To continue in our ultimate countdown of the best 50 films of the 1990s, here are numbers 40 - 31. Again, after we got to pick our 50 best, we narrowed it down to include those films we agreed on and narrowing down those from our list we thought were the best of the decade. To see the first installation -- which includes numbers 50 - 41 -- check it out here!
40. Malcolm X (1992)
Directed by Spike Lee
Starring Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, Al Freeman Jr., and Delroy Lindo
Jay: For me, this is still Spike Lee's best film. I acknowledge some of his other work as being very good -- Do the Right Thing comes to mind -- but his epic biography of one of the 20th century's most polarizing figures is the work of a filmmaker at the height of his powers. Lee takes us a journey from Malcolm's early days as a hustler and common criminal, to his days in prison and his transformation into a Muslim, and finally his ascension to becoming the face of Islam in America and a fierce defender of civil rights. Denzel Washington's performance was a towering achievement. His Malcolm X was a man of many layers, different from many past interpretations. His life and death celebrated in a movie that gave us a man instead of a image of a man.
Matt: One of the better biopics of the '90s ... and a film which -- in my eyes -- catapulted Washington into an acting force to be reckoned with! Based on the essential reading The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley, Lee's film pulls no punches in going through Malcolm's complete history -- from his days as a drug dealer and thief to his days in prison -- and it makes the film all the better for it. The film does not go the usual "Hollywood glamorization" route and there is an intense respect for the story and every one of its characters. Most today see Malcolm as an inspiration. And he was. But not for the reason most would claim. He's an inspiration not because of his militant, revolutionary ways, but rather for the peace he eventually came to live after his trip to Mecca in 1964. Of course, he denounced the Nation of Islam a month before he made the trip, but his trip to Saudi Arabia is what cemented his belief that when he saw Muslims of "all colors, from blue-eyed blonds to black-skinned Africans interacting as equals," he changed his thinking of Islam as a means by which racial problems could be overcome. This was when the true Malcolm philosophy and movement came about -- and, unfortunately, it is what got him killed (I believe under the direction of Nation of Islam leader -- and Malcolm's former mentor and hero -- Elijah Muhammad). Washington's portrayal is nothing short of brilliant as he takes the audience through a myriad of emotions in this aspiring leader's life. I especially am in awe of the moments leading up to and the assassination scene (playing Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come"), and the look Washington flashes to the gunmen right before they shoot him. He gives a slight smirk, as if he knows it was going to happen and as if saying -- to quote a famous sci-fi film -- "If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you could possibly imagine." And Malcolm did.
39. Open Your Eyes (Abre Los Ojos) (1997)
Directed by Alejandro Amenabar
Starring Eduardo Noriega, Penelope Cruz, Chete Lera, and Fele Martinez
Jay: It has been a while since I've seen this one, but I do remember liking it a lot. It is hard to not automatically compare it to the Cameron Crowe remake starring Tom Cruise -- Vanilla Sky. This original version, produced in Spain with subtitles, is vastly superior to that American version. What starts of as a seemingly simple story of "boy-meets-girl/boy-has-horrible-accident-that-leaves-him-disfigured/boy-has-facial-reconstruction-to-regain-his-former-good-looks" turns into something far more interesting and out of left field. Director Alejandro Amenabar would go on to make two more excellent films everyone should see too -- The Others and The Sea Inside. While I am glad Matt had a foreign film like this to add to the list, I could provide him a slew of others that, in my opinion, would have been more deserving -- Chungking Express, Three Colors: Blue, White and Red, The City of Lost Children, Hard Boiled, Delicatessen, The Double Life of Veronique, All About My Mother, Audition, Funny Games or Cronos. That isn't meant to say that this film isn't very good as well.
Matt: No offense to Jay, but all of those movies (BTW, the Three Colors movies are three separate films, not one) he listed above are note-worthy foreign films, but they're not as noteworthy or as emotionally-resonating (to me, anyways) as this mindbender of a movie! But I will agree that Amenabar's other two films Jay listed are definitely worth watching! In this modern-day sci-fi fairy tale, Amenabar explores life in the way we all seem to take for granted. The film was later adapted into Crowe's Vanilla Sky, and for all of the pop reference Americanization of the film's story, Crowe successfully pulled it off. But, I agree with Jay that the original is far superior. Even Cruz's acting -- in a role she plays in both versions -- shines moreso here. What also makes this film even more influential is that it was the first. Amenabar introduced this wild concept of a man who could -- through science -- live a life through the ideals and identity with which he himself subconsciously set, only to realize that it is not as real as he believed. There is so much going on in the film that Amenabar's masterpiece requires multiple viewings!
