind. The Big Lebowski is more than pissed on rugs, drunk bowlers, and the word f#ck, this movie is also awesome, and its one of the funniest and best films ive ever seen.

• Tim S

  
  The great stoner classic, The Big Lebowski, is still as funny and fresh as was when it was first released. Everybody's performances are turned up to 11. The dialogue is witty and fast and keeps you laughing all the way through. This is actually one of those movies that you might… More
  The great stoner classic, The Big Lebowski, is still as funny and fresh as was when it was first released. Everybody's performances are turned up to 11. The dialogue is witty and fast and keeps you laughing all the way through. This is actually one of those movies that you might not like very much upon your first viewing (as was the case with myself), but over repeated viewings I've grown to love it. It may not be the best film that the Coen brothers have ever made but it's definitely one of the most hilarious films of its time.

• c0up  

  
  'The Big Lebowski'. Oddball characters, dark humour and trippy imagery delivered by the Coen brothers that'll make even the nihilists care, brought to life by a perfect Jeff 'The Dude' Bridges!

• Conner R

  
  I think i'd definitely classify The Big Lebowski as a perfect comedy and definitely a worthy cult classic. Though I've seen this movie on multiple occasions and found it unsatisfying, I think I've finally come around to enjoying The Big Lebowski as much as anyone… More
  I think i'd definitely classify The Big Lebowski as a perfect comedy and definitely a worthy cult classic. Though I've seen this movie on multiple occasions and found it unsatisfying, I think I've finally come around to enjoying The Big Lebowski as much as anyone possibly can. I can't really pinpoint the exact reason why, but this has been a really difficult movie for me to embrace. I'm glad I've re-watched it every few years to see if I've changed my opinion at all because otherwise I wouldn't have seen the movie that I think most people see originally. I'm not saying this is so over-complicated and pretentious that it takes a human being over four viewing to "get", but it's a particular comedy with so many unique qualities about it. I mean this movie isn't a stoner comedy, not a satire, not a screwball comedy or even belonging to a particular genre. It just addresses multiple areas of focus and doesn't linger; I'd say that's what really makes it so unique. There's no overbearing message going on; definitely not an urgency to get high with your friends or go bowling. Actually, if there is one style or theme going on it's a nostalgic spoof of noir. Except, there's no moralistic tendencies and there isn't just a simple scandal or dilemma. And then there's the comedy, which isn't too bizarre or outlandish; just extremely different from what you might expect. Just the plot itself is comical, but then you have the amazing characterization and goofy imagery that adds on. There's intentionally too many plot twists and deviations, but that's part of why it's so intelligent and self aware. Any qualm you may have with the structure was done so intentionally; a lot of the time, The Dude actually makes this obvious. The thing is, The Coen Brothers are so knowledgeable and rehearsed with everything involving a movie that it's really hard to find something at fault in their film making here. Much like with Quentin Tarantino, they've probably watched countless movies that involve this kind of feel and use it to play with the viewer and to actually say something new. The visual style isn't overbearing, but rarely do you see so much time and effort put into making a goofy dream sequence look so incredibly beautiful and innovative. As for the acting in this movie, it's as perfect as you get when it comes to comedies or just movies period. Jeff Bridges as The Dude is one of the most iconic cult characters out there for a reason; he was perfectly casted and does a flawless job. He's not just a dumb pothead; he actually feels like a real person that you could meet. Shockingly, the same could be said for John Goodman's Walter; seeing as how there are countless crazy Nam Vets like him stocking the streets with oozies. Both of these characters interact together in a way that is almost a work of art. Every single joke and moment between them is comic gold, mainly because it's a relationship that feels genuine. Overall, I think this is either a movie you can enjoy initially or years later, but it's too flawless and interesting to pass up. Most comedies don't receive such a treatment, nor do they strive to cover so much ground without being bloated. There's so much to take from this and enjoy, even if it's just for the subtle plugs for Ralph's, Vietnam history and the importance of a bowling championship.

