This movie has one of the greatest character setups( only one that rivals it, imo is jimmy stewart in rear window where that shot includes his cast and you get to know all you need). The setup is ofcourse the dude writing a check for 69 cents. Summarizes the entire character brilliantly.
The thing that made this film one that I love, is how it depicts a man that truly relishes simplicity. Most of us get so caught up in trying to be successful, that we forget how to really appreciate the true happiness that simple activities and moments can bring us. Even when my life felt the hardest it had been, I still look back at those times as some of my best. Simple things like the Dude's hobby of bowling with best friends is something my friends and I did, and I still look back at with high reverence. For all of the theories and interesting discussions about the underlying genius of the film, it's how it shines a light on appreciation for the small things that really make it stand out to me. Even when things get truly out of hand, and Donnie ends up dead, the Dude (and the tone of the film) maintains that simple optimism. That's the aspect that has stuck with me.
Same. The Dude was a master of appreciating that which mattered most. All the other stuff, earning big money, being famous, being loved by evybody on instagram....it kinda pales compared to the pure ability of being content and enjoying the simple things. Just watching him is therapeutic.
I think he misses it a little on Walter. Walter's passion is for the "rules". "Am I the only one who gives a shit about the rules?!!" That's why he defends free speech. It's one of the rules...
You nailed it about this movie having heart, and it's why the Cohen brothers never topped this. Their other movies all feel so cynical and cruel, but this one is sincere.
Just watched Robert Altman's Long Goodbye (1973) and I immediately saw how the film would have greatly influenced the Big Lebowski with many of the Raymond Chandler and 70s counter culture elements.
"...And even if he's a lazy man, and the Dude was most certainly that, quite possibly the laziest in Los Angeles county, which would place him high in the running for laziest worldwide." LOL!!! Even in that introduction of the movie I started laughing. What a great script by the Coen Brothers.
I wish I could be the dude. He's needs so little, a few friends and a bowling alley. I feel like (even if I was good at bowling) I would be restless in his spot.
@cambruoso nuh in my opinion is the scene where the cop is telling the dude they are working in shifts to find any leads or even the walter destroying the fat kid's neighbors car ,,,,,, fuck it too many awesome scenes awesome movie top 20 for sure in my list and thats high
13 years have gone bye and no sequel yet???.... The Coen Bros. Should AT least use one of their secondary characters (Jesus, The Nihilists, walter etc ) and tell their STORY,,,,,
ironic, the free speech motif is removed on cable versions and that kinda takes the spark out of Walter, I wish I could treat a corporate a**whipe like Walter treated smokey.
@TheHashBot yeah man remember in the begging when they are describing jesus after he got out of jail he had to walk around his neighborhood telling everyone he was a pedafile
@blewidescorpio Its "the big lebowski". Its never to late to comment on that one. Even in one hundred years it would not be too late :-) Its just too good. Nihilist! ;-)
@peterbillionaire it's definitely seamus, i know this because a friend of mine is irish (as in actually irish, not boston irish) and his name is seamus.
@TheInbornMechanics ..tis better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool, that to open it, and remove all doubt. oh, and i don't roll on shabbos...
I think Tarantino could have found a small role for him in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood albeit a younger dude. Similar films in some ways. I think Tarantino must have drawn inspiration from this film and the Coens movies as well as from his other own films and the whole 1960s.
It's not "Almost as if the dude has been pulled into a Raymond Chandler noir", the movie is loosely based on Chandler's 'The Big Sleep', so he IS being pulled into that kind of story. And 'Miller's Crossing' has elements of Dashiell Hammett's 'Red Harvest' and 'The Glass Key' in it as well.
the very reason art critics in general, for all their eloquence and informed opinions, should never be the final word on anything. while i often happen to agree with what they generally have to say about films, particularly what i find to be the bad ones, on this one they got it plain wrong. and now they're lauding it? BL is an American classic that defied initial critical and box office failure to become a treasure of a film. time heals all critical misconceptions i guess.
Excellent review. But I don't know if I'd agree that this film has more "heart" than other Coen films. Looking past the likability of the characters, I'd say that Lebowski is just as cynical as any Coen movie (except Raising Arizona maybe). The Coen movies aren't about "heart", a word I suspect here used as a synonym for sentimentality. I'd say they're more about unflinching honesty regarding humanity's failings.
@Rabsputin "Shamus" is old US slang for a policeman or private detective. Looks like the dialogue uses both shamus and Seamus, according to IMDB.com. The Dude misunderstands "shamus", as follows: Da Fino: I'm a brother shamus! The Dude: Brother Seamus? Like an Irish monk? Da Fino: What the fuck are you talking about?