Matt: No offense to Jay, but all of those movies (BTW, the Three Colors movies are three separate films, not one) he listed above are note-worthy foreign films, but they're not as noteworthy or as emotionally-resonating (to me, anyways) as this mindbender of a movie! But I will agree that Amenabar's other two films Jay listed are definitely worth watching! In this modern-day sci-fi fairy tale, Amenabar explores life in the way we all seem to take for granted. The film was later adapted into Crowe's Vanilla Sky, and for all of the pop reference Americanization of the film's story, Crowe successfully pulled it off. But, I agree with Jay that the original is far superior. Even Cruz's acting -- in a role she plays in both versions -- shines moreso here. What also makes this film even more influential is that it was the first. Amenabar introduced this wild concept of a man who could -- through science -- live a life through the ideals and identity with which he himself subconsciously set, only to realize that it is not as real as he believed. There is so much going on in the film that Amenabar's masterpiece requires multiple viewings!
38. Being John Malkovich (1999)
Directed by Spike Jonze
Starring John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener, and John Malkovich
Jay: Identity and the desire to be someone else consumes the motivations of the characters of Spike Jonze's brilliant and unique Being John Malkovich. John Cusack stars as Craig Schwartz, a discontented, self-absorbed puppeteer who takes a corporate day job only to discover a portal in an office that leads directly into the head of actor, John Malkovich (himself). When he tries to use this new discovery to impress a woman at work, Maxine (Catherine Keener), she ropes him into selling tickets to anyone wanting to use the portal. Craig's wife, Lotte (Cameron Diaz), soon becomes a problem when she insinuates herself into the get-rich-quick scheme and becomes obsessed with being in Malkovich's head. This was Charlie Kaufman's first feature film script. It was wholly original like all of Kaufman's work which would continue with great movies like Adaptation, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Synecdoche, New York. Being John Malkovich was just one of the reasons 1999 was one to best years at the cinema of all time.
Matt: Moving on from one film about one's identity to another! First, before I go any further. Let me just say this. Synecdoche, New York is -- by far -- one of the worst, most pretentious films I've ever seen! I wish I could get back the two hours of my life it took me to watch it. And I very rarely say that about any film! This one was Jay's pick and I do believe it earns a place on this list, although I'm not sure it should rank as high as it did. Is the film noteworthy and something fresh and original? Yes. Is the acting good? Yes. But let's just say that I have no urge to re-watch it anytime soon. Nevertheless, Jonze and Kaufman are responsible for some of the most original films, making them formidable filmmakers in a time of big-budget remakes, adaptations of books and cinematic true-life stories. I don't mind this film making the list simply because it was a game-changer.
Matt: Moving on from one film about one's identity to another! First, before I go any further. Let me just say this. Synecdoche, New York is -- by far -- one of the worst, most pretentious films I've ever seen! I wish I could get back the two hours of my life it took me to watch it. And I very rarely say that about any film! This one was Jay's pick and I do believe it earns a place on this list, although I'm not sure it should rank as high as it did. Is the film noteworthy and something fresh and original? Yes. Is the acting good? Yes. But let's just say that I have no urge to re-watch it anytime soon. Nevertheless, Jonze and Kaufman are responsible for some of the most original films, making them formidable filmmakers in a time of big-budget remakes, adaptations of books and cinematic true-life stories. I don't mind this film making the list simply because it was a game-changer.
37. Backdraft (1991)
Directed by Ron Howard
Starring Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, Robert De Niro, Scott Glenn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Donald Sutherland, and Rebecca DeMornay
Jay: This is a good film from Ron Howard, who manages to bring some realism to the lives of firefighters. Kurt Russell is particularly good as "Bull" MCaffrey, an aging fireman who takes too many risky chances. I'm a huge Kurt Russell fan, so anything he is in automatically earns points with me. When an arsonist starts setting building ablaze around the city, Bull and his brother, Brian (William Baldwin), must learn to put aside their differences and work together to get to the bottom of things. With a solid supporting cast, including Robert De Niro, Scott Glenn, J.T. Walsh and Jennifer Jason Leigh, Backdraft is a solid choice from Matt. It wasn't my choice, but I like the movie a lot and it is one of Ron Howard's better offerings.
