On B List of Movie Reviews
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The Big Lebowski (1998)
Rate:
8
Viewed:
2/04, 6/06, 10/10
6/06:
I don't think there has been a neo-noir that's both hysterically funny and true to the outline of a film noir
until I saw The Big Lebowski.
Memorable characters come and go. Clever is the plot that's backed by well-written dialogue which is heavily laden with
profanity and a dry sense of humor.
Jeff Bridges is absolutely The Dude. Motivated by weed, bowling, and White Russian drinks, he is the hippie version of Sam
Spade, Jake Gittes, and Philip Marlowe all rolled into one. However, John Goodman's character is a bit too much for me.
All in all, The Big Lebowski is the best neo-noir comedy made.
10/10:
The Big Lebowski, as great as it is, doesn't hold up well against the test of time.
It's just that I am turned off by the bowling dream scenes; they don't seem to add any significance. At the same time, John
Goodman's character is annoying and plain unlikable.
Still, it's a funny picture with plenty of memorable moments, spoofing the common elements as seen in films noirs.
What I like the most is how stupid The Dude is and how effortless he has been by solving the mystery. He just progresses
from one event to another by stupid, random luck.
All in all, The Big Lebowski is worth watching for fans of the film noir genre.