The Big Lebowski (1998)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:72
Fresh:56
Rotten:16
Average Rating:7.1/10
Consensus: Typically stunning visuals and sharp dialogue from the Coen Brothers, brought to life with strong performances from Goodman and Bridges.
Synopsis: The Coen brothers have done it again. Mixing in Leninist philosophy, mistaken identity, crazy characters, a kidnapping plot, and a deep love of bowling, they have unleashed upon an unsuspecting... The Coen brothers have done it again. Mixing in Leninist philosophy, mistaken identity, crazy characters, a kidnapping plot, and a deep love of bowling, they have unleashed upon an unsuspecting world the many glories of THE BIG LEBOWSKI. Jeff Bridges plays Jeff Lebowski, known as the Dude, a laid-back, easygoing burnout who happens to have the same name as a millionaire whose wife owes a lot of dangerous people a whole bunch of money--resulting in the Dude having his rug soiled, sending him spiraling into the Los Angeles underworld. The film is beautiful to look at, especially the scenes in the bowling alley, which feature a vast array of bizarre characters--including Steve Buscemi, John Turturro, Sam Elliott, and the movie-stealing, riotously funny John Goodman as the Dude's crazy best buddy. As usual in Coen brothers films (BARTON FINK, RAISING ARIZONA), the dialogue is hysterically warped; the plot is confusing, complicated, and kinetic; the soundtrack is virtually another character; and the acting is weirdly stellar. THE BIG LEBOWSKI is yet another thoroughly entertaining foray into the strange and fascinating world ruled by Joel and Ethan Coen. [More]
Starring: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi
Starring: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, David Huddleston, John Turturro, Peter Stormare, David Thewlis, Ben Gazzara, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Tara Reid, Flea, Torsten Voges, Philip Moon, Mark Pellegrino, Jack Kehler, Aimee Mann, Asia Carrera, Jerry Haleva
Director: Joel Coen
Director: Joel Coen
Producer: Ethan Coen, Eric Fellner, Tim Bevan
Screenwriter: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Composer: Carter Burwell
Reviews for The Big Lebowski
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It may not be Fargo, but you’ll be swept away by the sheer nonsensical, farcical wonder of it all. Full Review |
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To what do we owe the pleasure of the Coen Brothers' new joie de vivre and love for their fellow man? Full Review |
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Stylish and wickedly funny black comedy illuminated by a great performance from Jeff Bridges, and loaded with all the Coen brothers' trademark wit and flair. Full Review |
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As with Raising Arizona, The Big Lebowski gives us a protagonist whose dopey innocence seems to be his only protection from the real world. Full Review |
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If it's all supposed to be in fun, why does it feel so much like an insult? Full Review |
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Adds up to considerably less than the sum of its often scintillating parts. Full Review |
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Bridges does more with his deflated body language than many comedians can manage by chewing the furniture. Full Review |
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If nothing else, the Dude speaks for me when appraises the music of the Eagles. Full Review |
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The result is a lot of laughs and a feeling of awe toward the craftsmanship involved. I doubt that there'll be anything else like it the rest of this year. Full Review |
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Far from being shallow pastiche, it's actually about something: what it means to be a man, to be a friend, and to be a 'hero' for a particular time and place. Full Review |
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This deliberately messay comedy stars Jeff Bridges as a slack-brained pothead, but the funniest turn is given by John Turturro as a gay Latino bowler who urges his ball with sexy thrusts of his pelvis. Full Review |
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It's pretty much impossible not to love The Dude. Full Review |
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It's the actors that make this film: without the perfect casting ... and without their perfect comic timing, it wouldn't work. But it does work, every minute. Full Review |
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Joel and Ethan Cohen are in the midst of just such a golden streak right now. Full Review |
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After seeing and enjoying Lebowksi at least four times over the years, I can plainly see why the movie freaks have embraced this off-kilter comedy so enthusiastically. Full Review |
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In many ways, The Big Lebowski has surpassed Fargo as the Coens' high-water mark. Full Review |
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Jeff Bridges as The Dude is stroke of casting genius. Full Review |
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No, it's no Fargo. It's the most flamboyant, erratic, spontaneous movie the Coens have ever made. Full Review |
Latest News for The Big Lebowski
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October 17, 2008:
UK Critics Consensus: Is Burn After Reading A Coens Classic? Does Eagle Eye Have Enough Action, Man?
In this week's roster of UK cinema releases we have the latest addition to the Coen canon in the CIA comedy caper, Burn After Reading, Shia LeBeouf stakes a further claim to the... More...
April 27, 2008:
RT interview: Roger Deakins on No Country for Old Men
Cinematographer, Roger Deakins, comes out from behind the lens to discuss his long time collaboration with the Coen brothers and No Country for Old Men. More...
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