The Dude Abides

“Sometimes there's a man... I won't say a hero, 'cause, what's a hero? But sometimes, there's a man. And I'm talkin' about the Dude here. Sometimes, there's a man, well, he's the man for his time and place. He fits right in there.”

- The Stranger, from The Big Lebowski

Arguably the biggest cult film of the modern era (or at least the past 20 years), Joel and Ethan Coen’s The Big Lebowski has inspired a variety of critical, philosophical and spiritual literature. No other film has combined bowling, a case of mistaken identity, a stolen rug and nihilism so beautifully.

The Big Lebowski

But don’t take my word for it: fans (known as Achievers) of the highly quotable 1998 film hold an annual Lebowski Fest - a natural, zesty enterprise replete with costumes, bowling alleys and usually a Creedence cover band.

I'm A Lebowski, You're A Lebowski

In an attempt to understand The Big Lebowski’s appeal, Jeff Bridges teamed up with Zen Master Bernie Glassman to create The Dude and the Zen Master – a series of Zen-infused conversations centered on the way of the Dude, or El Duderino, if you’re not into the whole brevity thing.

The Dude and the Zen Master

Divine aspects of the Coen brothers work, including The Big Lebowski, are explained in The Dude Abides. Writer and religion columnist Cathleen Falsani explores The Dude’s path of righteousness beyond the next round robin.

The Dude Abides

Enjoy the Library's Lebowski-related resources and what-have-you.