<P> The Big Lebowski ( / ləˈbaʊski / ) is a 1998 crime comedy film written , produced , and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen . It stars Jeff Bridges as Jeffrey `` The Dude '' Lebowski , a Los Angeles slacker and avid bowler . He is assaulted as a result of mistaken identity , after which The Dude learns that a millionaire also named Jeffrey Lebowski was the intended victim . The millionaire Lebowski 's trophy wife is kidnapped , and he commissions The Dude to deliver the ransom to secure her release ; but the plan goes awry when the Dude 's friend Walter Sobchak ( John Goodman ) schemes to keep the ransom money . Julianne Moore and Steve Buscemi also star , with David Huddleston , John Turturro , Philip Seymour Hoffman , Sam Elliott , Tara Reid , David Thewlis , and Flea appearing in supporting roles . </P>
<P> The Big Lebowski ( / ləˈbaʊski / ) is a 1998 crime comedy film written , produced , and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen . It stars Jeff Bridges as Jeffrey `` The Dude '' Lebowski , a Los Angeles slacker and avid bowler . He is assaulted as a result of mistaken identity , after which The Dude learns that a millionaire also named Jeffrey Lebowski was the intended victim . The millionaire Lebowski 's trophy wife is kidnapped , and he commissions The Dude to deliver the ransom to secure her release ; but the plan goes awry when the Dude 's friend Walter Sobchak ( John Goodman ) schemes to keep the ransom money . Julianne Moore and Steve Buscemi also star , with David Huddleston , John Turturro , Philip Seymour Hoffman , Sam Elliott , Tara Reid , David Thewlis , and Flea appearing in supporting roles . </P>
john goodman 's character in the big lebowski
john goodman 's character in the big lebowski
Walter Sobchak
Walter Sobchak