@Patchanka1 i'm from scotland and the only version i've ever seen is fully uncensored. my guess that it was the more conservative types over in the states who wanted a "family restaurant" version they could play in front of the kids.
That charity foundation-whatever was probably the only thing in movie, which "isn't" a metaphor. It was used for profiting by confusion and giving the impression that you care for the others; just like how they are being used in real life...
Maybe Donnie always bowls strikes... but The Dude does not actually bowl in this movie at any point. They always cut away just before. That's hilarious.
9/11 of the year 1991, exactly 10 years before. The passeport of Neo in Matrix in '99 expires on 9/11/01, the exact day, the two films are cults. It would be interesting to count how many dates we can find in such very very popular movies, to mesure the strength of the coincidence.
Not just the date, when the Dude looks up at the TV, he sees George Bush Sr. is speaking about Kuwait, which is one of the things that led to the 9/11 attacks. Weird coincidence!
![[UA] NAVI проти G2 Esports | Blast Premier Fall Final](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QWlIm4FGESQ/mqdefault.jpg)
this is my desert island movie.
Same here! I watched this movie with different people 3 nights in a row and enjoyed it more every single time.
well said, well said, sir.
whoa fuck... when the dude is signing the check the date says "Sept 11th, 1991"
dude thats like your opinion man
Have you noticed that in the version that's run on cable channels wth advertising, like FX or COM, Jesus is totally removed ?@elvaelvirababe
Commenting On A Movie Over A Decade After The Fact Is Lame..........Oh Hey.......Braveheart Was A Good Movie.......Now Give Me A TV Show
say what you want about the tenents of national socialism dude at least it was an ethos
This movie has one of the greatest character setups( only one that rivals it, imo is jimmy stewart in rear window where that shot includes his cast and you get to know all you need). The setup is ofcourse the dude writing a check for 69 cents. Summarizes the entire character brilliantly.
And the fact that his only ID is a Ralph's club card.
The thing that made this film one that I love, is how it depicts a man that truly relishes simplicity. Most of us get so caught up in trying to be successful, that we forget how to really appreciate the true happiness that simple activities and moments can bring us. Even when my life felt the hardest it had been, I still look back at those times as some of my best. Simple things like the Dude's hobby of bowling with best friends is something my friends and I did, and I still look back at with high reverence. For all of the theories and interesting discussions about the underlying genius of the film, it's how it shines a light on appreciation for the small things that really make it stand out to me. Even when things get truly out of hand, and Donnie ends up dead, the Dude (and the tone of the film) maintains that simple optimism. That's the aspect that has stuck with me.
Same. The Dude was a master of appreciating that which mattered most. All the other stuff, earning big money, being famous, being loved by evybody on instagram....it kinda pales compared to the pure ability of being content and enjoying the simple things. Just watching him is therapeutic.
Did you spoiled the movie?
@@IstanaAnginWorldwide I mean, it's been out for like 30 years...
The Dude probably has ataraxia. This movie is on my top 20. Timeless.
You forgot driving around. He liked doing that too.
occupying various administration buildings lol
I think he misses it a little on Walter. Walter's passion is for the "rules". "Am I the only one who gives a shit about the rules?!!" That's why he defends free speech. It's one of the rules...
Jackie Treehorn, treats Objects like women. Man🌿😎
"Unlike most of their movies, The Big Lebowski has a lot of heart."
Okay, I don't think we're talking about the same Coen brothers here.
Nah, I agree. They seem so ironic and cynical almost all of the time.
I get his point, but I think Raising Arizona had a lot of heart before this.
You nailed it about this movie having heart, and it's why the Cohen brothers never topped this. Their other movies all feel so cynical and cruel, but this one is sincere.
This one’s my favorite, but I would argue that True Grit has some heart too.
The Ladykillers is cynical and cruel?
i love this film but no country for old men is def a better film
Raising Arizona, True Grit, and Inside Llewyn Davis are also some films that have a lot of heart
I didn't think Fargo was entirely cynical; the scenes with Marge (especially those with her husband) all felt very sincere and sweet
Just watched Robert Altman's Long Goodbye (1973) and I immediately saw how the film would have greatly influenced the Big Lebowski with many of the Raymond Chandler and 70s counter culture elements.
"...And even if he's a lazy man, and the Dude was most certainly that, quite possibly the laziest in Los Angeles county, which would place him high in the running for laziest worldwide."
