Lebowski Fest DC
Where: 9:30 Club (movie screening); Strike Bethesda (bowling party)
When: Sept. 28 (movie), Sept. 29 (bowl)
Info: $20 (movie), $25 advance (bowling, $30 day of); lebowskifest.com
This Monday and Tuesday, a conglomeration of dudes, achievers and yes, maybe even some nihilists, will gather at the 9:30 Club and Strike Bethesda for Lebowski Fest, a celebration of one of the great cult films of the last 20 years.
Confused?
In 1998, Joel and Ethan Coen released their feature film “The Big Lebowski,” the story of a slacker/stoner/bowler (played by Jeff Bridges) who refers to himself as “the Dude.” Part of the plot involves the Dude seeking retribution from robbers who mistakenly beat him up and urinate on his rug. The movie, which also stars John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore and Tara Reid, moves on from there.
The film flopped at the box office, but gained popularity as a cult favorite. In 2002, two of those Lebowski fanatics — Will Russell and Scott Shuffitt — threw a bowling party in Louisville, Ky., in celebration of the film. Lebowski Fest was born.
“We discovered there were many, many others like us out there,” said Russell during a recent phone interview. He concedes he wasn’t a huge fan of the film at first, but that it ultimately grew on him. “We’ve met more achievers as we go along.”
“Achievers” — a term used in the movie and what many Lebowski Fest attendees refer to themselves as — have flocked to the Lebowski Fests that tour across the country. Now a two-day party event, the first day will be a move party at the 9:30 Club Monday, followed by a bowling party at Strike Bethesda Tuesday. Yes, complete with White Russians, another movie staple.
The question comes up of why the Big Lebowski has achieved such a cultlike following. Why isn’t there a festival for, say, “Raising Arizona”?
“That is a very good question,” said Russell. “At the end of the day, it’s a really great movie.”
According to Russell, Bridges gets a kick out of the response to the film.
“He’s been really cool,” said Russell. “He loves it. He’s so proud of it. He’s thrilled there’s a resurgence.”
So, what of the people who just don’t get it, who aren’t impressed with “The Big Lebowski,” and don’t see the appeal and necessity of a whole festival around it?
“The plot is not where the good stuff is,” explained Russell. “After you see it a few times, you can let go of the plot and enjoy it in a Dudelike way.”