Matt: THE best Ron Howard film! And definitely one of the best films of the '90s. There was a big rave about this film when it was released because of the portrayal of firefighters and the danger they constantly face on the job. This film explores more than just the dangers of firefighting; there is also the themes of family -- both those by blood and those by deep friendly bond -- and the honor of duty and doing what is right. Lastly, there is also the theme of obsession with all of these issues; there is also just the obsession of fire -- brilliantly performed by Donald Sutherland. De Niro also puts in a brilliantly subtle performance as the fire chief. And, as always, Russell delivers! Like Jay, I'm also a huge fan of Kurt Russell, and Backdraft is probably one of his best. There is suspense, drama and action in this pre-9/11 firefighter tale.
Matt: THE best Ron Howard film! And definitely one of the best films of the '90s. There was a big rave about this film when it was released because of the portrayal of firefighters and the danger they constantly face on the job. This film explores more than just the dangers of firefighting; there is also the themes of family -- both those by blood and those by deep friendly bond -- and the honor of duty and doing what is right. Lastly, there is also the theme of obsession with all of these issues; there is also just the obsession of fire -- brilliantly performed by Donald Sutherland. De Niro also puts in a brilliantly subtle performance as the fire chief. And, as always, Russell delivers! Like Jay, I'm also a huge fan of Kurt Russell, and Backdraft is probably one of his best. There is suspense, drama and action in this pre-9/11 firefighter tale.
36. Unforgiven (1992)
Directed by Clint Eastwood
Starring Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, and Richard Harris
Jay: Clint Eastwood returned to the genre that made him a star and delivered a critical and box office success with Unforgiven. A very somber and melancholy film, it actually has very little action and plays out more as a drama. When a group of prostitutes decided to offer a reward to any men who can kill two cowboys for attacking one of them, a reluctant, widowed pig farmer named William Munny (Eastwood) is recruited by a brash young desperado (Jaimz Woolvett) to exact the women's vengeance and collect the money. In his youth, Munny was a notoriously vicious outlaw, but when he married and had children he turned his back on the wickedness he was used to and settled down into family life. He also enlists the help of an old ally, Ned (Morgan Freeman) to join them on their bloody quest. What they don't realize is that the local sheriff, "Little" Bill Daggett (Gene Hackman in an Oscar winning performance) is waiting to stop them. He's an uncompromising, violent man of high morals and he will go to extreme lengths to keep lowlifes out of his town. Unforgiven sparked a renewal of interest in the western. It has an excellent script, with very well-written characters. Hackman, in particular, shines and when Eastwood confronts him at the end of the film it gives us one of the most intense and gripping standoffs in movie history. In a genre littered with stereotypes, Unforgiven was unique in how it played with those themes that we know and recognize and flipped them a bit. It won the Oscar for Best Picture and Best Director as well that year.
Matt: I love Clint Eastwood's westerns -- and I certainly did like this one -- but it wasn't nearly as great as his earlier films. This pensive western follows in the footsteps of the westerns the likes of the 1989 mini-series based on the Larry McMurtry novel Lonesome Dove. This pick was one of Jay's picks so I can't quite detail the greatness of the film, but I will say I enjoyed it. Eastwood is always good when acting as his usual tough guy -- whether young or retired -- but he has become an even better director, and this was the film that was a gem in the crown of a successful oeuvre of directed films.
35. A Bronx Tale (1993)
Directed by Robert De Niro
Starring Robert De Niro, Lillo Brancato, Chazz Palminteri, Taral Hicks, and Joe Pesci
Jay: Robert De Niro's directorial debut tells the story of young boy (Lillo Brancato) who befriends a local gangster (Chazz Palminteri) in the 1960's, much to the displeasure of his father (Robert De Niro). This film was based on the real-life experiences of Palminteri who also wrote the film. It's a moving story of two father figures competing for the soul of an impressionable youth. I like the movie and its simple to take on the father/son motif. It has a good moral message involving the allure of crime, racial struggles during the civil rights era and the struggles of a father to raise his son right. I find it surprising that Matt would choose a movie like this over one like Goodfellas, but I think I understand how he would connect more with it. While Goodfellas' Henry Hill is a generally unlikeable man, who learns very little throughout his life of crime, the characters in this movie are sympathetic in many ways. Some of us need that in a movie, I guess.
