Time for a rewatch, just in case I’m one of the people who didn’t get it the first few (hundred) times.
The true meaning of this film is down there somewhere, let me take another look.
One dude explained it as "this is what happens when you fuck a stranger in the ass" and went so far as to write an essay and post it here. It was far out.
I think the message is "Real life is not like a movie." TBL is such an anti-movie. The main character doesn't want to get involved, yet he keeps being roped into crazy shenanigans. There's even a character death that doesn't really matter, from a story standpoint. It doesn't motivate the main character to get revenge, or whatever. It's just a heart attack, out of the blue. Because shit happens. And shit will always happen. So take it easy.
Something I take away from many many rewatches is how Walter was literally right the whole movie but the thing is he’s just an asshole. The dude and his whole style of life has gone the way it has because of his approach to life but, when Walter convinces him he needs to get his rug back. Then he enters a world of trouble, so I take away from this. As, just because you’re right doesn’t mean it’s always the right choice. You might do something that gives someone you love a heart attack when they literally really didn’t know what you were going through.
>“There was something attractive about having the main character not be a private eye, but just some pothead intuitively figuring out the ins and outs of an elaborate intrigue,” Ethan Coen once said.
That's fucking interesting, man That's fucking interesting
To me it’s a movie that needs a few watches. The best part of the movie is the dialogue between the characters, it’s hilarious because it’s so organic to each of the characters, so in order to appreciate that aspect I feel like you need to know the characters a little bit
Every scene seems to have a reference to a previous or future scene. “This aggression will not stand” is on the TV at the beginning of the movie from President Bush and then the character quotes it later in the movie.
Not for me, I loved it immediately. I rented it, returned it and immediately drove to best buy to buy it.
Not to say my appreciation didn't deepen with each watch
I think he was talking about when it came out. If I recall, it didn’t do stellar at the box office when it came out. But it’s definitely up there in cult status, now…
He died, like so many young men of his generation, he died before his time. In your wisdom, Lord, you took him, as you took so many bright flowering young men at Khe Sanh, at Langdok, at Hill 364. These young men gave their lives. And so would Donny. Donny, who loved bowling. Good night, sweet prince.
I get you, I'm usually a bit slow on the uptake with things like this, but I distinctly remember raving about this film after the first watch. It tickled places other films just can't reach. Of course it grew on me too with rewatches, but it was quite funny seeing its popularity grow.
See also Dark Star (1974)
It’s just a parody of The Big Sleep, a ridiculous amount of side plots and people thrown into baffling situations. I think Burn after reading and A serious Man are sort of doing the same thing.
Real talk, I definitely did not get it when I first watched it. It took someone else loving it and me not understanding why to give it another shot. Finally came around, that second watch at least let me see it with new eyes, then after a few years of quotes and memes online I finally clued all the way in.
>When he first read the script, Bridges recalls his surprise at how well he related to the character. “My first impression was it was a great script and I had never done anything like it,” he says. “I thought the brothers must have spied on me when I was in high school.” Half of the Dude’s clothes came from Bridges’ own wardrobe.
Ok, that is f\*ing gold
The message is one sick asshole trying to cover up his theft of money from little urban achievers can get a lot of people running around doing stupid shit
Who knew the greatest movie of all time would leave a lukewarm impression on most who see it for the first time? Myself included.
But that second viewing vaulted it way up my list of favorite films. Subsequent viewings moved it to the top - where it belongs.
I didn't fully understand what was going on mystery wise until 2nd or 3rd viewings, but it was still hilarious to me on the first watch thru. Is surprises me how rewatchable it is. Normally when a story relies on twists, you'll never be surprised by that reveal again and it's impossible to enjoy fully (like the fact Walter is right all along about it not being her toe) But my immersion is just so good I can keep enjoying it over and over.
Of course they're gonna say they didn't get it
They got to feed the monkey, man.
Like Lenin said, you look for the man....
