Those who preferred the cut-and-dry, linear plotline of the Coen brothers' Fargo (1996) might be advised to stay away from the duo's gleefully absurd follow-up, The Big Lebowski. The film doesn't have much use for established storytelling techniques; it's more of a series of bizarre vignettes, which might be a problem if they weren't so funny. The title character, brilliantly played by Jeff Bridges, is a latter-day, stoner version of Philip Marlowe; it's one of the many homages the Coens make to films of decades past. The supporting players -- including John Goodman as Lebowski's buddy, and John Turturro as the wonderfully profane bowling champ Jesus -- are excellent as well. Lebowski performed tepidly at the box office, perhaps because of the inevitable post-Fargo backlash. Much like the Coens' earlier cult classic Raising Arizona (1987), it's the kind of film that audiences either love or hate.
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Directed by Joel Coen / Ethan Coen
Genres - Sports & Recreation, Comedy, Crime |
Sub-Genres - Crime Comedy, Buddy Film, Screwball Comedy |
Release Date - Feb 26, 1998 (USA - Unknown), Mar 6, 1998 (USA) |
Run Time - 117 min. |
Countries - United Kingdom, United States |
MPAA Rating - R
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