Big Lebowski Review PIF

Big Lebowski

Plot

Jeff Bridges plays Jeffery Lebowski otherwise known as the Dude, a goalless stoner with a love for bowling and white Russians. He is roped into a kidnapping case involving the trophy wife of a wealthy businessman with the same name as him.

Philosophy

Big Lebowski is a parody of Film noir more specifically Raymond Chandler’s “The Big Sleep.” The film acts as a more satirical look at Nihilism communicated through two characters: the dude, and Uli Kunkel, Neither character aligns with each other but when you analyse their beliefs they tend to be both nihilistic though Uli is the only character to self Identify as a nihilist. The first time we see Uli he is drunk and passed out in a swimming pool juts appose this to the Dude’s first scene, He’s in a bathrobe shopping for milk, which he pays for with a check. I would wager bother characters have no believe in objective meaning in existence, Both however have very different responses, Uli’s response is self destruction and crime, reckless abandon, morality is a sham. The Dude’s response is far more optimistic he goes with the flow he abandons his shame and lives how he wish’s. Now that we’ve juts apposed Uli and the dude lets now compare both Jeffery Lebowski’s. The Big Lebowski (David Huddleston) on the surface is everything we are taught to emulate and aspire to. He’s rich successful philanthropic and admired. The dude on the other hand is a loser, Towards the end of the film we learn that The big Lebowski’s (David Huddleston) image of wealth and success is a fallacy created out of pride. Through all his lies and idolatry the big Lebowski (David Huddleston) is unhappy, where as the dude who lacks any pride or ambition is perfectly content.

Comedy

The films comedy portrays a very sarcastic and deadpan look at positive Nihilism the Dude’s dismissal of the things around him normally would be the hallmarks of a cynical character along the lines of “Bernard Black’ or “Withnail” whereas the Dude has a far more laid back and positive outlook on it. The things he dismisses he seems to mostly because he can’t be bothered with them. It makes for a very dry and witty comedic atmosphere.

Conclusion

I love this movie and so would Arthur Schopenhauer (maybe). Its such a cultural icon that its pawned its own religion, my only hope is that next time to view this masterpiece give a little thought to the philosophy it just might make the film a little better. It’s a wonderful nihilistic experience well worth a watch.

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