The Big Lebowski: The Dude stays the Dude – Movie

The Big Lebowski (1998) is not a classic stoner comedy – but it is without doubt one of the most important stoner films of all time. The Coen brothers tell an absurd kidnapping story that isn’t really a kidnapping story at all – about a lazy, White Russian-drinking stoner who just wants his carpet back. What begins as a thriller ends in a cinematic frenzy of bowling, nihilism and joints. The film has achieved cult status over the years – not least because of Jeff Bridges as “The Dude”, who became the symbolic figure of an entire subculture. Back to: The best stoner movies.

What is The Big Lebowski about?

Die beliebtesten Kifferfilme

Jeff Lebowski – known as “The Dude” – lives a simple life in Los Angeles: bowling, White Russians, joints and no obligations. But one day he is mistaken for a rich namesake, becomes involved in an absurd kidnapping case and encounters porn producers, performance artists and nihilistic Germans. All he wants is a new carpet – but the world just won’t leave him alone. The plot is deliberately chaotic – like a bad trip, but in a good way.

Why “The Dude”? In fact, the word “Dude” appears 260 times in the movie!

The most important facts about The Big Lebowski:

• Crime thriller parody meets everyday stoner life
• Strong dialog & absurd characters
• Bowling as a spiritual anchor in a crazy world

Trailer for the movie: Ready Dude?

Legendary bowling center scene for fans of the movie

Actors: Cult roles for eternity

Jeff Bridges as Dude is the perfect embodiment of the modern anti-hero – lazy, peaceful, stoned and yet full of personality. John Goodman delivers one of the funniest supporting roles in film history as Vietnam veteran Walter. Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore and Philip Seymour Hoffman also shine in bizarre roles. Every character seems to be from a different world – but that’s what makes it so appealing.

• Jeff Bridges – as “The Dude” long since a movie icon
• John Goodman – loud, unpredictable, unforgettable
• Steve Buscemi – quiet, lost, tragic-comic
• Julianne Moore – avant-garde artist with a mission

Why this movie belongs in our top list

“The Big Lebowski” is not a movie about weed – but a movie that wouldn’t work without it. The whole vibe of the movie is stoned: the inertia, the dialog, the dreams, the music. The Dude became a cultural icon because it shows that you can simply be human without ambition, violence and drama. For many, the movie is almost philosophy – and thus more than deservedly part of the best stoner movies of all time.

XL Interview about the movie

4 fun facts about The Big Lebowski

The film was not a great success when it was released – but became a cult movement thanks to DVDs and fan communities. Today there are “Lebowski Fests” all over the world, where fans turn up in bathrobes and drink White Russians. Many of the dialogues are now commonplace (“The Dude abides”, “That rug really tied the room together”). And although the film does not have a classic arc of suspense, it fascinates with its style, quotes, music and atmosphere.

1. Shot by the Coen brothers – known for weird genre mixes
2. Inspiration: Raymond Chandler crime novels & real LA characters
3. White Russian became a cult drink thanks to the movie
4. Someone says “Dude” over 260 times in the movie

More cult with a joint in your hand?

Once you’ve celebrated “Mac & Devin“, take a look at the most popular cannabis films. Whether it’s classics like “Friday” or musical escalation in “How High” – you’ll find everything you need to make the next evening perfect.

• The most popular stoner movies to chill out to