What would happen if I was a film critic with The Dude's philosophy?

Just for a moment, imagine a world where film critics don't watch any film previous, videos with possible huge spoilers nor read articles about movie premieres. Moreover, imagine that those dedicated to this micro-universe would only limit their jobs to watching a movie solely knowing the crucial information beforehand and with the movie poster as their only visual reference. Well, this world existed many years before the digital and media revolution, and I dare to say that I'm sure it was a far more... relaxed place. I have always admired a modern cinema character who unexpectedly became a subject of analysis of what surely made me reach a turning point in the way I experience cinema.

I could summarize the answer to the title's question arguing that, according to "The Dude"—The Big Lebowski's (1998) iconic character—the importance of living in the present is his only anchor, as it should be for everyone. This carefree bowler only thinks about having a white Russian available all the time, hanging out with Walter and Donny to participate in the Los Angeles bowling tournament, smoking weed once in a while and enjoying a relaxing bath with warm aromatic candles. He never thinks about what will happen tomorrow nor what happened yesterday. After watching this cult classic for the 14th time, I can confirm the following: The Dude has always been right.

At least, that's what I believe as a natural observer who notices many people—who want to be part of a non-existent revolution branch and who define themselves as "good people"—pretending to be omnipresent. Nonetheless, I don't want to analyze what motivates these people to worry about absolutely everything around them and invent more problems to their almost non-existent life. Instead, I would rather be more sarcastic and apply this philosophy to my reality and my present.

As a film critic—who also reviews everything about the cinema realm—it is really challenging for me to adopt the life philosophy of The Dude since it seems impossible not to keep up with film news. Just by using my phone, I can easily read other "colleagues'" opinions, disclaimers and quotes which can easily affect my subjectivity. Yes, I was one of those people who, before a movie premiere, would read articles, watch videos and gather all the information available to me. Nonetheless, the idea of living in the present and not anticipating the future didn't sound so crazy. Moreover, I would say I considered it the most reasonable, logical and healthy approach.

Therefore, one day, I magically—or maybe due to an urgent necessity to go back to another time were watching a movie "blindly" was a nice surprise—decided to change everything that affected my perception. No, I don't consider myself The Dude of film criticism nor do I think the term exists. Actually, this article is focused on the peculiar character's lifestyle and philosophy and not on his role in the movie. To provide context, I will list this dark and hilarious comedy's facts:

• In The Big Lebowski's beginning, we see the protagonist nicknamed "The Dude" as an ordinary middle-aged man who lives life to the fullest according to his simple preferences. In the middle of the night, he goes to the supermarket to buy milk and then casually goes back home and prepares his favorite drink. This simple sequence, along with the voice-over of a rare character who will appear later on, shows us that nothing makes sense—at least, not the sense we give to things—and we shouldn't worry too much.

• When he gets home, he's unpleasantly surprised by two thugs who demand money he knows nothing about. The misunderstanding is cleared up while one of the thugs is trying to drown him with the toilet's water and the other is peeing on his carpet. What is The Dude's reaction? He isn't aggressive nor vengeful. Instead, he only wants the stolen carpet back.

• From the moment he decides to get his carpet back, he enters a world full of snobbery, conspiracy and situations which gradually get crazier. Nonetheless, these situations ultimately are solved, showing us, the audience, the character's most enjoyable version. He goes back to his calm routine of enjoying a couple of beers and peanuts while bowling with Walter.

In summary, after those incidents—and some tragedies—The Dude doesn't change anything about his way of thinking or living. So, what does the movie tell us about the excessive analysis and self-demand we submit to every day? The message is clear and, even though many people have adopted this calm and carefree lifestyle thanks to the Coen brothers' film, plenty of others have decided to do the opposite.

This is why I chose to follow a peaceful path where The Dude's philosophy is my own anchor. I no longer watch movie previews, keep up with film news nor I read film articles. Is this wrong? As Walter would say: "Am I wrong?" What will be the implications and consequences of adopting this lifestyle? I think I can answer this last question in the most honest way with the two following possible results which put an end to this article.

First:

I WILL ENJOY CINEMA A LOT MORE.

And secondly:

BEYOND CINEMA, I WILL ALSO ENJOY MY LIFE A LOT MORE.

BY JERÓNIMO CASCO

Posted on SEPTEMBER 20, 2024, 14:08 PM | UTC-GMT -3

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