THE BIG LEBOWSKI (1998) | FIRST TIME WATCHING | Reaction & Commentary | The dude abides! 

"It's a movie about a rug kinda!" The rug really ties the plot together.

Sadly, every reactor seems to leave out my favorite bit: Maude: "The story is ludicrous. Lord, you can imagine where it goes from here." Dude: "He fixes the cable?"

Yeah, Well, You Know, That's Just, Like, Your Opinion, Man.

John Goodman's performance as Walter Sobchack is one of the greatest supporting performances in the history of comedic cinema.

6:53 “Walter is REALLY into the rules.” It’s a league game, Shanelle.

"Hey, careful man, there's a beverage here!" is the line that always gets me.

My favorite bit is when Dude's landlord pesters him for the rent. Dude blows him off. But the landlord does invite him to his dance program. And THE DUDE ACTUALLY SHOWS UP! Not only that, he brings 2 friends! If you ever been invited to a "friends" recital that is Groovy!

I've always loved the way Walter gently reassures Donnie when they're confronted by the Germans, after spending most of the movie yelling at him. It never fails to crack me up.

"Is the tumbleweed talking?" Well to be fair, that is an accurate assessment of Sam Elliott's voice.

"Well that's just like, your opinion, man..." is the best line ever, simple as it is! Also, the license plate, "LAPIN" means "Bunny" in French.

I always love how Brent is so serious, melodramatic, and professional that he call the dude "dude" like it were his given name. "Her life is in your hands, Dude". And the way he laughs when Bunny offers to blow the dude! It pops his bubble of professionalism.

My favorite quotes are all from Brandt: "This is our concern, Dude." "Well Dude, we just don't know." "We've been desperately trying to reach you, Dude." Brandt has such equal respect for everyone, that he has no problem calling the Dude the Dude. I feel the same. Whatever you tell me to call you, that's what I'm going to call you, out of respect. Love Brandt. :)

"Jackie Treehorn treats objects like women, man" - my favorite line. lol

One of your fellow reactors described this movie perfectly when he said that the movie keeps trying to form around the Dude, but he refuses to let it.

"They're gonna kill that poor woman" Walter walking through the bowling alley totally confident that Bunny kidnapped herself. that line kills me, John Goodmans' performance in this movie is all time great!!!

Your reaction really tied the video together.

"The Big Lebowski" is technically a classic film noir, but with a comedy center. Instead of a detective, some Film Noir invlolved an "everyday man"(aka the Dude) who gets stuck in the middle of a complicated situation. There is a great RU-vid video showing how The Big Lebowski fits all the major parts of a classic Film Noir movie. Here's the link : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nj0JC8N7S-U.html

Now that you've seen this, the best way to reply to negative comments you get on the Internet (or anywhere) is by saying "Yeah, well, that's just, like, your opinion, man." 😊 Great reaction, Shanelle! This is such a wonderfully chaotic movie and I'm glad you liked it.

"Somehow...I feel changed." I know that feeling! This may be my favorite movie of all time.

John Turturro is the under appreciated character in this classic. Every time I see him in anything else, I always picture him as “Jesus” from here. Side note: I literally found out yesterday there was a spin-off movie with him (in this character) made three years ago. It’s titled “The Jesus Rolls” ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rLAmpku4fyg.html

One thing I love is that The Dude never has his own thoughts on the situation until he figures out what was going on.

No expense was spared for “The Dude” wardrobe in this film…Really, no expense!

hahaha loved the review 🤠 "No Donny , these men are nihilists. There's nothing to be afraid of" love this line 🤣🤣🤣

I am an ordained minister in the Church of Latter Day Dude. Also, Bunny’s family farm outside of Moorhead, Minnesota is in Fargo.

“The Dude abides.” My favourite line of the movie. Also one I have used personally in my life. Lol

You're right about the locations. This movie, along with Michael Mann's "Heat", provide a window into the lesser known locations of Los Angeles. This one stays around lesser seen places in Hollywood and the Valley; "Heat" spends a lot of time in South LA and woolly places like Hawthorne. I keep hearing South LA is hip now, I don't know.

The rug, once activated by the intruders void, become a 'flying carpet' , carrying the plot, the characters and our beloved Duder through his life changing events . ..."oh, and it tied the room together rather well."

I can't believe the Flea is in this, Suburbia, the Outsiders and the Back to the Future series. Dude has been in a lot

"The Rug tied the Room together." And the whole "Is that your homework, Larry?" Is my favorite in the Movie. Such a weird and funny Movie. 🤣

The Coen Bros. filmography has so much gold. Treat yourself to watching more of their work!

