The Big Lebowski (1998)

Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen

Starring: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore

Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski, mistaken for a millionaire of the same name, seeks restitution for his ruined rug and enlists his bowling buddies to help get it.

Jeff ‘The Dude’ Lebowski’s life is about to become a living nightmare due to a case of mistaken identity. Two unsavoury characters break into his home, slaps him around and demand outstanding money owed to porn king Jackie Treehorn. When the guys realize they have the wrong Jeff Lebowski, one of them urinates on Dude’s rug.

Upset about the incident, Dude pays a visit to the Jeff Lebowski the men were looking for, asking for compensation for his rug. It turns out his young wife Bunny owes money to a few people – one of them being Jackie Treehorn. Dude manages to get a rug from the house, but in time we learn the rug has sentimental value to Jeff’s daughter, and she wants it back.

When Bunny is kidnapped, Jeff asks Dude to deliver the ransom money. Dude’s obnoxious friend, Walter (John Goodman) decides to go with him, and no thanks to him the plan goes horribly wrong. Now, the bad guys are after them, and Jeff wants his money back. But still there’s more here than meets the eye…

The film has some very interesting visuals, but it is definitely an acquired taste. I therefore don’t think I can recommend it to everyone. There’s also a lot of swearing in the movie. I mean, jeez, do they swear enough, you think?? The performances from the entire cast was very good, but I did find Walter a bit of an overbearing character – well, more than just a bit… He was annoying at times.

‘The Big Lebowski’ is a unique film that can’t really be compared to anything else, so you’re either going to love it for that reason, or hate it. For most parts, I was actually entertained, but this is a once off viewing for me.

‘The Big Lebowski’ earned $47.4 million on a budget of $15 million.

Would I watch it again? No.