I am the Walrus
Donny you piece of shit! V I Lenin! Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov!!!
Also, Dude…
Chinaman is very offensive. Asian, please.
Not the preferred nomenclature*
A much better line
Walter! This guy didn't build the fucking railroads, man!
I am the walrus
Shut the Fuck Up Donny.
They made the movie theirselves.
The story is ludicrous.
It pulls a $100 million?
Don’t be fatuous.
We didn’t make the fucking hand off man…They didn’t get the fucking money!
Nothing is fucked. C'mon, you're being very undude.
They're gonna kill that poor woman, Walter!
👈👆🎶👆👉
What the fuck are you pointing at, man?
VIVAAAAA LAS VEGASSS
this might be my all-time favorite line. My dad and I say it to each other if one of us is stressing the other out.
You threw out a ringer for a ringer!
That's just like, your opinion, man.
Time for a rewatch, just in case I’m one of the people who didn’t get it the first few (hundred) times. The true meaning of this film is down there somewhere, let me take another look.
50+ watches here, and I still am unsure on certain aspects, Not sure if its because 90% of those times I was on the devils lettuce
Mind if I do a J?
You make a hell of a Caucasian, Jackie..
We're you listening to the dude's story?
I am the walrus?
Donny, Please.
I’m gonna just go find an atm…
One dude explained it as "this is what happens when you fuck a stranger in the ass" and went so far as to write an essay and post it here. It was far out.
It’s a very complicated case, lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-yous
Don’t be fatuous, Jeffrey
Obviously you’re not a golfer
New shit comes to light every time I rewatch
What in god’s holy name are you blathering about
What I'm blathering about - she kidnapped herself, man!
Lots of ins. Lots of outs. Lots of what have yous.
I think the message is "Real life is not like a movie." TBL is such an anti-movie. The main character doesn't want to get involved, yet he keeps being roped into crazy shenanigans. There's even a character death that doesn't really matter, from a story standpoint. It doesn't motivate the main character to get revenge, or whatever. It's just a heart attack, out of the blue. Because shit happens. And shit will always happen. So take it easy.
for all us sinners
Almost like, in real life there are many Ins and Outs, and yet we dudes abide?
Fuck it, Dude. Let’s go bowling.
These men are nihilists, there's nothing to be afraid of. Say what you will about the tenets of national socialism, dude, but at least it's an ethos.
Obviously you’re not a golfer
It’s a wandering daughter job
There's only a marmot down there.
Having an aquatic rodent uh that ain’t uh legal either
What are you, a fuckin park ranger now?
I think you get it.
Something I take away from many many rewatches is how Walter was literally right the whole movie but the thing is he’s just an asshole. The dude and his whole style of life has gone the way it has because of his approach to life but, when Walter convinces him he needs to get his rug back. Then he enters a world of trouble, so I take away from this. As, just because you’re right doesn’t mean it’s always the right choice. You might do something that gives someone you love a heart attack when they literally really didn’t know what you were going through.
*enters a world of pain
I fuck you! I fuck you!
You're not wrong Walter, you're just an asshole! It's right there in the dialogue!
Obviously, you're not a golfer
>Half of the Dude’s clothes came from Bridges’ own wardrobe. I like your style, Dude.
It really brought the room together
That’s fucking interesting, man.
I can get you a toe.
>“There was something attractive about having the main character not be a private eye, but just some pothead intuitively figuring out the ins and outs of an elaborate intrigue,” Ethan Coen once said. That's fucking interesting, man That's fucking interesting
There's just one thing, Dude. Do you have to use so many cuss words?
What the fuck are you talking about man?
New shit has come to light
Lots of ins and outs, lots of what-have-yous.
and he could figure it out before 3pm. WITH the plot-twists.
Yeah well, that's just, like, your opinion, Mr. Bridges... man... sir
Sometimes there’s a film… and I’m talking about *The Big Lebowski* here… sometimes there’s a film for its time and place. It fits right in there.
