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movie review - The Big Lebowski

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-eight years and a million words

This is a noir film about a loser has the same name as a crook who is involved in a plot to steal a million dollars. When someone comes looking for the money, they involve our "hero" and he is thrust into a variety of situations that are potentially lucrative and productive after years of complete failure. With an unstable friend along for the ride, he finds himself drawn deeper into something he doesn't understand.

This thing is smooth in its telling despite a plot that the viewer doesn't understand until very late in the movie. I enjoyed the tone and the characters and the setting; it made me want to live in '90s Los Angeles. It's become something of a cult classic, with couples turning up at events dressed as "The Dude" and "Maude". I can see why.

Strongly recommended.