Ben Peskoe - I’m a Lebowski, You’re a Lebowski: 20th Anniversary

Bloomsbury USA

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First published 2007

This edition published 2018

This electronic edition published in 2018 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Bill Green, Ben Peskoe, Will Russell, and Scott Shuffitt, 2007

Foreword Jeff Bridges, 2007

Afterword Daphne Merkin, 2018

All elements from The Big Lebowski 2007 Universal Studios Licensing LLLP. The Big Lebowski is a trademark and copyright of Universal Studios. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLLP. All Rights Reserved.

A Note to Parents: The Big Lebowski is rated R. Consult www.filmratings.com for further information.

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No responsibility for loss caused to any individual or organization acting on or refraining from action as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by Bloomsbury or the author.

ISBN: 978-1-63557-125-7 (PB)
ISBN: 978-1-63557-126-4 (eBook)

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA

Im a Lebowski, youre a Lebowski : life, The big Lebowski, and what have you/

Bill Green... {et al.}.1st U.S. ed p. cm

ISBN: 978-1-63557-125-7

1. Big Lebowski (Motion Picture) I. Green, Bill II. Title: I am a Lebowski, you are a Lebowski.

PN1997.B444I4 2007

791.4372dc22

2006103251

Design by Elizabeth Van Itallie

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They have neither our blessing nor our curse.

The Coen brothers, in reference to the writing of this book

CONTENTS

The Best of the Eagles

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ENJOYING THIS BOOK

Please take a minute to read through these seven simple steps to ensure that you get the most out of this book.

Watch The Big Lebowski at least three times. If for some reason you have not seen it yet, dog-ear this page and do so before proceeding to step 2. We'll be waiting right here.

Good. Now that you have achieved in the modest task which was your charge, proceed.

Are you employed, sir? If you are reading this on your coffee or lunch break at work, stop. You must leave work immediately. We don't know.Tell them, uh, you've got an "appointment" that may take up the rest of your day. Whatever you tell them, be vague.

Good job.The gastrointestinal line was a bit much, but it looks like they bought it. Now you need some provisions. Before making your way home, stop and purchase these items from your local liquor store:

One (1) 750 ml bottle of Kahlua

One (1) 750 ml bottle of vodka

One half-gallon carton of half and half. (Acceptable substitute: nondairy creamer.)

Now we're getting somewhere. Once you've arrived home,you'll need to change into the most comfortable clothes at your disposal.They don't even have to be yours. You'd be surprised how comfy your special lady's or special fella's bathrobe can be. No laces. No zippers. No buttons. Everything must be of the slip-on, pullover, or drawstring fashion.

Put on some relaxing music. Whale songs are a good start. Your favorite bowling tournament on tape will also suffice. Whatever you do, no fuckin' Eagles, man!

Fix yourself a Caucasian (see recipe ) and grab yourThai stick if you're into that sort of thing.

Kick back in your bathtub, pour yourself some Mr. Bubble, light some candles, and enjoy.

FOREWORD

SAYING WHAT CANT BE SAID

People often ask me if Im surprised at the amount of attention The Big Lebowski has received over the past few years. They usually seem to expect me to say yes, but my answer is always no. What surprises me is that it didnt do as well as I thought it would when it first came out. It was so damn funny, and the Coen brothers had just won the Academy Award for FargoI thought people would flock to this thing. To tell you the truth, I was sort of disappointed. But now... well... Im glad people are digging it... that it found its audience.

Diehard fans will sometimes ask me, What is it about this movie? I cant figure it outhow come people like it so much? Well, that ones a little tougher to answer. I usu ally point them toward the script, to what the Stranger says at the end of the movie. I think the Strangers enjoyment of the story sums up what most people like about it:

THE STRANGER

... I dont know about you, but I take comfort in that. Its good knowin hes out there, the Dude, takin her easy for all us sinners. Shoosh. I sure hope he makes the Finals. Welp, that about does her, wraps her all up. Things seem tove worked out pretty good for the Duden Walter, and it was a purty good story, dontcha think? Made me laugh to beat the band. Parts, anyway. CourseI didnt like seein Donny go. But then, I happen to know that theres a little Lebowski on the way. I guess thats the way the whole durned human comedy keeps perpetuatin itself, down through the generations, westward the wagons, across the sands a time untilaw, look at me, Im ramblin again. Wal, uh hope you folks enjoyed yourselves.