I came to a sad realization while brainstorming for my post that was to be included with the LAMB's Movie of the Month feature for The Big Lebowski.I have nothing of consequence to say about it. Or Fletch. Or The Princess Bride. Or any number of my other favorite films. There's something about the films nearest and dearest to my heart that makes me somewhat speechless. I imagine that this is due mostly to a familiarity with the subject matter, an intense passion that magnifies all the positives of the subject and puts blinders on any of the negatives, thus nullifying any attempt at conventional criticism. What I'm left with is the prospect of lavishing unfettered, unfocused praise that plays out like that of a 12-year old girl squealing about her favorite boy band. That is not an appealing prospect, for me or for you.
Suffice it to say, I love the film. From the opening scenes of The Dude writing a check for 69 cents to the closing scenes of Walter and The Dude haggling with a funeral parlor director over the price of an urn, eventually setting on the purchase of a coffee can to use for the remains, the film is an absurdist comedy masterpiece. With everything from multiple references to the California grocery chain Ralph's (previous two examples) to Lenin to Credence Clearwater Revival to Bob Dylan on the soundtrack, it's the psuedo-intellectual slacker's dream.
While I couldn't come up with a dazzlingly brilliant take on the movie in time to be featured alongside the other entries for the MOTM feature, I implore you to head over to the LAMB and check out the posts from the folks that did partake in the festivities. They really tie the internet together.
P.S. - if it makes you feel any better (it does for me), I do own this t-shirt and wear it proudly. Speaking of pride, the back says "...and proud we are of all of them."
Note: when I wear my shirt, it lies flat on my torso.
11 people have chosen wisely: on "Sometimes, words just don't do justice..."
I fully understand this sentiment, Fletch. It's why I struggled for so long to review Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Actually, I think anyone who's a passionate lover of movies can understand this. How do you frame, in mere words, a work that speaks to your soul like that?
@ Nayana - Yup. It's like me trying to pick my favorite line from Fletch - it just can't be done! ;)
@ Big Mike - Appreciate it, but I didn't quite meet the deadline. No worries.
Calmer than you.
@ Adam - huh? You messin' with me, or is that a reference that I'm just not getting?
Nevermind - I'm officially ashamed for not getting that. So many lines to remember, so few brain cells. Somehow, that one never stuck, I suppose...
That had not occurred to him, dude.
I could bend the rules for you, Fletch. It'll cost you though...
She vants ze money, Lebowski.
Oooh....far out.
You're crackin' me up, Mike.
Yeah, it was pretty difficult for me to review, too. Hence my 'short review'.
There's a reason why the only thing I did with the movie is make a rating scale.
It's tough to separate sentiment from criticism. I didn't even try in my BL review.
I have been wanting to write about Ghostbusters forever but I can't for the same exhilarating love of it. My wife can't even watch GB with me, I go into involuntary line for line recollection the moment I hear the opening score.
Glad you mentioned the great soundtrack, I forgot it. I need a t-shirt like that w/ or w/o interior curvage is fine. And I need the kind of friend who could get me a toe, with polish.
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