In the entire movie, you NEVER see Jeff Bridges bowling. LOL

Walter is truly the best worst best friend ever. He's just living in his own world. I love how Walter's volatile nature is such a perfect contrast to the Dude's chill, mellow attitude. They really compliment each other as characters. My favorite line is kind of unoriginal, but then again this movie has so many iconic ones... "The Dude abides." 'Lapin' is French for rabbit (bunny/Bunnie). Oh, and R. I. P. Donnie.

I have watched this movie once every year for over 15 years now. The more you watch it, the more you see and notice and get from it. I hope you watch it again for yourself and you will laugh at so many other minor details you miss the first time (everyone misses them)!

First time I saw this I thought it was dumb. Years later a good friend of mine and his gf were talking it up and convinced me to rewatch it with them over a few drinks and it totally changed my opinion. It gets better every time I see it and now it’s a absolute classic for me. Too many great quotes to settle on just one as a best quote. But “you know dude I myself dabbled in pacifism once. Not in ‘Nam of course” is definitely a favorite.

“The Dude abides” might be my favorite line.

There’s a pub in Edinburgh called Lebowskis which is a Big Lewbowski themed bar. They show the film on a constant loop

16:07 I rewatched this at least 5x. The exaggerated way she says “beaver picture” is hilarious. 🤣

I saw this in the theater in 1998 with my parents (I was 18)… I hated it, they loved it. I watched again a few months ago and surprisingly enjoyed it. Your reaction is my third watch through and I think I’m in love. Also, I now realize. The rug ties the whole movie together.

I like the fact that half of the movie is at the bowling alley and they're talking about bowling and how they're in a bowling league but we never see the dude bowling

I just hit pause 1 second in because the first thought that came to mind when I saw this pop up on RU-vid is “Shanelle was made for this movie and this movie was made for Shanelle.”

A good one with Buscemi is Ghost World. Also included: Thora Birch and a young Scarlett Johansson.

The 'I don't like you, jerkoff' bit is probably my favorite piece of dialog in this movie but I often use 'Yeah, well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.' in conversation. :D I really appreciate this movie for showing characters who are having plot done TO them but they're actively resisting it.

Maude Lebowski : Lord. You can imagine where it goes from here. The Dude : He fixes the cable? Maude Lebowski : Don't be fatuous, Jeffrey.

This film is a bit like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas where every time you watch it you notice something new and appreciate the effort that goes into the little things.

Hey, how about Mallrats? Would love for you to continue your journey through the View Askewniverse.

P.T. Anderson's INHERENT VICE is probably the best follow-up to this movie. That or the Coens' TRUE GRIT.

“I just want to understand this, sir… every time a rug is micturated upon in this fair city, I have to compensate the owner?”

One of my all time favorite movies. Love it. So many quotable lines and Jeff Bridges does a stellar job portraying the laid back every man.

Walter: "We can't do that, dude. It f*cks up our plan." Dude: "Well, call them up and explain it to them, Walter." So many great moments in this film. The whole we/us callback is great. The "what day is this?" line is perfect (weed and white Russians aside, unemployment will do that to you). It's pretty rare, even now, that I endorse a man in regards to anything without describing him as "a good man, and thorough." Also worth noting; immediately after Walter tells little Larry he's killing his father, he gives him this look to which words can't do justice. It's pretty subtle. I didn't catch it the first time I saw this, but now I can't unsee it, and it still cracks me up every time.

Fun fact: One of the most famous quotes from this movie, isn't actually in the movie -- "This is what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps!" is the edited-for-TV version of John Goodman's line when he busts up the red car that isn't Larry's, and it's become its own kind of catchphrase with t-shirts and everything.

The Coen brothers have said this movie was a tribute to their favorite film noir private detective movies from the 40's with The Dude in the private detective role. And if you look into that genre, this movie has all the standard elements.

One of my favorite bits of trivia for this movie is in the scene with The Dude going down the bowling alley lane between the pin girls legs, they all wore fake bushes under their skirts so Jeff's reaction looking up at them is pure amusement.

Sweet! I can't wait to hear, like, your opinion, man.

28:30 - Yeah, I figured it would be your kind of movie. I listen to the podcast as well as watching your reactions. Don't know why everyone was telling you to temper your expectations for it. This was TOTALLY up your alley!

I first saw this movie as a kid so my favorite line is actually in the edited version for TV, when Walter is smashing the car. "You see what happens Larry? You see what happens when you find a stranger in the alps?" Saw it later unedited as an adult and I thought that was a hilarious censorship.

