The (real) Dude

August 25, 2012 5:29 PM

From director Jeff Feuerzeig, The Dude is a documentary short that follows Jeff Dowd to a Tampa Lebowski Fest. Dowd was a friend of the Coen Brothers and the real-life inspiration for the iconic film character in the Big Lebowski. (Previously: Jeff Dowd of the Seattle Seven is the model for The Dude in The Big Lebowski)
posted by madamjujujive (13 comments total)

Does this guy like the Eagles?
posted by armoir from antproof case at 5:42 PM on August 25, 2012

Not exactly a lightweight.
posted by gompa at 5:49 PM on August 25, 2012 [1 favorite]

A good man. And thorough.
posted by Mcable at 5:58 PM on August 25, 2012 [2 favorites]

Perhaps my greatest claim to fame is that I loaned the Big Lebowski DVD to one of the fest founders for (I think) his initial viewing.

When Dowd attended the Louisville fest some years ago, I met him briefly. He was a pretty cool dude, as reflected in this video. Beyond that, it's been awesome to see the dudes of Lebowski Fest turn their fandom into such a big thing.

Thanks for posting this! I loved watching it!
posted by broadway bill at 5:59 PM on August 25, 2012

I got invited to an advanced screening of this film. A lot of the music wasn't in it yet, and some scenes where just special effects placeholders. Jeff Bridges would be spinning through the air against a green screen that said "Big Dance Number" on it.

When the film finally came out I went to see it, expecting it to make more sense. It didn't and I didn't mind.
posted by cjorgensen at 6:46 PM on August 25, 2012 [2 favorites]

I'm done watching now. I think Bridges nailed the part, but now I want to go to an alternate reality where Goodman gets to play the part.
posted by cjorgensen at 7:13 PM on August 25, 2012 [1 favorite]

I think a project with Dowd and Kenny Kramer would be appropriate.
posted by ShutterBun at 7:16 PM on August 25, 2012 [1 favorite]

I've never seen the movie & I need to remedy that.
posted by mike3k at 11:32 PM on August 25, 2012

mike3k: "I've never seen the movie & I need to remedy that."

As the significant other to an ordained Dudeist Priest, I agree. Untill you fix this, you'll be out of your element.
posted by radwolf76 at 1:44 AM on August 26, 2012 [1 favorite]

I'm done watching now. I think Bridges nailed the part, but now I want to go to an alternate reality where Goodman gets to play the part.

Ahh, but the Walter Sobchak role was written specifically for John Goodman.

I just can't see anyone else playing Walter. Am I wrong? Am I wrong?
posted by Room 641-A at 6:53 AM on August 26, 2012 [1 favorite]

(That link I posted as a cite brings up an embedded video interview with John Goodman. Apologies for the blind link.)
posted by Room 641-A at 7:09 AM on August 26, 2012

Am I wrong? Am I wrong?

You're not wrong...you're just AN ASSHOLE!
posted by ShutterBun at 4:48 AM on August 27, 2012

I've never seen the movie & I need to remedy that.

I love it, but I don't know if it can possibly live up to its cult status for a first-time viewer at this point. It might take a couple viewings - once for the "story", and then once to try to catch all the little motifs and other bits. Please be prepared to not know how to make sense of many of the things in the movie; those are part of the charm.
posted by LionIndex at 5:53 PM on August 29, 2012