Review of The Big Lebowski - Book Report/Review Example

The ‘Big Lebowski’ is a ic case of mistaken identity coupled with a wild goose chase for its plot. It is not the common comedy rampant in films today which usually revolves its plot on funny romantic scenes and banks on the popularity of the main actors playing the lead roles. Nor is it the ever popular spoof movies that never seem to cease badger movie screens. Easily the most impressionable throughout the movie are the dream sequences that are filled with color and ridiculous scenes but do not cheaply take away on the hilarity of the entire film.

The diversity of the film has made it a classic cult favorite. Throughout the film are memorable quotations that are not only funny in context but are deeply philosophical upon closer scrutiny. Also worth mentioning are the tacky and outrageous outfits of the character which possibly makes it an inexpensive production in terms of wardrobe. The movie is filled with quirky and absurd characters played by some of the most notable actors in Hollywood. The Coen brothers, the film’s writers and directors, has transported the film into an interesting take on comedy that is not only smart but also funny, not taking away from it that it’s a downright stoner movie.

It is arguably one, if not the best, on their repertoire. John Goodman, plays Walter Sobchak, the always angry and violent buddy of Lebowski. Among the funniest and well-loved comedic actors of his time, Goodman easily takes on the role as a convincing complement to the laid back attitude of the main character. Walter, in his vest and shorts paired with socks and a gun does not need a second word to be convinced when Lebowski proposed his vindication for the rug that ‘tied the room together.

’ Jeff Bridges take on a role the exact opposite of what he has been known for. Famous for his dramatic prowess in numerous films, he takes on the character of Jeff Lebowski or as the character most commonly goes by, ‘The Dude.’ Two thugs in the hunt of Lebowski mistook him to be the man they are looking for and thrashed his house and urinates on his rug to make him pay a debt he does not owe. In order to get a new rug, ‘The Dude’ goes in search of his namesake. Basically a bum, with bowling as his main and only hobby, he goes in a chase for the millionaire Lebowski.

Along the way, goofy characters are met by the duo that added splash to the entire movie. The characters are not afraid to take a crack at political correctness which seems to be all the case now in films. It goes along the long-standing debate that political correctness impairs comedic creativity. Walter imparts, “Also, Dude, Chinaman is not the preferred nomenclature. “Asian-American”, please (Goodman). Nihilists, Nazis, Jesus and Jews are just some of the few mentioned over and again.

Lebowski belonging to the first previously mentioned. “Life does not stop and start at your convenience, you miserable piece of shit” (Goodman). Even the most profound of statements find its way into the flow of comedy by the Coen brothers. These scenes make it an unforgettable film because it is a convergence wit and fast-paced cinematography. The imagery is not half as bad the dream sequences are over-the-top but still funny. It goes beyond the slapsticks and the gross-out factors that we see over and over again.

The best kind of comedy is a smart comedy. It is unafraid and it is swift. It gets you on your feet in such a way that you crave for the next snappy line or comment the well-shaped characters are going to say. ‘The Big Lebowski’ develops all that and more. Bibliography The Big Lebowski. Dirs. Joel Coen and Ethan Coen. Perf. John Goodman. 1998.