The Coen brothers have done it again. Mixing
in Leninist philosophy, mistaken identity, crazy characters, a
kidnapping plot, and a deep love of bowling, they have unleashed upon an
unsuspecting world the many glories of THE BIG LEBOWSKI. Jeff Bridges
plays Jeff Lebowski, known as the Dude, a laid-back, easygoing burnout
who happens to have the same name as a millionaire whose wife owes a lot
of dangerous people a whole bunch of money--resulting in the Dude
having his rug soiled, sending him spiraling into the Los Angeles
underworld.The film is beautiful to look at, especially the scenes in
the bowling alley, which feature a vast array of bizarre
characters--including Steve Buscemi, John Turturro, Sam Elliott, and the
movie-stealing, riotously funny John Goodman as the Dude's crazy best
buddy. As usual in Coen brothers films (BARTON FINK, RAISING ARIZONA),
the dialogue is hysterically warped; the plot is confusing, complicated,
and kinetic; the soundtrack is virtually another character; and the
acting is weirdly stellar. THE BIG LEBOWSKI is yet another thoroughly
entertaining foray into the strange and fascinating world ruled by Joel
and Ethan Coen.