Tag Archives: Jeff Lebowski

Deja Viewed: The Big Lebowski

Forgive them, Lord, for they know not how they bowl.

In an early draft of the script The Big Lebowski, Jeff Lebowski was supposed to be the heir of the inventor of the Rubik’s Cube. Instead, the Coen Brothers settled on the son of God.

More than two decades after its release, Lebowski has become something of its own cult. Aside from the innumerable quotes that really tie the room together, Joel and Ethan Coen’s 1998 comedy has birthed dozens of fan clubs, a Lebowski-fest and even a religion, Dudeism. The website describes its mission and requirements to get ordained (for free):

An ancient philosophy that preaches non-preachiness, practices as little as possible, and above all, uh…lost my train of thought there. Anyway, if you’d like to find peace on earth and goodwill, man, we’ll help you get started. Right after a little nap.

The Jewish Telegraph, citing character Walter Sobchak, said the film was a legitimate Judaic teaching tool and called the it one of “the greatest ever Jewish films.”

Which makes sense, given that, on re-viewing, it’s clear that Jeff Lebowski is one of the greatest ever Jews: Jesus Christ.

This would hardly be new ground for the Coens. From ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou? to A Serious Man to Fargo Season 2, the directors make no secret of the Abrahamic influences on their work. And it sure seems like the Coens must have asked each other: What would it look like if Jesus returned to Earth in the San Fernando Valley, and didn’t know he was Jesus?

Consider the messianic references:

  • The first time we meet Lebowski, he is in a robe and sandals.
Retail California: Ralphs, the Big Lebowski, and Shaping the American  Shopping Experience | KCET
Note the beard and flowing locks.
  • He is wrongly persecuted.
Where's the money Lebowski?- The Big Lebowski funny toilet scene - YouTube
A toilet baptism.
  • Feet play a significant role in the film.
Browsing celebs << wikiFeet
“He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” — John 13:1-6.

He turns the other cheek — literally — when he’s punched in the face.


“That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” — Matthew 5:38
  • He tries his hand at carpentry.
The Big Lebowski - Chair Scene - YouTube
“Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon?” — Mark 6:3

At minute 48, note how he gazes up through the sunroof. Does anyone gaze with such wonder through a sunroof?

Hi dad!

It’s unclear how he makes money, but he can afford a place with cathedral ceilings.

THE BIG LEBOWSKI 20TH ANNIVERSARY: WHY THE DUDE ENDURES – The Rōbert  [Cholo] Report (pron: Rō'bear Re'por)
Blessed be thy White Russian.
  • He bears witness to false prophets.
John Turturro as Jesus Quintana in The Big Lebowski. Happy Birthday! (born  February 28, 1957) : OldSchoolCool
Nobody fucks with the Jesus.
  • He apparently has a guardian angel with supernatural knowledge, such as Lebowski’s pending child.
How The Big Lebowski changed Sam Elliott's career | EW.com
“The Dude abides. I don’t know about you but I take comfort in that. It’s good knowin’ he’s out there. The Dude. Takin’ ‘er easy for all us sinners.”
  • He goes by many titles, including His Dudeness.
Dudes... The Big Lebowski is next up on... - The Historic Bakersfield Fox  Theater | Facebook
“Let me explain something to you. Um, I am not “Mr. Lebowski”. You’re Mr. Lebowski. I’m the Dude. So that’s what you call me. You know, that or, uh, His Dudeness, or uh, Duder, or El Duderino if you’re not into the whole brevity thing.”
  • His nightmare involves circumcision.
THE BIG LEBOWSKI NIHILIST BODYSTOCKING
Bris, anyone?

As for Dude’s crude language (“fuck” is used 260 times) and pot use, remember Lebowski doesn’t know his own holiness, and the Stoner Way is simply what he learned from growing up in the Valley. He holds no grudge in the film, including against his assailants (even the fascist Malibu police chief), and pleads for peace when Smokey’s toe goes over the line.

And lastly, just look at this blessed face. Is it not the mug of enlightenment?

Behold: The Kabbalah of the Big Lebowski. Yes, Really.
GutterBalls

Just ask Walter; when times get tough, there’s always heaven, er, bowling.

Of course, that’s just my opinion, man.