Matt: Jay is right. I enjoy this film so much better than Goodfellas. I've studied organized crime and come to enjoy films and books about gangsters. When Ray Liotta introduces the audience with the words "For as long as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a gangster," I could even somewhat see the draw. However, I've never been a big fan of either Goodfellas or even the cult classic Scarface. Don't get me wrong. Goodfellas is a great film and Scarface is good. But there is something about their lowlife protagonists that I simply cannot cheer for (And this coming from a guy who rates John Milius' Dillinger as one of his favorite all-time movies!) In this film, though, the protagonist stands on the precipice of going down either path and that's what I found so more enjoyable about the film. For all their glitz, glamour and fancy camera-work of Scarface and Goodfellas, the stories are pretty predictable in that you know the protagonists are going down -- whether it be in a hail of gunfire or in the court system. Some might argue that Dillinger is the same but it has a style (plus the acting of Warren Oates) that sets it apart in my book. The acting in the two cult favorites is great but the same can be said for A Bronx Tale!
Matt: Jay is right. I enjoy this film so much better than Goodfellas. I've studied organized crime and come to enjoy films and books about gangsters. When Ray Liotta introduces the audience with the words "For as long as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a gangster," I could even somewhat see the draw. However, I've never been a big fan of either Goodfellas or even the cult classic Scarface. Don't get me wrong. Goodfellas is a great film and Scarface is good. But there is something about their lowlife protagonists that I simply cannot cheer for (And this coming from a guy who rates John Milius' Dillinger as one of his favorite all-time movies!) In this film, though, the protagonist stands on the precipice of going down either path and that's what I found so more enjoyable about the film. For all their glitz, glamour and fancy camera-work of Scarface and Goodfellas, the stories are pretty predictable in that you know the protagonists are going down -- whether it be in a hail of gunfire or in the court system. Some might argue that Dillinger is the same but it has a style (plus the acting of Warren Oates) that sets it apart in my book. The acting in the two cult favorites is great but the same can be said for A Bronx Tale!
34. Boogie Nights (1997)
Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
Starring Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, Don Cheadle, John C. Reilly, William H. Macy, Heather Graham, and Philip Seymour Hoffman
Jay: Boogie Nights is The Godfather of movies about the porn industry. For those who thought this film was simply about making dirty pictures in the 1970's then they missed the point entirely. Paul Thomas Anderson's epic is really a saga about family and the search for community. I would submit that this may be the best ensemble cast ever assembled. Everyone in it gives one of the best performances of their careers. Mark Wahlberg will never be better than his portrayal of budding porn star, Dirk Diggler, whose ego and self-involvement get the best of him and threaten to send him down a dark path. Burt Reynolds is brilliant as the patriarch of this pseudo-family, Jack Warner, who struggles against the technological advancements that are changing the business. Julianne Moore is so freaking good as Amber Waves, the matriarch whose struggles getting to see her real son show the desperate sadness within. And I haven't even mentioned the work of Don Cheadle, the hilarious John C. Reilly, Heather Graham, William H. Macy, and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. All of them at the top of their game. But it's Anderson who pulls all of this off. Boogie Nights is a work of genius. A colorful blast of a movie showing regular people who touch the darker side of celebrity, fall from grace, and rise again to embrace the only family that truly loves them.
Matt: When Boogie Nights was first released and I first viewed the film, I wasn't as crazy about it as nearly everyone else who saw it was. Jay says this is "The Godfather of movies about the porn industry." But, let's be honest, it's one of the very few mainstream films about the porn industry -- the others being Lovelace, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, and Wonderland (in which the main events of that film loosely inspire a scene in Nights). Not too much competition there. Either way, as I've watched Nights over the years, I decided that maybe I was a little too hard on the losers of that film. After all, I really like every actor in that film. And they all do very well. The film also cemented the timelessness of Burt Reynolds and how he can take any role, give it his own spin and make it gold. I like the film much more now than I did upon first viewing it. And it truly does earn its place among the best of the decade. No matter what these characters go through -- whether self-inflicted or due to fate -- they are family and that is what the film is truly about.
