The White Russians were flowing and the dudes were abiding last Saturday night when Lebowski Fest West made its way to the Cal Bowl in Lakewood. As you can imagine, this festival is devoted to worshiping the genius of the Cohen Brother’s film, The Big Lebowski, which has taken on a cult status since its release in 1998. The festival takes place a few times a year in various locations throughout the country and Los Angeles was lucky enough to have a stop this year.
If you’re not familiar with the movie, the basic plot is that “The Dude” Lebowski is mistaken for another with his same surname and then seeks compensation for his ruined rug (as a result of the mistake) and in the process enlists his bowling buddies to help him seek justice. The film is classic Cohen brothers’ off-kilter comedy. The main character, “The Dude” was based on the real-life person, Jeff Dowd, who came out on Saturday to meet and hang out with his many devotees (also known as Achievers).
Saturday night was proof of the film’s cult status as evidenced by the festival goers’ ability to quote the film right and left. Imagine every Lebowski quote you have ever heard and cram it into one glorious evening. Throughout the night I heard a lot of “Careful, manthere’s a beverage here!” and of course, “The Dude abides.” Further proof of the film’s popularity was seen in the costumes that attendees put together specially for the event. There were a number of Dudes, Nihilists, Walters, Maudes, Strangers, and f^ckin 8-year olds. I even saw a few rugs, ringers and even a doorstop. If you haven’t seen the movie, you’re probably understanding nothing right about. now.
Throughout the course of the night Lebowski lovers enjoyed unlimited bowling, numerous White Russians (The Dude’s drink of choice), trivia contests, a costume contest, and even celebrity appearances. Jeff “The Dude” Dowd of course showed up, as well as Robin Jones (with her twin sister in tow) who played the Ralph’s Checkout Girl in the movie. The real “Dude” is quite a character, but a very personable guy who obviously enjoys soaking up the spotlight at these events. Robin was also very very sweet and said that the fest is fun for a night because it lets her see what it would be like to be a celebrity and makes her realize that it must be exhausting.
Lebowskifest is kind of a cooler version of a Star Trek convention, not that I’ve ever been to one, but if I had, I think that’s what I could compare it to. But, really the best thing about the fest was the camaraderie between the attendees. I think that the love of The Big Lebowski brought everyone together. Jeremiah and I met a number of cool fun people throughout the night while wandering around and bowling. It’s not often that you go into a bowling alley full of strangers and come out with new friends, and that’s just what the Lebowski Fest does.