• Justin Y

  
  Joel and Ethan Coen have nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to <i>The Big Lebowski</i> because this film is a gem to behold.<p>The supposedly simple kidnapping plot ends up as a story that is pure enjoyment from start to finish. Sure, there is some nonsense and… More
  Joel and Ethan Coen have nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to <i>The Big Lebowski</i> because this film is a gem to behold.<p>The supposedly simple kidnapping plot ends up as a story that is pure enjoyment from start to finish. Sure, there is some nonsense and even some unnecessary scenes, but the perverse humor, dialogue, and predicaments that the characters are in more than make up for it all, resulting in a picture where everything is smoothly joined together.</p><p>The dialogue is worth noting and deserves its own paragraph. Filled with profanity and delivered wonderfully by its cast, there is no wondering why there are so many memorable lines from this picture. "Hell, I can get you a toe by 3 o'clock this afternoon... with nail polish."</p><p>From the leads to the small side characters, <i>The Big Lebowski</i> brings out the best in every one of them. Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, and Julianne Moore thrive with their roles. John Turturro, while brief in the grand scheme of things, is a show stealer. It's as simple as that.</p><p>When all is said and done <i>The Big Lebowski</i> comes highly recommendable. "The Dude abides."</p>

• Steven C

  
  Part American satire, part film noir meditation, part screwball comedy, part existential debate, this extremely well cast film (Bridges, Goodman, Moore, Buscemi, Hoffman etc.) is an unsatisfying, overstuffed but wholly unique experience.

• Melvin W

  
  Bunny Lebowski: Uli doesn't care about anything. He's a Nihilist. The Dude: Ah, that must be exhausting. The Big Lebowski is a truly phenomenal experience. Upon my first viewing, I can honestly say that I didn't really care for it. But it was unique enough to keep me… More
  Bunny Lebowski: Uli doesn't care about anything. He's a Nihilist. The Dude: Ah, that must be exhausting. The Big Lebowski is a truly phenomenal experience. Upon my first viewing, I can honestly say that I didn't really care for it. But it was unique enough to keep me interested and coming back to it. After multiple viewing, I found myself enjoying it more and more each time. This last viewing put it over the top. Now I consider it to be probably in my top 3 favorite Coen films, with Barton Fink and O Brother, Where Art Thou?, although it is hard to rank their movies as they are all spectacular. The Big Lebowski is a really funny and original film and it probably has my favorite single cast from any one Coen brothers movie. We got: Jeff Bridges, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Peter Stormare, and the underused John Goodman who I'm now going to talk about. Walter Sobchak: Shut the fuck up, Donny. John Goodman, to me, is one of the most underrated actors around, and the only people to ever use him to his full potential are the Coens. There's probably a reason why my 3 favorite Coen movies are the ones he's stared in. He's absolutely fantastic in all 3. His role in The Big Lebowski is probably his best ever. So many think of him as Dan Conner from Rosanne and nothing else. The guy can act. Watch this and Barton Fink and you'll see just how good he is. The only complaint one could have about The Big Lebowski is the plot. That was my complaint when I first watched it. The plot, for me now, is fine. I don't care if the plot ends up being non-existent. The movie isn't about the plot, but something more and after multiple viewings what that is becomes clearer and clearer, although you may never put your finger on exactly what it is. I could watch this movie every day and not grow tired of it. I find stuff funny that I didn't notice before every single time I watch it. The Big Lebowski is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. Like every Coen brothers movie, it has their trademark stamped all over it. From the cast to the cinematography(Roger Deakins) to the unique and creative writing. It has everything Coen fans love. Watch it and if you don't like it, I don't think The Dude will really give a shit. The Dude: Mind if I do a J?

• Jason R

  
  umm... i don't get it? Writing was alright, though it seemed Bridges was improvising for most of the movie. John Goodman and Julienne Moore were outstanding... but like, really? At most a "meh" for me...

• Manu G

  
  It takes guys as simple as the Dude and Walter to make a story this complicated... and they'd really rather be bowling. Great movie. Ethan and Joel Coen did a a very good job once again and deliver a weird yet excellent film. The story is different and kinda leads nowhere… More
  It takes guys as simple as the Dude and Walter to make a story this complicated... and they'd really rather be bowling. Great movie. Ethan and Joel Coen did a a very good job once again and deliver a weird yet excellent film. The story is different and kinda leads nowhere specific but that wasn't a bad thing. John Goodman was the most funny I've seen him be ever on a film especially that last scene on the beach spreading the ashes I actually LOL(literally). Jeff Bridges did an amazing job too and was the protagonist of the film throughout. Great Cast! 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.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings