The Big Lebowski starring Jeff Bridges was released on March 6th, 1998.
The beloved Coen Brothers classic The Big Lebowski turns 25 today. Initially released in 1998, The Big Lebowski barely made its $15 million budget back and saw no award nominations. But thanks to riotous performances, a hilarious script, and elaborate musical dream sequences set to a stellar soundtrack, the film would be regarded as the “first cult comedy of the internet age.”
Jeff Bridges stars as pacifist slacker Jeffrey Lebowski, a perpetually stoned conscientious objector who answers solely to “The Dude.” John Goodman plays Walter Sobchek, his demented best friend and bowling partner who constantly brings up his service in Vietnam. Steve Buscemi and John Turturro play their bowling teammate Donny and rival Jesus, respectively. Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Peter Stormare, and Tara Reid also star.
When assaulted by criminals due to a case of mistaken identity, The Dude is tasked by the “real” Jeffrey Lebowski with delivering ransom to a trio of alleged kidnappers. Unfortunately, the plans go awry when Walter insists they keep the money for themselves. What follows is a hysterical and twisty romp through Southern California in the early 90s.
Since its release, the film has inspired an annual festival, “Lebowski Fest,” which started in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2002 and has since spread to over a dozen states. It even inspired a religion called ‘Dudeism’ based on the philosophy of The Dude. The internet’s love for The Big Lebowski continues to this day. One can still see animated GIFs of The Dude saying, “That’s just like…your opinion, man,” used as a go-to response in many pointless internet arguments. It’s hard to imagine a more quotable movie.
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