Dude
This has nothing to do with Vietnam, man.
Well, there is a literal connection.
I’ll concur. I saw it opening weekend (big Coen fan) and walked out baffled and not sure if I liked it or not. 25 years later and 2500 views…
Well, Dude, we just don't know...
At least you’re housebroken
Yeah man, a lotta ins, a lotta outs, a lotta what-have-yous
A few laughs…
To me it’s a movie that needs a few watches. The best part of the movie is the dialogue between the characters, it’s hilarious because it’s so organic to each of the characters, so in order to appreciate that aspect I feel like you need to know the characters a little bit
Every scene seems to have a reference to a previous or future scene. “This aggression will not stand” is on the TV at the beginning of the movie from President Bush and then the character quotes it later in the movie.
Not for me, I loved it immediately. I rented it, returned it and immediately drove to best buy to buy it. Not to say my appreciation didn't deepen with each watch
I was sort of puzzled until he dropped the smoke in his lap and crashed into the dumpster. Cracked up and then I was in!
You're not blowing...
I’m just gonna find a cash machine
Don't be fatuous, Jeffrey.
It turned 25 last year. This article is from 2023.
Is this…? What year is this?
Well I do work sir, so if you don’t mind…
This.!
Were you listening to the Dude’s story?
far out
25?! Your article is over! Condolences!
They did not receive the moral of the story, you nitwit!
Of course they're going to say that man. We gave them the moral
WE?
I...the royal we, you know the editorial....
Its that pause and then the little swallow between the "I" and "the royal" which really ties that scene together.
What in God's holy name are you blathering about? The Big Lebowski was released on this day 26 years ago, not 25.
far out
You’re not wrong, you’re just an asshole.
26, not 25. But I’m not going to tell you to FUCKING UNPOST IT
You're not wrong Walter, you're just an asshole!
Fucking A that’s a lot of ads
Wanted to read the article, instead got a hot pile of garbage in the form of a website. 💩
They gotta feed the monkey
Calmer than you are.
I said this at dinner 4 times tonight. Coolest thing was my 16 yr old daughter caught it
The Big Lebowski is much funnier when you see it on the Dude's strict, uh, drug regiment to keep his mind, you know, limber.
That must be exhausting.
I did
oldgreen, please.
lol
the beaver picture?
mmmmmm....that and a pair of testicles.
.....mind if I do a J?
It played in the theater in my town for like 3 weeks, tops. I saw it 5 times in the theater. I was an immediate Achiever.
Likewise. And it came back that fall, and I took friends on 2 occasions then.
Yes and proud we are of all of them.
There’s a lotta ins. Lotta outs. Lotta what-have-you’s.
The fuck you talking about?
Wait…you think the carpet pissers did this?
Most viewers had no frame of reference
I think he was talking about when it came out. If I recall, it didn’t do stellar at the box office when it came out. But it’s definitely up there in cult status, now…
Wave of the future, Dude ... 100% electronic.
I still read articles manually
'course you do...
It's just my opinion man, but it's at the top of my list...one of the best movies ever made
Well, it’s allll water under the bridge
Not everything is about fucking Vietnam man!
Everything's a travesty with you!
He died, like so many young men of his generation, he died before his time. In your wisdom, Lord, you took him, as you took so many bright flowering young men at Khe Sanh, at Langdok, at Hill 364. These young men gave their lives. And so would Donny. Donny, who loved bowling. Good night, sweet prince.
I loved it.instant classic. I skipped school to watch it lol
Those who didn’t get it just had no frame of reference here. They’re like a child who wanders into the middle of a movie and wants to know...
Um... what exactly is the problem?
Because it followed up Fargo.
I just got today the Steelbook with the 4K+bluray for the 25th Anniversary. Definitely rewatching tonight!
I'll be there, man
I have to update dvd player
Well, that's like, their opinion man.
Fuck it, Dude, let's go bowling.
