The Big Lebowski

Last night, Tuesday, was bowling night.  This weekly routine reminded me of my favorite comedy of all time, "The Big Lebowski". Set in Los Angeles in or around 1990, the film follows an elaborate sequence of events stemming from the misidentification of "The Dude" played by Jeff Bridges.  The Dude's rug is mistakenly soiled, and he gets himself in a situation that is far too complicated for his care-free lifestyle. 

There are many interesting characters in "The Big Lebowski", including a Vietnam veteran played by John Goodman and a sex offender played by John Torturro, but I would like to talk about "The Dude".  He is a lazy man with simple pleasures: bowling, white russian's and marijuana.  Ironically, he lives in the bustling city of Los Angeles where most people live life at an accelerated pace.  The industry of LA actually works to his advantage because everyone else is consumed almost entirely with their own agendas.  This gives The Dude the ability to live his California dream of relaxation.  Well, at least until someone breaks into his house and urinates on his rug.  Demonstrating that even The Dude cannot realistically isolate himself from the problems of California.

I find myself sometimes wishing I could live an easy life like The Dude, but I doubt I would enjoy a life without challenges.  For the most part, the people of California enjoy the feeling of accomplishment that comes from putting in a strong effort.  However, if you'd like to lay back, relax and watch a hilarious movie I would recommend "The Big Leboski".  Be forewarned that the movie is rated R "for pervasive strong language, drug content, sexuality and brief violence".  Happy viewing!

Comments

[Rebekah G.]

I just wanted to say that I love white Russians, and if someone pissed on my rugged I'd be mad about it too. The fact is that the grumpy people out there just try and ruin other people's days. Also thanks for the recommendation I've heard so much about the movie and my friends can't believe that I haven't seen it.

[Erica Bryant]

"Jesus"..."you said it man!"
This is such a great movie. It was filmed here in southern California and it demonstrated two extremes of a Californian.
1. Jeff Lebowski aka "The Dude"-poor yet content. The type of Californian who writes a check for .69 cents. All he wants is a rug to "tie the room together".
2. Jeff Lebowski aka "The Big Lebowski"-charitable yet crooked business man. Stereotype rich old multi-millionaire with young blond-shell of a wife.
There are so many good scenes in this film its hard to pick my favorite.