The Big Lebowski (1998)

Overview

"The Big Lebowski" (Ukrainian: Великий Лебовські) is a cult American neo-noir crime comedy film from 1998, written, directed, produced, and edited by the Coen brothers, Joel and Ethan. The film tells the story of Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski (Jeff Bridges), a lazy Los Angeles resident who loves bowling. His life is turned upside down when he is mistaken for a millionaire with the same name and gets entangled in a convoluted story of kidnapping and ransom.

The film is noted for its unique style, memorable characters, and iconic dialogue. Starring: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, and John Turturro. The soundtrack was composed by Carter Burwell.

Basic Information

• Original Title: The Big Lebowski
• Release Year: 1998
• Genre: Neo-noir, crime comedy
• Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
• Screenwriters: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
• Producers: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner
• Composer: Carter Burwell
• Production Companies: Working Title Films, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment
• Distributor: Gramercy Pictures (USA)
• Budget: $15 million
• Box Office: $46.7 million

Plot

Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski is a carefree hippie who spends his time bowling and drinking White Russians. One day, his apartment is burglarized by thugs mistaking him for the millionaire of the same name. The Dude decides to visit the real Big Lebowski to get compensation for his ruined rug. The millionaire tasks him with delivering a ransom for his kidnapped wife Bunny. The Dude, along with his friends Walter (John Goodman) and Donny (Steve Buscemi), finds themselves at the center of absurd events involving German nihilists, the porn industry, and a mysterious briefcase.

Cast

• Jeff Bridges — Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski
• John Goodman — Walter Sobchak
• Julianne Moore — Maude Lebowski
• Steve Buscemi — Theodore Donald "Donny" Kerabatsos
• John Turturro — Jesus Quintana
• Philip Seymour Hoffman — Brandt
• David Huddleston — The Big Lebowski
• Tara Reid — Bunny Lebowski
• Peter Stormare — Uli Kunkel
• Flea — Nihilist #2
• Jack Kehler — Marty
• Mark Pellegrino — Nihilist #3
• James G. Ho — Taxi Driver
• John Polito — Strangela
• Jennifer Sky — Woman in Bar

Crew

• Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
• Screenwriters: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
• Producers: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner
• Composer: Carter Burwell
• Cinematographer: Roger Deakins
• Editors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
• Production Designer: Rick Heinrichs
• Costume Designer: Mary Zophres

Franchise Timeline

"The Big Lebowski" has no direct sequels or prequels, but it is part of an unofficial "Dude trilogy" along with other Coen brothers films often referenced by fans. However, officially it is a standalone film.

Where to Watch

Currently, the film is available on various platforms. Official links:

• Netflix
• Amazon Prime Video
• Apple TV
• Google Play
• YouTube

For Ukrainian viewers:

• UAKino (search)

Note: links may vary by region.