The Big Lebowski
★★★★★
Only the Coen brothers could create a movie that has deep philosophical questions about nihilism and capitalism wrapped up into a crime caper with a stoned hippie as the protagonist. I've never shied away from declaring the Coens as some of my favorite filmmakers, but I forgot how truly hilarious and entertaining this movie is. The comedic duo of the Dude (Jeff Bridges) and Walter (John Goodman) is one for the ages. They could have been the next Laurel and Hardy. It's as if one couldn't exist without the other, though being complete opposites. I guess it's bowling that ties them together.
The Coens have always been masters of character development, and they use everyone perfectly here to paint a plot that completely gets away from all of those involved. All the characters have a philosophy of life that guides their decision-making, but they constantly get in their own way. The Coens argue that as much as we think we know the way the world should run, it all goes to shit when we are actually faced with danger.
I love how the Coens create a world that is always familiar but key in on the quirks that make it unique. It's as if they are aliens looking down upon a world and pointing at the oddities that we ignore because we are too distracted. They beautifully showcase a seedier side of L.A. that is a result of the multiple tumbleweeds that barrel through its vast landscape which causes us to reevaluate how we perceive this major city.
After 25 years, The Big Lebowski completely holds up as a unique comedy with unforgettable scenes, dialogue and camera work. This has always been a favorite of mine. So even though I knew what was coming, I was delighted with how I was able to dissolve into the story once again. This movie gets better with age and is willing to make comedic chances that you don't find often anymore.