LOL!!! Even in that introduction of the movie I started laughing. What a great script by the Coen Brothers.
Superb film the cast,acting,dialogue the bizarre storyline make this one of my favourite films ever.👏👏👏
I wish I could be the dude. He's needs so little, a few friends and a bowling alley. I feel like (even if I was good at bowling) I would be restless in his spot.
+James R just gotta abide
There's something about how The Dude doesn't need much to be happy that I really envy. He's just living simply and enjoying himself.
Arent we all? That the whole idea of the movie , we cant be like the dude.
@THE MATRIX HAS YOU ofcourse we can be like him. I meant to say that most of the people are not.
You forgot to mention The Stranger! And that majestic moustache!
The Dude Abides !!!
Without a doubt the best movie of the 1990s.
Many cool characters, especially Julianne Moore.
i love when the Dude is going to pay up the waitress and a joint slips together with the coins. that's antologic
"Ah, nice marmot"
A truly timeless classic movie, perfectly played by every character in it.
I often get the feeling- when reading or watching a NYT review- that the critic's main concern is to sound smart and insightful.
It's prounced N "IGH" EL ISTS - Like Night ...NOT Neel EL ists - d-bag !
The date on the check is September 11th
2018 and still one of the best movies ever....!!!!
Possibly the greatest movie ever.
If AO Scott really loved the movie he would have pronounced nihilist correctly..
neeeelist
Movie for dudes. So boring. My favorite actor, in remarkable Fisher King, so much better, underrated
Brandt's reaction after Lebowski touches that award again
I have to think this movie was the result of a drug induced episode or the cohen brothers had a strong imagination
@cambruoso nuh in my opinion is the scene where the cop is telling the dude they are working in shifts to find any leads
or even the walter destroying the fat kid's neighbors car ,,,,,, fuck it too many awesome scenes
awesome movie top 20 for sure in my list and thats high
VERY unpopular opinion... I think this movies overrated
Awful movie. If it wasnt for the famous directors it would be an obscure critical failure
13 years have gone bye and no sequel yet???.... The Coen Bros. Should AT least use one of their secondary characters (Jesus, The Nihilists, walter etc ) and tell their STORY,,,,,
ironic, the free speech motif is removed on cable versions and that kinda takes the spark out of Walter, I wish I could treat a corporate a**whipe like Walter treated smokey.
One of the best films ever.
@TheHashBot yeah man remember in the begging when they are describing jesus after he got out of jail he had to walk around his neighborhood telling everyone he was a pedafile
@blewidescorpio
Its "the big lebowski". Its never to late to comment on that one. Even in one hundred years it would not be too late :-) Its just too good.
Nihilist! ;-)
@peterbillionaire it's definitely seamus, i know this because a friend of mine is irish (as in actually irish, not boston irish) and his name is seamus.
@TheInbornMechanics ..tis better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool, that to open it, and remove all doubt. oh, and i don't roll on shabbos...
first time I noticed the check The Dude writes for the milk at Ralph's is dated sept 11th, and George Bush Sr. is on TV... Prob means nothing lol
best movie ever.???... or fargo... or blade runner.... or dune...or barry lyndon... or2001... or father goose... or mon oncle... or...
check out the date on the check The Dude makes out to Ralphs: Sept 11. this movie of ahead of its times in more ways than one.
critics are in the studios pocket............. i go to the TIFF every year and see great movies that never see the light of day
saw a guy 20 years ago drop a nickel bag on the floor getting money for a vending machine at UPS twilight sort during break.
the check he write is dated Sept. 11 then he looks up at the first george bush on the tv talking about the first gulf war.
Note: check signed Sept. 11 @0:44 while Bush speaks of defending vs aggression...annnnd the check is for 0.69 cents! LOL
This movie has the best finishing scene ever.
what was it? i dont remember..
@@Deviant69 I've heard that the brain is the most errogenous zone, but never actually believed it till now, but on you, maybe.
Vijay Warriyar *erroneous
no matter what bowling and the dude are never ending. and don carter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am the walrus
@Estas01 man, i had buddies who died face-down in the muck so you and i can enjoy this youtube video!
:D
@relazar In the unsensored version he says "the ass" instead of "the alps"- European version I guess...
Critics to me are like crickets. They make a lot of noise, but they're fucking worthless.
Definitely in the top 3 of the best.
RIP Ben, you will be missed.
@TheInbornMechanics Without John Goodman, It would have sucked. I agree with you.
