The Big Lebowski (1998)
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A laid-back slacker becomes entangled in a complex kidnapping plot after a case of mistaken identity.
The story
In 1991, Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski, a laid-back slacker and avid bowler in Los Angeles, is assaulted by enforcers for a different man who shares his name. After the initial confrontation, the Dude becomes entangled in a complex kidnapping and ransom scheme involving a millionaire and his trophy wife. Caught between the demands of the wealthy man and the confusion of the situation, the Dude must navigate a series of absurd complications while trying to maintain his calm demeanor. The plot, loosely inspired by the works of Raymond Chandler, follows the Dude as he navigates a world of eccentric characters and escalating confusion.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
After being assaulted by enforcers for a man with the same name, the Dude seeks compensation for his ruined rug from a wealthy, paralyzed man named the Big Lebowski. He eventually meets the man's wife, Bunny, who is then kidnapped. The Dude is hired to deliver a ransom, but the situation spirals into chaos involving a variety of characters, including his bowling partners Walter and Donny, and the millionaire's daughter, Maude. The plot involves a series of misunderstandings, including a stolen car, a missing briefcase of money, and a fake kidnapping. Eventually, it is revealed that Bunny was never in danger and the ransom was a ruse. The Dude discovers the truth about the money and the kidnapping, while Walter deals with the fallout of the various complications. The film concludes with the Dude and Walter returning to their routine of bowling, while the narrator, the Stranger, provides a final summary of the events.
- First release year
- 1998
- Runtime (minutes)
- 117
- Production countries
- United States; United Kingdom
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Joel Coen
- Writers
- Ethan Coen · writer; Joel Coen · writer
- Cast and characters
- Jeff Bridges · The Dude; John Goodman · Walter Sobchak; Julianne Moore · Maude; Steve Buscemi · The Stranger; John Turturro · Jesus Quintana
- Genres
- neo-noir; crime comedy; buddy comedy
- Themes
- nihilism; war; politics; money and materialism; idealism; morality
- Tone and mood
- absurdist; eccentric
- Premise and plot tags
- mistaken identity; kidnapping; noir
- Source material / true-story basis
- Raymond Chandler
- Content notes
- profanity
- Reception
- The film received mixed reviews at the time of its release, but has since become largely positive and gained a cult following, noted for its eccentric characters and unique style.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 80% · scale: percentage · review count: 191; Metacritic · score: 71 · scale: 100 · review count: 46
- Awards and nominations
- National Film Registry · Preservation · 2014 · Selected
- Production trivia
- The film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2014.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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