Matt: When Boogie Nights was first released and I first viewed the film, I wasn't as crazy about it as nearly everyone else who saw it was. Jay says this is "The Godfather of movies about the porn industry." But, let's be honest, it's one of the very few mainstream films about the porn industry -- the others being Lovelace, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, and Wonderland (in which the main events of that film loosely inspire a scene in Nights). Not too much competition there. Either way, as I've watched Nights over the years, I decided that maybe I was a little too hard on the losers of that film. After all, I really like every actor in that film. And they all do very well. The film also cemented the timelessness of Burt Reynolds and how he can take any role, give it his own spin and make it gold. I like the film much more now than I did upon first viewing it. And it truly does earn its place among the best of the decade. No matter what these characters go through -- whether self-inflicted or due to fate -- they are family and that is what the film is truly about.
33. Falling Down (1993)
Directed by Joel Schumacher
Starring Michael Douglas, Robert Duvall, Barbara Hershey, and Rachel Ticotin
Jay: Yes, Joel Schumacher is capable of actually making a good movie. It doesn't happen often, but, what's the saying? "The sun can shine on dog's bottom on any given day?" Well, the sun was shining the day he made Falling Down, a cynical, entertaining story of one's man breakdown and retaliation against a society he can no longer stomach. Michael Douglas is very good as William "D-Fens" Foster, an unemployed defense worker who can't take it anymore and goes on a cathartic spree around the city, taking revenge on all of the wrongs he sees in the modern-day world. The film is a sharp and crude indictment of the decadence of our culture and one man's refusal to take it any more. One of Douglas's best performances.
Matt: Despite his taking a beloved franchise that Tim Burton built up and despicably tearing it down for years, Joel Schumacher still made this gem of a movie about an everyday man who simply gets fed up. Bill "D-Fens" Foster (Douglas) sits in his car in bumper-to-bumper traffic, waiting to go to a soul-sucking job which he does not even nearly like when he decides to get out of his car, abandon it, and go for a stroll. What follows is one of the most stark views of a man who is merely find his way home. What sets this apart from other movies of its ilk is that Foster -- no longer willing to be pushed around by life or people anymore -- violently confronts and deals with any obstacle in his way. The film's story feels like it was adapted from a novel, but it was written by actor Ebbe Roe Smith, known mostly for appearing in '80s movies. This is definitely one of Douglas's best performances as his character is both hero and villain, introducing audiences to one of the best anti-heroes on film in a decade when the cinematic anti-hero was flourishing!
Matt: Despite his taking a beloved franchise that Tim Burton built up and despicably tearing it down for years, Joel Schumacher still made this gem of a movie about an everyday man who simply gets fed up. Bill "D-Fens" Foster (Douglas) sits in his car in bumper-to-bumper traffic, waiting to go to a soul-sucking job which he does not even nearly like when he decides to get out of his car, abandon it, and go for a stroll. What follows is one of the most stark views of a man who is merely find his way home. What sets this apart from other movies of its ilk is that Foster -- no longer willing to be pushed around by life or people anymore -- violently confronts and deals with any obstacle in his way. The film's story feels like it was adapted from a novel, but it was written by actor Ebbe Roe Smith, known mostly for appearing in '80s movies. This is definitely one of Douglas's best performances as his character is both hero and villain, introducing audiences to one of the best anti-heroes on film in a decade when the cinematic anti-hero was flourishing!
32. Tombstone (1993)
Directed by George P. Cosmatos
Starring Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Powers Boothe, Dana Delaney, and Michael Biehn
Jay: As I said earlier, I love Kurt Russell and I also love Tombstone. It is on the short list of movies that when I come across it on TV, I cannot help but watch it. Matt and I both chose this one for the list and I have no problems admitting how good I think it is. A much more condensed version of the Wyatt Earp (Russell) story that focuses on his and his family's struggle to make a go of it in the budding town of Tombstone, Arizona. When a gang of outlaws, similar to those he spent his life putting in jail, threaten to disrupt their newly acquired retirement, the Earps fight back, leading to the climactic showdown at the O.K. Corral. Val Kilmer shines as the famous gunslinger/dentist, "Doc" Holliday. He steals every scene he is in, and has never been better. The entire cast is brilliant in this homage to the classic westerns of old. It is pure fun on all levels and a great depiction of an infamous legend in the last years of his glory.