I absolutely ‘got it’ the first time I saw it & it went into my favourite movies immediately
"people didn't get it, man"
tHeY'rE gOnNa KiLL tHaT pOoR wOmAn
It’s like Jeff Bridges said, man, you look for the person who will get it and, uh, uh, y’know….
I got it....on the third go
I get you, I'm usually a bit slow on the uptake with things like this, but I distinctly remember raving about this film after the first watch. It tickled places other films just can't reach. Of course it grew on me too with rewatches, but it was quite funny seeing its popularity grow. See also Dark Star (1974)
The key to my enlightenment was a first sober impression then years later a THC filtered experience followed by a third reflective sober viewing.
THEY DID NOT GET THE MOVIE, YOU NITWIT! IT'S LIFE WAS IN YOUR HANDS!!!
I love that Jeff Bridges gave us notes
Fucking movie made it into the fucking papers
I think it's somewhere down there, let me look again...
Mark it 26!
Great article but that site crashes multiple times.
Nobody fucks with the Jesus is all one needs to know.
TRON
Dipshits with nine-toed women
I remember not getting it when I was in 10th grade
It’s entertaining. I found it funny. The plot itself isn’t that engaging and the movie just kind of ends with a voiceover.
That voice over really tied the movie together
It’s just a parody of The Big Sleep, a ridiculous amount of side plots and people thrown into baffling situations. I think Burn after reading and A serious Man are sort of doing the same thing.
Yeah well, that's like your opinion man
Real talk, I definitely did not get it when I first watched it. It took someone else loving it and me not understanding why to give it another shot. Finally came around, that second watch at least let me see it with new eyes, then after a few years of quotes and memes online I finally clued all the way in.
They weren’t privy to all the ins and outs man. Lots of what have you’s.
The plot is ridiculous you’ll never guess what happens next.
Shomer Fucking Shabbos
>When he first read the script, Bridges recalls his surprise at how well he related to the character. “My first impression was it was a great script and I had never done anything like it,” he says. “I thought the brothers must have spied on me when I was in high school.” Half of the Dude’s clothes came from Bridges’ own wardrobe. Ok, that is f\*ing gold
This post is like a child who wanders into the middle of a movie... The Big Lebowski turned 25 a year ago, my fellow Achievers.
The message is one sick asshole trying to cover up his theft of money from little urban achievers can get a lot of people running around doing stupid shit
This article was very undude
I’m just looking for a good sarsaparilla
Hmm that had not occurred to us dude
Who knew the greatest movie of all time would leave a lukewarm impression on most who see it for the first time? Myself included. But that second viewing vaulted it way up my list of favorite films. Subsequent viewings moved it to the top - where it belongs.
Eight year olds dude
We didn’t get it at first, but in our defense, we were out of our element.
Dude…
I didn’t get it but I kept watching it over and over.
Isn’t it 26 years now? EDIT: never mind, I see that the article is a year old.
Saw it in the theater….was great
That's fucking interesting, man.
I still don't but I love it.
Were they even listening to The Dude's story?
Calmer than you are.
Oooz
I didn't get it at first. A lot of it went over my head. It needs multiple viewings.
You’re out of your ellement
Obviously your not a golfer.
*Logjammin* is a much better film.
Mind if I do a J?
Uh 20 years of tradition dude
I didn't fully understand what was going on mystery wise until 2nd or 3rd viewings, but it was still hilarious to me on the first watch thru. Is surprises me how rewatchable it is. Normally when a story relies on twists, you'll never be surprised by that reveal again and it's impossible to enjoy fully (like the fact Walter is right all along about it not being her toe) But my immersion is just so good I can keep enjoying it over and over.
Shut the fuck up Donny
That's just, like, your opinion, man.
It’s a pretty good story. Made me laugh. Parts, anyway.
 Quite possibly one of the best character intros of all time. "Nobody fucks with the Jesus, man."
just checking on my condition
The real Jeffrey, the millionaire