@Estas01 ya. The plot went nowhere. It was just the dialogue that entertained me
The check over $ 0.69 is dated Sept. 11, '91...
Strange coincidence, isn't it?
I love this movie so much.
So much heart, and so many chuckles as well as hysterical laughs. Perfect comedy, IMO.
Did anyone notice if the Dude actually got PAID anything for all his trouble?
That's just, like, your opinion, man
What is it all really about ???:
ill tell you. just fuck it and go bowling
I think Tarantino could have found a small role for him in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood albeit a younger dude. Similar films in some ways. I think Tarantino must have drawn inspiration from this film and the Coens movies as well as from his other own films and the whole 1960s.
Actually the hubby and I watched the big lembowski last night....... I LOVE THIS MOVIE......5 STAR!
Just like a good wine gets better with age
Did you notice the date on the check at :44? Exactly ten years later...…. I wonder what the Dude was doing on that day.
It's not "Almost as if the dude has been pulled into a Raymond Chandler noir", the movie is loosely based on Chandler's 'The Big Sleep', so he IS being pulled into that kind of story. And 'Miller's Crossing' has elements of Dashiell Hammett's 'Red Harvest' and 'The Glass Key' in it as well.
....and that perfecto Townes Van Zandt rendition of “Dead Flowers” to close the story like a bedtime lullaby.
This critic really knows nothing about the film
Because the movie is about nothing
@lamberto1685 lol he got a bit of donny in his beard hahaha
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man
@misterBasto
wow!! I've watched this movie about 30 times and I never saw that!!! Nice one!!
So are we going to over look that this is 10 years
Hypocrites slammed the movie when it first came out.. Now its the greatest. No one ever built a statue of a critic.
@ELBAGGADOUCHIO No, you can pronounce it both ways.
@communistjesus what a fuckin' brillant idea... lol
2:53 as he drops the joint and puts it back xD
my favorite movie!
well you know it's a complicated situation... lots of ins and outs, lots of what-have-yous
HAHA Old Duder writing a check for .67 cents
67 cent check........ funny
2:49 as he drops the joint and puts it back xD
the very reason art critics in general, for all their eloquence and informed opinions, should never be the final word on anything. while i often happen to agree with what they generally have to say about films, particularly what i find to be the bad ones, on this one they got it plain wrong. and now they're lauding it? BL is an American classic that defied initial critical and box office failure to become a treasure of a film. time heals all critical misconceptions i guess.
Excellent review. But I don't know if I'd agree that this film has more "heart" than other Coen films. Looking past the likability of the characters, I'd say that Lebowski is just as cynical as any Coen movie (except Raising Arizona maybe). The Coen movies aren't about "heart", a word I suspect here used as a synonym for sentimentality. I'd say they're more about unflinching honesty regarding humanity's failings.
@Rabsputin "Shamus" is old US slang for a policeman or private detective.
Looks like the dialogue uses both shamus and Seamus, according to IMDB.com. The Dude misunderstands "shamus", as follows:
Da Fino: I'm a brother shamus!
The Dude: Brother Seamus? Like an Irish monk?
Da Fino: What the fuck are you talking about?
On Word: MASTERPIECE!
@Patchanka1 i'm from scotland and the only version i've ever seen is fully uncensored. my guess that it was the more conservative types over in the states who wanted a "family restaurant" version they could play in front of the kids.
That charity foundation-whatever was probably the only thing in movie, which "isn't" a metaphor. It was used for profiting by confusion and giving the impression that you care for the others; just like how they are being used in real life...
the dude abides... I take comfort in that
The Big Lebowsk is art
One of the most unique movies, especially among comedies, even more so among American ones. One of my all timers.
Its as if The Tao of the Dude was pulled into the 90s version of The Big Sleep
Maybe Donnie always bowls strikes... but The Dude does not actually bowl in this movie at any point. They always cut away just before. That's hilarious.
Look at the date on the check The Dude writes...
9/11 of the year 1991, exactly 10 years before. The passeport of Neo in Matrix in '99 expires on 9/11/01, the exact day, the two films are cults. It would be interesting to count how many dates we can find in such very very popular movies, to mesure the strength of the coincidence.
galacticswan And then you would also take in to account the thousands of films that feature random dates where nothing happens.
Not just the date, when the Dude looks up at the TV, he sees George Bush Sr. is speaking about Kuwait, which is one of the things that led to the 9/11 attacks. Weird coincidence!
you're killing your father, Larry
min 0:48 "this aggression will not stand, man!" LOL!!!
Best... movie... ever...
NYT++
One of my all time faves.