The Big Lebowski (1998) — The Dude Abides
From acclaimed filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen comes a brilliantly offbeat crime comedy about mistaken identity, bowling, kidnapping, and a laid-back Los Angeles slacker who just wants his rug back. With unforgettable characters, endlessly quotable dialogue and a wonderfully strange detective-story plot, The Big Lebowski has become a beloved cult classic.
Detailed Story Synopsis
Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski is a relaxed, bathrobe-wearing bowling enthusiast whose uncomplicated life is interrupted when two thugs break into his apartment, mistake him for a wealthy businessman with the same name and ruin his prized rug. Seeking compensation, the Dude visits the other Jeffrey Lebowski, an imperious millionaire, and soon finds himself tangled in a bizarre kidnapping scheme involving the millionaire's young wife Bunny.
With help—and frequent complications—from his hotheaded bowling partner Walter Sobchak and gentle friend Donny, the Dude becomes an unlikely private investigator. His search leads him to avant-garde artist Maude Lebowski, eccentric criminals, a gang of German nihilists, a mysterious pornographer and a host of oddball Los Angeles characters. As ransom money goes missing and competing stories collide, the Dude struggles to piece together what really happened, all while hoping to make it back to the bowling alley in one piece.
Cast & Characters
- Jeff Bridges — Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski
- John Goodman — Walter Sobchak
- Julianne Moore — Maude Lebowski
- Steve Buscemi — Theodore Donald “Donny” Kerabatsos
- David Huddleston — Jeffrey “The Big” Lebowski
- Philip Seymour Hoffman — Brandt
- Tara Reid — Bunny Lebowski
- John Turturro — Jesus Quintana
- Sam Elliott — The Stranger
- Ben Gazzara — Jackie Treehorn
- Peter Stormare — Uli Kunkel / Karl Hungus
- Flea — Nihilist
- Torsten Voges — Franz
- Jimmie Dale Gilmore — Smokey
- Jon Polito — Da Fino
- David Thewlis — Knox Harrington
- Jack Kehler — Marty
- Leon Russom — Malibu Police Chief
Film Information
Year: 1998
Director: Joel Coen
Writer / Producer: Joel and Ethan Coen
Studio: PolyGram Filmed Entertainment / Working Title Films; DVD distribution by Universal
Genre: Crime Comedy / Mystery / Cult Classic
Rating: R
Runtime: Approximately 117 minutes
Language: English
Cinematography: Roger Deakins
Edition Details
Format: DVD
Edition: Universal Widescreen, 2002 release (older version)
Condition: Used
Earlier widescreen DVD release. Consult packaging for the precise audio options and bonus features.