The Massive Lebowski, a film which paired the legendary Coen Brothers with Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, was thought of a industrial flop when it was launched in 1998. If that information is shocking to you, think about the way it felt for Bridges, who just lately mirrored on the film’s underwhelming field workplace take. Bridges performed Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski, the template for contemporary layabout characters, who’s mistaken for a billionaire with the identical title, and gathers his buddies to assist get better his stolen rug.
Showing on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, to advertise the brand new season of The Previous Man, Bridges reminisced about engaged on The Massive Lebowski. The actor revealed his shock that the film — which is now thought of a cult traditional and at present ranks as #214 on IMDb’s High 250 motion pictures of all-time – underperformed on the field workplace. Bridges mentioned:
I used to be shocked, when it first got here out, that it didn’t do very properly. It acquired extra of a success in Europe, then splashed again over right here.
The Massive Lebowski grossed $46.7 million upon its launch. Whereas the movie technically tripled its cash, with an estimated finances of $15 million, it was removed from the field workplace sensation that it was anticipated to be. The Massive Lebowski‘s mediocre efficiency is indicative of the Coen’s historical past on the field workplace. Regardless of being two of probably the most lauded administrators working as we speak, their field workplace success typically comes on the flip of a coin. Whereas motion pictures like True Grit and No Nation for Previous Males have been main hits, The Massive Lebowski, Hail! Caesar!, and The Hudsucker Proxy have been all condered main flops compared.
Jeff Bridges’ Mother Didn’t Like His Massive Lebowski Character
Regardless of its field workplace shortcomings, The Massive Lebowski is a fan favourite from the Coen’s wonderful filmography. The film is crammed with insanely quotable traces and memorable scenes, just like the ridiculous bowling-themed dream sequence, set to Kenny Rogers’ timeless cowl of “Simply Dropped In (To See What Situation My Situation Is In)”. Bridges’ character, The Dude (or his Dudeness, or Duder, or el Duderino — for those who’re not into the entire brevity factor), is likely one of the actor’s hottest roles, and units the benchmark for lazy, good-for-nothing protagonists.
Whereas the world loves el Duderino, Jeff Bridges’ mom wasn’t as infatuated along with his character. No mom needs to see their son grow to be an unemployed layabout, and Mom Bridges wished her son performed a special position. Bridges joked:
“My mother, she most popular me to play the president. [Although], I believe they admire the filmmaking.”
The Coen Brothers are often known as one-and-done filmmakers, who’ve but to make a sequel. Nonetheless, within the occasion that The Massive Lebowski 2 is greenlit, Jeff Bridges says he’s completely happy to return. Nonetheless, his Dudeness mentioned he would solely reprise the position if it was the Coen Brothers on the helm.
