Revisiting "The Big Lebowski"

What is the big deal about "The Big Lebowski?" Eleven years after its release, I still hear about this movie everywhere. When people find out I'm a movie fan, they ask if I've seen this one. And just about every guy I know includes this film in his top ten list. Last week at the theater, one of the ads (before the film I was about to see) was promoting Canadian athletes and Sara Renner (cross country skier) stated it was her favourite film. "Again?", I grumbled. "What is so great about this guy named "Dude?" As I sat in the theatre, I recalled the time I did try to watch the film in 1998 but turned it off because if I heard them say "dude" one more time, I was going to kill someone.

Generally, I'm a Cohen Brothers fan. I love the way their movies are shot. Their use of vibrant colours and original camera angles make the scenes in their films interesting and often times, beautiful to watch. I have raved about some of their films ("Raising Arizona"/ "Miller's Crossing"/ "Fargo"). And over the years, many of the zany characters and off-beat dialogue incorporated in their movies have had me roaring in my seat. But I've also found some of the brother's films forgetable and I was disappointed in their Oscar winner "No Country For Old Men".

After hearing yet another endorsement for "The Big Lebowski" (and by a Canadian Olympic Athlete, no less) I decided to rent the movie and give it another chance. "I'm eleven years older now", I thought "Maybe I'll catch something I missed back then". So I made myself a white russian, put the DVD in, and pressed play.

Although my tolerance for the word "dude" had gone up and I could sit through the whole movie this time, I still didn't love this film. I liked parts of it: It was visually stunning (especially in the bowling alley). I liked Jeff Bridges, and John Goodman made me laugh. But I guess the story line didn't really grab me and I wasn't laughing during many parts where I'm sure the Cohen Brothers would have wanted me to.

I'm not going to dissect the whole film. I know that the people who love it, LOVE IT! And I'm not going to try and change anyone's mind. I'm just not one of those people; so we'll have to agree to disagree. (Although I did wonder if I would have enjoyed it more if I were a guy, smoking pot while sitting on my couch in my boxers)

I won't watch this film again. One and a half times was enough for me. However, I am glad I picked it up just so I could see John Turturro in a purple jump suit. I didn't make it through to that scene the first time and I thought he was hilarious! In my opinion, he stole every scene he was in. For me, he was "the dude" of the movie.