The Big Lebowski - why is it popular?

[Sluis Van Shipyards]

I finally watched The Big Lebowski, and while I like all the actors in it, I can't see why it's popular. There were a few funny moments, but overall I don't see the appeal. It had really great music, but other than that, I don't get it. Now if you want a funny bowling movie, Kingpin is your movie.

 

[JoeG]

 

[Analyzer]

It is a movie that grows on you over time and gets better each time you watch it.

A lot of comedies do not stand up to repeated viewings. This however draws you in more each time to the quirkiness of the characters and the setting

 

[PumpkinKing]

There’s certain movies that I don’t understand why they have such huge followings, The big Leb, The Matrix, Blade Runner... just not for me

 

[patrickivan]

I guess it's like most things. Some people like it, and some don't. I quite like the movie. My wife does not. Beerfest is the BEST undisputed comedy EVER, and that's science fact. But lots of people have never even heard of it, and some actually don't like it (because they're broken and dead inside).

Kind of like Seinfeld. From when it was on, to this day, I have never laughed at a single thing from that show. It's abysmal and being in the comedy category is an insult to the world. Again, science fact. But some people actually LAUGH, like, for real laugh at things in it. Again, they too are broken inside.

But those are extreme examples. You either like something, or you don't.

 

[ZeroSum]

Because it is very funny. It is very quotable. The characters are brilliant. The cleverness of it is never dulled, in part because it doesn't say "look at me, I'm clever!" - it just does it in an unassuming way. I rank it up there with Airplane. Those are two movies that I think deserve to each have a TV channel of their own, where they are played on constant repeat.

Also, it's the Coen Brothers. Respect.

 

[ZeroSum]

There’s certain movies that I don’t understand why they have such huge followings

 

[Zombie_61]

It's like anything else--you either like it, or you don't. And if you don't, we can't explain it to you.

 

[Bigdaddy]

There are MANY shows and movies that have big followings that I just don't get, comedy is more subjunctive than other entertainment genres.
I can't stand Spaceballs, I don't know why it's so popular other than "looks like star wars"
Sure it came along when I was mourning the end of my favorite story but...

 

[CT1138]

There a few movies I also can't get into, Big Lebowski among them. I consider it more of a cult classic, than anything.

There’s certain movies that I don’t understand why they have such huge followings, The big Leb, The Matrix, Blade Runner... just not for me

The Matrix always felt like a movie for psuedo-intellectualists. It lets dumb people feel smart by regurgitating some nonsense about how "We're all cogs in a grand machine, maaaan. Nothing we think is real is actually real, maaaan. Like, we're all code in a computer, maaaan."

 

[Egon Spengler]

I like it because it's just so weird.

There a few movies I also can't get into, Big Lebowski among them. I consider it more of a cult classic, than anything.

The Matrix always felt like a movie for psuedo-intellectualists. It lets dumb people feel smart by regurgitating some nonsense about how "We're all cogs in a grand machine, maaaan. Nothing we think is real is actually real, maaaan. Like, we're all code in a computer, maaaan."

The first Matrix was AMAZING. Loved it. The second... I was so disappointed I didn't bother to see the third.

 

[Treadwell]

All I've seen is the trailer for Big Lebowski. And clips. And memes. And stills. And reference after reference after reference.

I've never been tempted to see it and doubt I ever will be.

 

[ZeroSum]

 

[JoeG]

I finally watched The Big Lebowski, and while I like all the actors in it, I can't see why it's popular. There were a few funny moments, but overall I don't see the appeal. It had really great music, but other than that, I don't get it. Now if you want a funny bowling movie, Kingpin is your movie.

Just out of curiosity, have you liked any of the Coen brother's comedic films? O Brother Where Art Thou? Raising Arizona? They're all very quirky and filled with oddball characters. You either like them or you don't. There's no in between. Most people like to go through life thinking they're The Dude, when in fact, they're really Big Lebowski.

They've made other movies that are nothing like their comedies, though. Some really great crime films. Blood Simple, Miller's Crossing, and No Country for Old Men.

 

[PumpkinKing]

There a few movies I also can't get into, Big Lebowski among them. I consider it more of a cult classic, than anything.

The Matrix always felt like a movie for psuedo-intellectualists. It lets dumb people feel smart by regurgitating some nonsense about how "We're all cogs in a grand machine, maaaan. Nothing we think is real is actually real, maaaan. Like, we're all code in a computer, maaaan."

Exactly lol, that’s been my experience to a T and yet Ive never heard it expressed that way.

 

[PumpkinKing]

The Matrix always felt like a movie for psuedo-intellectualists. It lets dumb people feel smart by regurgitating some nonsense about how "We're all cogs in a grand machine, maaaan. Nothing we think is real is actually real, maaaan. Like, we're all code in a computer, maaaan."
[/QUOTE]
And also the, “if you don’t like the Matrix, it’s because you dont the understand it” people.

 

[Bigdaddy]

The Matrix was really cool at the time, I still think it's a solid movie but definitely dated. Unless you grew up before the internet it probably seems pretty hokey.

 

[stussy]

i bought and watched the big lebowski last week.never seen a clip or trailer before.didn't know anything about it other than jeff bridges was in it.thought i'd give it a watch.i liked it.

 

[Treadwell]

Perfect statements about The Matrix. It feels like a person high on weed saying things that strike them as profound at the moment.

 

[Moviefreak]

"Unless you grew up before the internet..."

I always forget that some people have never known life before the internet, cellphones, social media and unlimited streaming.