Well, Uh... I Guess I'm, Like, the Lead Blogger, Man. Far Out.

In 1998, the Ethan and Joel Coen unknowingly created an entire subculture. By releasing the film The Big Lebowski, a flame was lit. This relatively simple film about a man who simply wants a new rug became a cultural sensation massive enough to warrant its inclusion in the Library of Congress. So what makes this film so special to me, and to the thousands of others who share my standpoint? The Big Lebowski is sort of a Western, sort of a comedy, sort of a drama, and sort of surrealist nonsense, all wrapped up in a nice two-hour package. It tells the story of Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski (played beautifully by Jeff Bridges), who, when confused for a millionaire with the same surname, has his rug urinated upon by some lowly thugs. The Dude proceeds to ask the “big” Lebowski for compensation for the rug, and in the process gets mixed up in a hostage situation involving a gang of German nihilists, a pornography tycoon, a particularly stubborn child named Larry Sellers, and bowling. Yeah, there is a lot to unpack about this film, but it is truly best interpreted when viewed individually. So let us address what makes this film stand the test of time. Of course, it relies on a combination of the three theories of humor: superiority in the sense that the Dude is easy to make fun of, in his mannerisms, actions, and other aspects. Incongruity in the sense that everything that happens in the film seems to make little to no sense, both in terms of a linear plot as well as just in life at all. It ties into relief in the sense that the scenarios the film presents, no matter how crazy or far fetched, feel real because of the phenomenally casual acting and settings. However, aside from the usually-discussed three theories, the film also has an underlying philosophical subtext. The film revolves around the Dude, who’s main trait is “taking it easy, man.” The Dude rarely ever has an original thought throughout the entire film, often does not even get full sentences out, and hardly ever has any sort of reaction to any of the insane things happening around him beyond a slightly annoyed “Hey, come on, man.” This kind of character really resonates with a lot of people, myself very included. First of all, the film is incredibly quotable. Two famous memes have spawned from the bowling alley featured in the film. One contains John Goodman’s character Walter Sobchak cocking a pistol, exclaiming “Am I the only one around here who gives a shit about the rules?” The other is a disgruntled Dude sitting in his spot at the alley saying “Yeah, well, that’s just, like, your opinion, man.” The characters in this film speak like this constantly, stumbling over their words and clouding their sentences with filler like “like” and “well,” making them feel much more real, and thus much more funny. Another key point to the film is the aforementioned subculture that it spawned. There is a philosophical and religious movement focused on the film and its characters called Dudeism, of which I am an officially ordained priest. The idea of “taking it easy,” experiencing life as it comes rather than seeking out adventure, and overall doing what makes you happy and relaxed instead of pushing yourself too hard and worrying about what it’s all for, is the central theme of the movement. I guess for people like me that often find themselves overwhelmed with the realities of existing can take solace in knowing that the Dude exists, even if only in the fictional realm of the film.