Nobody calls me Lebowski. You got the wrong guy. I’m the Dude, man.
Think you’ve seen “The Big Lebowski?” Probably not quite like I just did: packed movie theater, costumed movie goers, bowling, give-aways, and White Russians from a flask drunk by a Walter look-a-like.
Didn’t think so.
But before you tell me to “Shut the fuck up, Donny!” I’ll share how the evening went. If that doesn’t get you to plan for next year’s Lebowski fest-then you don’t roll. Period.
As most big events do at the Coolidge Corner Theater, there’s a line out the door around the building, past the parking lot and down to the next block. I got there about a half an hour early only to end up behind the CVS. But I lucked out, as my Walter look-a-like and his bowling buddies (lots of Donnys!) lined up behind me. I can’t tell you what the best part was-the practicing of impressions or the fact that “Walter” took out a flask of White Russian (or so he claimed) and they did a round in the parking lot. We’re pre-gaming the pre-game here.
Inside, the theater filled up quick, as people in robes ran towards the center and front seats. We needed to be close to the action-the bowling action. Pins were already lined up onstage. After about half an hour of beer lines and concession stand mayhem stopped holding up the shindig. Staff decided to get the party started.
As you saw in the picture above, I dressed up. I competed as The Dude. I had hoped to make Jeff Bridges proud in my peace sign sandals and brightly colored pants.
But, irony for irony’s sake, I lost to the guy dressed as the rug. Oh well, I’ll try to dress up as Maude next time.
Festivities continued with bowling for the winners of the costume contest. Nearly all the participants took home some free Lebowski swag (action figures, DVDs, posters, bumper stickers, and Lebowski party kit). Did I mention that I lost my chance to the guy who came up dressed as a rug? Really?
But by the time some extra trivia give-aways had passed and the beginning of the movie came “tumblin'” on screen, my bitter feelings ambled aside. A few lines were shouted out, plenty of laughter echoed in the ancient theater, and even a couple of gasps from new-comers and die-hards were shared. It’s an experience to watch a movie with people who know every line, plot twist, musical cue, and the difference between the nihilists and Nazis. It doesn’t matter whether you watch the movie for the first time in this crowd or for the thirtieth. It’s just fun. Dress up, party on, and cherish the movie culture that is cult classic.
But since you have to wait until next year to rock your bathrobes, may I suggest watching the film (with friends and White Russians) and come to next year’s hoopla with the quotes intact and the costumes at hand. The fate of freebies depend on it.
Fuck it, Dude, let’s go bowling.
For more pictures of the event, check the photographer’s Flickr.
Apparently, I also earned the respect of a fellow Lebowski fan. Missed Connections thanks to Craigslist.
