A box office failure that critics were not kind to initially, The Big Lebowski has inspired repeat viewings among fans, an annual gathering of “Achievers,” and even an entire way of life based on its central character, and if you haven’t seen it already, it might just be the film to tie your life together.
Jeff Bridges’ aging L.A. stoner The Dude reluctantly plays detective with his loose-cannon Vietnam vet friend and bowling buddy, Walter (John Goodman), when a case of mistaken identity (and an unjustly soiled rug) gets him wrapped up in the supposed kidnapping of a millionaire’s porn star wife.
As a follow-up to the success of Fargo, Joel and Ethan Coen introduced yet another dark comedy, this one far less concerned with its central mystery plot and far more with its variety of eccentric characters which earned it a reputation as one of the most worshipped comedies of all time.