After the huge success of Fargo (1996), film-goers and critics were wondering what the Coen Brothers would come up with next. Their next film, The Big Lebowski (1998), was a slight let down, only receiving lukewarm reaction upon it's release. Like all great new things, however, it just took a little time to be fully appreciated. A few years later, it had developed a devoted Cult following. "The Dude" became an iconic anti-hero, with catch phrases being repeated constantly. For me, however, as wonderful as all the rest of the cast is, it is John Goodman as Walter who really steals the show.
The Dude, aka Jeffrey Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) is living his peaceful, lazy existence when a couple of thugs burst in his apartment, mistaking him for another Jeffrey Lebowski who is a millionaire...
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| The Big Lebowski. 1998: Jeff Bridges |
They demand money, which of course The Dude does not have. For retribution and spite, one of the bad guys urinates on The Dude's favorite rug (which really tied the room together). While discussing the matter with his friends (John Goodman and Steve Buscemi) at the bowling alley, it is their consensus that the rich Jeffrey Lebowski should re-compensate The Dude for the soiled rug, as it was an insult intended for him...
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| The Big Lebowski. 1998: Jeff Bridges and John Goodman |
The rich Lebowski refuses, cursing The Dude as a Bum. A twist happens when Mr. Lebowski's young, sexy wife Bunny (Tara Reid) is kidnapped and held for ransom. He hires The Dude to be the courier...
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| The Big Lebowski. 1998: Tara Reid |
The plan backfires, largely due to Walter's (John Goodman) wild antics...
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| The Big Lebowski. 1998: John Goodman |
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| The Big Lebowski. 1998: Jeff Bridges and John Goodman |
Now The Dude has major problems, not just with the Bunny situation which has grown to show ulterior motives and deceit...
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| The Big Lebowski. 1998: Tara Reid |
but with bowling as well, as his team is set to go up against a very good player named Jesus (John Turturro in a great role)...
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| The Big Lebowski. 1998: Jesus |
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| The Big Lebowski. 1998: Jesus |
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The Dude must unravel the case and sort everything out... Not an easy task....
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| The Big Lebowski. 1998: Julianne Moore |
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| The Big Lebowski. 1998: Jeff Bridges and John Goodman |
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| The Big Lebowski. 1998: Jeff Bridges |
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