This is my all-time favorite move. I'm so glad you got it on your first watch. It took me a couple times to understand how to take it. In my opinion, it gets better each time you watch. There are so many memorable lines in this movie. There isn't another one like it.

You have a pleasant arrangement and presentation quality about you that makes your concept delightful. Good for you Shanelle :)

This is one of those movies that reminds you of the preposterousness of life which we all need a reminder of once in a while. As the old saying goes "don't take life too seriously or you'll never make it out alive". And yes, Jeff Bridges has pretty much transformed into The Dude as the years went by. PS: "hey!!! Careful: There's a beverage here" as he's getting tossed into the limo.

My favorite dialog is the rambling word salad that leads to the "What in God's name are you blathering about!" line.

Saw it on VHS rental. Loved it first viewing. And it gets better and better on each viewing. It's impossible to pick a best line, but I'm kinda partial to bits like "You're obviously not a golfer", "Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, your opinion, man" "Mr. Treehorn treats objects like women, man." "You mean coitus?" "Sometimes you eat the bar, and sometimes, well, he eats you." "He fixes the cable?"

26:20 I used to work in a cemetery and I actually did bury cremated remains in a Foldgers coffee can! This scene always cracks me up b/c of that. As an aside, I also buried cremated remains that were in a film canister!

This is like a film that's trying to happen but the Dude keeps disrupting it. Goodman's Walter is one of those once-in-a-lifetime portrayals.

I enjoyed watching that with you and hearing your insights. The Coen Bros said it was inspired by Raymond Chandler novels, and Chandler said "that scenes were more important than plot". I recommend watching it again. I found that it got even better after a few viewings.

A little trivia about this movie, John Goodman character is based on the hollywood Director John Millus who was known for being a kind of a wild man in Hollywood. John Milus is known for directing Conan the Barbarian.

Amazing pick. On the subject of comedies, would you react to "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas"? By Terry Gilliam with Johnny Depp. I promise you will stop the video due to exzessive laughing.

great reaction this movie is one of my favorite comedys ever its got great performances Jeff bridges is great but John Goodman steals the show for me his performance was Walter was incredible

First time I watched this I knew it was quotable and fun. However, I was a bit upset that there was no big event or resolution. Moments later I realized that was the point. The Dude essentially does nothing the entire movie. Once I got it, I was convinced. What a brilliant idea for a film.

“The Dude abides” Words to live by

You have to realize that the film's plot means nothing, it essentially resolves itself. The whole film is about the strange, quirky characters and endlessly quotable dialogue. One of my favorite little details is that The Dude hates The Eagles, and his bowling rival The Jesus is introduced with The Gypsy Kings' Spanish cover of "Hotel California".

19:16=The camera is the eyes of The Dude. Though Treehorn is looking into the lens, it's not a 4th wall break (which acknowledges the audience). 27:25=Classic 4th wall break, speaking directly to us. Sam Elliot's opening narration follows the tumbleweed as it drifts along, almost like the feather in Forrest Gump.

Just for fun, checked the replay... Smoky wasn't over the line, and the "Sensors" which light up if you cross the beam were unlit.

There is a Shakespearian styled stage production titled 'Two Gentlemen of Lebowski'. That's how much people love this film, and I am among them.

6:37 - This scene has that "the longer you watch it, the better it gets" quality to it.

"Let me explain something to you: I'm not Mr Lebowski. You're Mr. Lebowski. I'm the Dude. You can at least call me Duder, his Royal Dudeness or El Duderino?" Lol!!

I've been enjoying this channel for a month now, and you know what I love? Her sharp wit and the fact that she speaks in a nice normal tone, and doesn't do that hyped-up yell-speak that so many youtubers feel the need to employ.

13:45 It is super quick but when the Dude empties his pocket contents onto the table, there's a joint among the change and as soon as it's on the table, the Dude immediately snatches it and puts it back in his pocket.

I'm actually an ordained Dudeist minister myself. The title is a reference to old film noirs, like The Big Sleep or The Big Heat. A few film scholars even call it the last true film noir. Other terrifying performances from John Goodman include the underrated Barton Fink (also from the Coens), and 10 Cloverfield Lane (you don't need to watch the other Cloverfields to understand it). Your story about misunderstanding "Caucasian" is actually a joke in Hunt For The Wilderpeople, directed by Taiki Waititi. If you haven't seen his stuff, I highly recommend him. Very quirky humor, and a distinct visual style almost reminiscent of Wes Anderson. Hunt For The Wilderpeople, Jojo Rabbit, and What We Do In e Shadows are his best. He also did Thor Ragnarok and the upcoming Love & Thunder.

