CMT - The Big Lebowski

Like any movie, "The Big Lebowski" presents a story, and stories are reliant on two main things; one is character, and the other is conflict. Those elements are essential, for a cult classic like this to be made. The latter is necessary, in order to provide the audience, with an experience that lasts long enough. The former is there, to make sure that the experience is actually worth watching.

Classic Movie Trailers - "The Big Lebowski" (1998)

When I committed to continuing this series on a regular basis, I knew that I'd be exposing myself to a wealth of good films, from many different eras. "The Big Lebowski" is a movie I've heard mentioned many, many times. I was curious about it, but I never took the opportunity, to sit down and see what all the fuss was about. Given my now legitimate excuse, I was allowed to discover the roles that Jeff Bridges and John Goodman had, in making the show into something worth talking about.

When "The Dude" and Walter were arguing, it was comedic gold. I never had as much fun watching, than when they were together. Goodman was definitely believable, as an obsessed veteran with anger issues. He was the perfect companion for "The Dude", who was cool most of the time.

As an audience, we want that interaction to continue, a good long while. In order for that to happen however, there has to be a reason. In fact, the entire running time of the picture is dependent upon a conflict, that has yet to be resolved. The nature of that conflict isn't actually important, it's the fact that it matters to the characters.

They could have focused the movie on the bowling league championship, and it would have turned out just fine. The really important thing about stories, is that you deny the main character, the thing they want the most. The entire second act, is just piling obstacle upon obstacle in front of their way. What keeps the action, or in this case the comedy going, is that you do not give them that thing.

Part of what keeps it entertaining, is finding out about what wild and crazy twists await you, as the plot unfolds. Situations are funny by themselves sometimes, though it does take good characters, to make them hilarious. Looking at it that way, it's an interesting and interdependent relationship. The plot gives us time with the characters, the characters keep us engaged, and both of them pull us along, to the film's conclusion.

Regarding this movie, the ending was even less important, than the cause of the conflict. The resolution of the events was nothing more than a footnote, but I don't think that fact compromised the ride. Though the film leaves us abruptly, and leaves some of us wanting more, it doesn't overstay its welcome either. Ultimately, the destination wasn't crucial, it was the journey that made it worthwhile.

Trailer Here.

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See "The Big Lebowski" on Netflix!