The Big Lebowski: A Review

The Big Lebowski, released in 1998 by The Coen Brothers is quintessentially a comedy movie but
somehow manages to be more than that. It stars a seasoned Jeff Bridges in the primary role as Jeff
Lebowsky, predominantly referred in this movie as “The Dude”. There are many layers to peel back
in this movie as it blends elements of various genres such as crime, comedy, neo-noir and elements
of philosophy as well. To some, it implies a greater commentary on subjects like life and happiness
but to others it’s sloppy and lazy cinema. And maybe because of this polarizing reception, it has been
successful to garner a cult following.

The film follows the frantic and mostly unwilling adventures of Jeff Lebowski, aka "The Dude". The
Dude is a laid-back slacker who spends his days bowling, drinking White Russian cocktails, and
smoking marijuana. He is a man who seems content with his simple existence, but his life is turned
upside down when he’s new rug gets stolen as he is mistaken for another man with the same name,
a millionaire named Jeffrey Lebowski.

As the story unfolds, The Dude finds himself embroiled in a complex plot involving kidnapping,
extortion, and betrayal. Along the way, we are introduced to a cast of interesting characters,
hisWalter Sobchak, , played by John Goodman, and their friend Donny, played by Steve Buscemi.

The film starts with the narrator losing his chain of thought in the middle of a sentence, and
seemingly forgeting what he was about to say and that exactly captures the essence of this film. The
plot moves with a considerable pace but usually leads to nothing. Things start happening and then
they just stop. This recurring theme in the film replicates our real lives where closure is non-existent
and life just moves on. Unlike the 90’s, this movie is not about competent men achieving goals, it’s
not even about being a slacker or a stoner. It is about being content with the inadequacies that life
brings and somehow to abide by it.

One of the most important themes in the movie is the idea of nihilism. The film's antagonists are a
group of nihilistic Germans who represent a worldview that rejects all values and beliefs. They
believe that life is meaningless and that there is no purpose to existence. And while all of these traits
can be associated with the protagonist “The Dude” as well, there is one major difference. While
nihilism is about disregarding any meaning of existence, The Dude is simply undisturbed by it. The
Dude does not really care about any higher meaning of life, nor does he deny it. He just wants to live
the life he’s living. He’s life goes on, being unemployed, bowling with his friends, listening to music
while having the recreational weed and he’s content. For him, there is no brass ring to grab, no
excellence to achieve, no war to win...just a mind without thoughts and a life to abide by.