The Big Lebowski

The Big Lebowski

Year: 1998

Runtime: 117 min

Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

ComedyCrime

A case of mistaken identity throws "The Dude," a perpetually relaxed slacker, into a bizarre and chaotic situation. After being confused for a wealthy man, he's embroiled in a scheme involving a stolen rug and a request for compensation. This sets him on a surreal journey filled with eccentric personalities, unexpected violence, and plenty of bowling, ultimately blurring the lines between reality and absurdity.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Big Lebowski (1998)

Trace every key event in The Big Lebowski (1998) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

The Introduction of The Dude

The story begins with a narration by a mysterious figure known as The Stranger. He introduces Jeffrey Lebowski, better known as The Dude, describing him as one of the laziest men in Los Angeles, embodying a laid-back lifestyle that stands in stark contrast to the chaos around him.

1990 Los Angeles
2

A Quick Trip to Ralph's

Dude makes a quick stop at a Ralph's grocery store to buy a carton of cream. To his surprise, he pays with a post-dated check for just 69 cents, marking the beginning of a bizarre chain of events that will spiral out of control.

1990 Ralph's Grocery Store
3

Ambushed in His Apartment

Back at his apartment, The Dude finds himself ambushed by two men who mistakenly think he owes money to a figure named Jackie Treehorn. They drag him to the bathroom, dunking his head in the toilet and leaving him shocked and bewildered.

1990 The Dude's Apartment
4

Destruction of the Beloved Rug

During the ambush, one of the assailants ruins The Dude's cherished rug by urinating on it, declaring, 'Ever thus to deadbeats, Lebowski!' This event becomes a catalyst for The Dude's subsequent actions throughout the story.

1990 The Dude's Apartment
5

A Bowling Night with Friends

The Dude meets up with his bowling teammates, Walter and Donny, where Walter goes on an angry rant about the incident in the apartment. This encounter reveals Walter's fiery personality and sets off discussions about a mix-up with a millionaire who shares The Dude's name.

1990 Bowling Alley
6

Meeting the Big Lebowski

The Dude decides to confront the millionaire Big Lebowski to seek compensation for his ruined rug. Upon reaching the lavish mansion, he meets Brandt, who informs him of Lebowski's philanthropic efforts before The Dude faces rejection from the elder Lebowski.

1990 Big Lebowski's Mansion
7

An Unexpected Proposition

While at the mansion, The Dude encounters Bunny, Big Lebowski's young trophy wife, who provocatively suggests a sexual encounter in exchange for money. This interaction adds another layer of complexity to The Dude's already convoluted situation.

1990 Big Lebowski's Mansion
8

Chaos at the Bowling Alley

During a bowling night, Walter causes an uproar by bringing an ex-wife's dog into the alley, leading to a confrontation with another bowler named Smokey. Tensions escalate as Walter brandishes a gun in defense of his honor, showcasing his volatile nature.

1990 Bowling Alley
9

The Kidnapping of Bunny

The situation takes a darker turn when The Dude learns that Bunny has been kidnapped. Big Lebowski enlists The Dude as a go-between for a ransom drop of $1 million, which involves the same thugs responsible for vandalizing his personal belongings.

1990 Big Lebowski's Mansion
10

Reluctantly Delivering the Ransom

Despite his reservations, The Dude agrees to deliver the ransom, feeling that Bunny might be complicit in the chaos. What follows is a series of absurd and comedic misadventures as The Dude and his friends navigate the bizarre circumstances.

11

Confrontation with the Nihilists

The Dude, Walter, and Donny encounter a group of nihilists as their misadventures unfold. This encounter adds to the absurdity and chaos that the trio faces, emphasizing the comedic elements of the storyline.

1990 Los Angeles
12

Tragic Demise of Donny

The film reaches a climax with the tragic and unexpected death of Donny. His demise serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the fragility of friendship amidst the ongoing absurdity.

13

Meeting Maude

Later in the narrative, The Dude meets Maude, an artist who brings a new perspective to his life. Their interactions provide moments of warmth and tenderness, amidst the madness that surrounds The Dude's chaotic journey.

Los Angeles
14

Acceptance of Life's Absurdities

As the story concludes, The Dude embraces the philosophy of 'The Dude abides.' This acceptance represents his journey of finding peace amid the chaos and a reflection on life’s trivialities, symbolizing the essence of his character.

Los Angeles

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 13:23

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The Big Lebowski Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Big Lebowski, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Big Lebowski Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Big Lebowski

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Big Lebowski

More About The Big Lebowski

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