Ever had one of those days where you couldn’t really be stuffed doing anything, you’re totally off your face after a heavy night partying, you smell like shit because you haven’t changed clothes in a week, and you can’t go anywhere because your car’s totally wrecked? Well, add to this horrid day the fact that some goons came to your house and trashed the place, dunked your head in a toilet for a few minutes, then pissed on your prized royal rug. This uninviting 24 hours is one day in the life of a laid-back, mentally unbalanced, and socially frustrated, Mr. Lebowski.

Preferred to be called "The Dude", or "Your Dudeness", this strange character - played by Jeff Bridges - spends his time hanging around a bowling alley, with a bunch of highly strung friends including Walter (John Goodman) and Donnie (Steve Buscemi). However, the life of the Dude and his friends is about to be altered, dramatically. As mentioned above, the Dude finds himself jumped by a couple of yet-to-be-toilet-trained goons. They demand money, and make references to a woman the Dude has never heard of, Bunny. So, after consulting his wise, antagonistic friend Walter on advice to get back his beloved rug, the Dude now believes he must confront the other Mr. Lebowski in town, as the goons could have mistaken the two.

Sure enough, the Dude finds himself on the right trail, but unknowingly enters an unfamiliar world of morals, decisions, and life-threatening situations. But it’s all in good fun. Now that Mr., Lebowski’s wife Bunny has been kidnapped, he decides to use the Dude as a courier. This seemingly simple plan involves the transaction of one million dollars, for the paid profit of $20,000. You don’t have to be an idiot to figure out the superior option. But, with the inclusion of his bungling friend Walter, the Dude and Co. successfully manage to totally screw up the transaction, and with it, the prolonging of the life of Bunny.

The Big Lebowski is a very witty, cynical, and overwhelmingly blunt film, that earns its laughs not with the amusing sight gags or funny one liners, but the pure comical craftsmanship of the everyday conversations between the Dude and his friends. By far the funniest character, Walter’s know-all insight and expertise in carrying arguments way too farprovides a unique edge to the film that surpasses most mainstream funny men. Perhaps his relationship with Donnie, or should I say lack of, supply the funniest moments in the film. Donnie, a somewhat apprehensively aware man of little words, is portrayed brilliantly by Steve Buscemi, an actor finding successful ground in the comedy limelight, notable with The Wedding Singer and others.