Matt: In my opinion, this film should have ranked higher on our list because it is so damn great! Granted, Kevin Costner put out a longer, much more in-depth, more somber Earp film the following year (Wyatt Earp), which I also enjoyed. But this one has the style, writing, acting and pacing -- all of which makes it the perfect package! Kilmer's Holliday is brilliantly rebellious and loyal all at once, stealing every scene, while Russell -- as Jay and I have previously attested -- can almost do no wrong. He takes the role of Earp and brilliantly portrays the man's eccentricities as well as his makes it something I think the original Earp would have enjoyed. As someone who has read up on Earp, I can say there are definitely some events in this film which did not happen or were altered, but the film still does not stray from Earp's character (Plus, Russell uncannily looks like Earp). This is a quintessential film that any film buff should watch!
Matt: In my opinion, this film should have ranked higher on our list because it is so damn great! Granted, Kevin Costner put out a longer, much more in-depth, more somber Earp film the following year (Wyatt Earp), which I also enjoyed. But this one has the style, writing, acting and pacing -- all of which makes it the perfect package! Kilmer's Holliday is brilliantly rebellious and loyal all at once, stealing every scene, while Russell -- as Jay and I have previously attested -- can almost do no wrong. He takes the role of Earp and brilliantly portrays the man's eccentricities as well as his makes it something I think the original Earp would have enjoyed. As someone who has read up on Earp, I can say there are definitely some events in this film which did not happen or were altered, but the film still does not stray from Earp's character (Plus, Russell uncannily looks like Earp). This is a quintessential film that any film buff should watch!
31. The Big Lebowski (1998)
Directed by The Coen Brothers
Starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, and John Turturro
Jay: By now the Coen Brothers' little movie about a slacker bowler and how he gets entangled in a complex kidnapping scheme has achieved mythic levels of cult status. It is possibly one of the most quoted movies of all time. At the time of its release, though, it was not a huge box office success, with many audiences expecting more dark humor akin to their previous film, Fargo. It wasn't long though until Lebowski found hordes of fans on DVD and became a comedy favorite. The Coens proved, yet again, that they were one of the most original voices in cinema by taking the hard-boiled, Dashell Hammett-style crime thriller and meshing it with a comedy about an unemployed loafer who, when he is mistaken for a billionaire with the same name, is roped into helping solve a crime. Jeff Bridges gives the performance of his career as "The Dude" and is supported by a fantastic supporting cast including John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore and John Turturro. To this day it is still one of my favorite comedies and never fails to make me laugh every time I watch it. "Sometimes you eat the bear, and, well, sometimes, he eats you."
Matt: Forget The Last Picture Show (a great film!). Forget Tron. Forget Starman. Forget Against All Odds. Forget Fearless. Forget The Fabulous Baker Boys. What Jeff Bridges will always be known for is his role as slacker Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski. The role has grown to mythic cult favorite status as people quote it, philosophize it and live it as best they can. But what is most likeable to me in this film is John Goodman's role of Walter Sobchak, which he based on rebel filmmaker John Milius. The characters of this Coen Bros. film are what makes the film and its story shine. It is an ensemble mystery comedy, following in the same style as Fletch. Lebowski is a great comedy and even though I don't like every film of the Coen Bros., they nonetheless know film and often make memorable ones.
Matt: Forget The Last Picture Show (a great film!). Forget Tron. Forget Starman. Forget Against All Odds. Forget Fearless. Forget The Fabulous Baker Boys. What Jeff Bridges will always be known for is his role as slacker Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski. The role has grown to mythic cult favorite status as people quote it, philosophize it and live it as best they can. But what is most likeable to me in this film is John Goodman's role of Walter Sobchak, which he based on rebel filmmaker John Milius. The characters of this Coen Bros. film are what makes the film and its story shine. It is an ensemble mystery comedy, following in the same style as Fletch. Lebowski is a great comedy and even though I don't like every film of the Coen Bros., they nonetheless know film and often make memorable ones.
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