Disclaimer: I love The Big Lebowski. When I say ‘love’ I mean that I LOVE the characters, the actors playing the characters, the soundtrack, the aesthetic, the tone, the writing and the direction of the film. So, be warned that this piece was written not from the perspective of an outsider going to this gathering, but rather an ‘achiever’ who wanted to pay homage to this great piece of cinematic history with some like-minded folks. In case you live under a rock and are unfamiliar with the Coen Brothers please see: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118715/.

Lebowski fest NYC began with a bang this year.  Day one of three was a movie party at the spacious Terminal 5 in midtown. This was the place to celebrate the all around awesomeness of the now classic Coen Brothers film The Big Lebowski. For the night’s festivities, the large venue was transformed into a makeshift movie theater, complete with fold out chairs and a full bar (serving white Russians by the pitcher, of course).

One of the many perks of celebrating this fest live and in person is the various Lebowski themed swag for sale at the merch table. T-shirts with obscure movie moments (i.e. Larry’s Homework), hoodies, limited edition posters, and the like. There was also band merch for the Black Diamond Heavies who took the stage before the film screening.

This was also the place to come to let your inner-Dude out for the world (or other fans) to see. I observed: (1) Karl Hungus (in full plumber get up), (1) Marty (the crazy landlord interpretive dancer) (3) full Dudes, (3) Nihilists, (2) Walters and a whole lot of bowling shirts. And while the crowd was definitely into the scene, I was told that it was nothing compared to the bowling events that were to follow.

Despite the pricey ticket charge, there was a packed house by the time the founders of the fest came on stage in full bowling pin garb. They introduced the live act of the night, the Black Diamond Heavies, who also featured a picture of the Dude on their kick drum. The band was a piano/drum duo of dirty South grit and rock that I think the Dude would approve of. The tunes were fast, sludgy, and loud for just two fellas up there. The band sounded what I could best describe as Tom Waits singing the Doors’ songs, but covered by the White Stripes. They played original material for the first part of their set and finished up with a couple covers from the film’s soundtrack.

The movie started around 9pm, preceded with a specially recorded announcement by the Dude himself, Jeff Bridges, apologizing for his absence due to Tron II engagements in Canada…fair enough. Then the crowd greeted the opening seconds of the flick with huge applause. The screen was huge, the sound was loud, and this was the perfect place to immerse oneself into the Lebowski world. Throughout the film there was clapping, lines were shouted, and, of course, there was laughter.

The New York leg of the Lebowski Fest kicked off nicely. The film screening was only the beginning: Part II happened last night at Lucky Strike Lanes and part III will take place tonight at Brooklyn Bowl.  It’s not too late to catch the tail end… grab some props and head out there.

Click HERE for some photos of the screening and stay tuned for more from Brooklyn Bowl.

Filed Under:
New York