Fun Fact: neither Walter nor The Dude is shown actually bowling. Only Donnie is shown bowling and he always rolls a strike except for the last time he rolled and left one pin standing. He died a few minutes later.

12:11 That rug really tied the movie together. :)

Trivia: the nialist that gets hit in hill nuts with s bowling ball is Flea from The Red Hot Chillipeppers". Thank you for watching this movieas it gives me great pleasure in getting your take on all the scenes. Although I kept saying to myself "she left this part out, she missed that line...."only to realize you never saw this before...lol. go back and watch it again and see what else you pick up! Oh, "I am the walrus"

I've been enchanted by this movie from the first night I saw in the theater (Gainesville, FL). It's an all time favorite. You nailed it with "somehow I feel a bit changed". This movie does somehow feel like you just went through a thing, but in a good way. To steal from "That 70s Show", like the whole world shifted two inches to the left.

My favorite quote: "Also, let's not forget - let's *not* forget, Dude - that keeping wildlife, an amphibious rodent, for uh, domestic, you know, within the city - that ain't legal either." - Walter "Ampibious rodent" gets me every time.

The story of a man and his rug. Too many quotes to list them all here but firmly in my top ten all time. This is film making at the highest level. Sounds like you're a Lebowiski convert - welcome to the club Shanelle. "The Dude abides."

When I first saw this, I didn't get that it was a period piece, even though the narrator says it is. In 1998, 1991 still didn't feel like "the past", because we had all just lived through it and it was still normal to see entertainment from 1991 on TV. But as time goes on, it's definitely a period piece, and they made a lot of choices to root it in a particular past; the obsession with Saddam (which faded by the mid 90s and didn't come back til 2001), pagers instead of cell phones, the "forward thinkers" talking about the internet as the coming thing (which kind of existed in 1991, but wasn't everywhere until around 95), all the 1970s cars (which were pretty common among more price-sensitive people in the late 80s and early 90s, and tended to outlast cars from the 1980s which were at a low point), the old Vietnam-obsessed guy (everybody knew one around 1990, but they were mostly pretty obscure by the mid 90s)... The Big Lebowski is about a past which none of us in 1998 actually separated from our present, or viewed as "past". I wouldn't have even separated 1991 as it's own period, but its got little in common with the 80s, or with anything after about 1993.

Definitely my favorite quote of the movie "Forget it Donny, you're out of your element". lol

I posted on FB one time, "I got a new rug. It really ties the room together." It was funny seeing who got it and who didn't.

Love this movie! I’m a big fan of the Coen Brothers . I didn’t see it in the theater but on cable. It’s the kind of movie that you want to see in the confines of your own cave. John Turturo was fantastic. His Jesus was hilarious.

My favourite piece of Big Lebowski dialogue is one that wasn't even in the actual movie. It's one of those cases of changing dialogue on an "in flight" copy of the movie and it's "This is what happens when you FIND A STRANGER IN THE ALPS!!"

A friend introduced me to The Dude over a decade ago and like so many of the Coen films, it took a few watches to really "get" it, but now I take comfort in knowing that The Dude Abides.

YES I IMMEDIATELY CLICKED ON THIS THE SECOND I SAW IT. Btw great reaction lol

I didnt get this movie at all the first time I watched it, but as soon as I turned it on for the second time and you get the shots of the tumbleweed with the harmonized singing and the cowboy narrating I instantly got it! It’s one of my favorites now

"OVER THE LINE!" I can't help but yell it any time I play any kind of game like darts, bowling, corn hole, horseshoes, etc.

Once you watch it 3-4 times, it gets even better.

Favorite line, goodness that's hard. "Well they finally did it, man. They finally killed my car." I laughed out loud at a certain scene in Mandolarian cause it popped in my head. Or, to the porno: Maude "You can probably guess what happens next." The Dude "He fixes the plumbing?"

5:25 "I love that there was a whole scene about a rug" 😄

I’ll recommend something a little different here: Fiasco, a roleplaying game of “powerful ambition and poor impulse control”. It’s basically a light framework for improvising your own Coen Brothers type plot and characters, specifically including “halfway through, things get *much* worse”, with people’s final fates ranging from “completely and utterly screwed” to “you got the million dollars *and* the girl, go you!” to “you went through *all that* just to end up right back where you started”.

10:46 This is were they got the idea. Apparently. And those Jelly shoes came straight out of Jeff Bridges' wardrobe.

4:50 - Yeah, I know. We all miss him. I always say, the world is a poorer place when an artist die...wait Flea was in this?!

True Grit....Great dialogue and acting with that Coen touch...highly recommend.

Favorite dialog: "This aggression won't stand, man!" or "He's a good man... and thorough."