In the parlance of the Dude, new s--- has come to light about the long-awaited documentary on the most devout disciples of The Big Lebowski, the 1998 comedy written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. These fans call themselves "Achievers," taking the nomenclature from the big, rich Jeffrey Lebowski's charity program for underprivileged children.
I'm an Achiever and darn proud of it. Got the t-shirt and everything, as you've seen in outtakes from my photo shoot for a new Times ad. Princess Di and I pose wearing them each time we go to Telluride or somewhere otherwise cool, adding the photo to Lebowskifest.com's collection of Achievers' world travels. I'm proud to say that my 2005 feature on visiting Lebowskifest in Los Angeles is part of the site's media collection, too.
As such, I get irregular e-updates from organizers Will Russell and Scott Shuffitt on the comings and goings of Achievers worldwide, and plans for the next Lebowskifest. They've been held in New York, Las Vegas and, of course, L.A. but originated in (and returns July 11 and 12 to) Louisville, Ky. This year's lineup includes musician Mike Doughty (whose Bustin' Up a Starbucks and 27 Jennifers are two of my favorite ear worms).
The schedule also includes the world premiere of The Achievers: The Story of Lebowski Fans that documentary filmmaker Eddie Chung was shooting in 2005 at Lebowskifest in L.A. I'm gonna contact Chung and see if I can get a screener for review, and maybe suggest it to local film festivals for inclusion. Take a look at the preview trailer, and note that the title has changed from Over the Line (a line from the movie) to The Achievers. Enjoy!
Steve Persall is the movie critic for the St. Petersburg Times. He was conceived behind a drive-in movie theater his father operated and raised in projection booths and concession stands. He doesn't care how you did it up north.
Hmm...maybe I'll book this at the Beach Theatre in conjunction with one of our BIG LEBOWSKI screenings.
FYI, we run LEBOWSKI fairly regularly, with White Russians on sale and a great crowd that comes out in bowling shirts, bathrobes and other Lebowski garb. Our next one is July 18 at 10:30 pm.
Posted by: Mike France | June 09, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Shut the alps up, GlennS. You're over the line ;)
Posted by: Steve Persall | June 06, 2008 at 07:28 PM
It's not a movie, it's a philosophy.
This is what happens when you meet another man in the alps, dude.
Posted by: TheJesus | June 06, 2008 at 04:37 PM
GlennS.,
To properly enjoy the greatest film ever, The Big Lebowski, you need to be in the right mood. I suggest partaking in the Dude's favorite illegal subtance, along with several White Russians. With spliff and a beverage, you'll find the film much more enjoyable.
Phones ringing dude.
Posted by: Walter | June 06, 2008 at 03:32 PM
I swear Eddie Chung was at Lebowskifest 05 in Louisville as well. We partied hard the first night with Liam. It was a trip to just hear how he beacame involved with the project and the interactions he had with the rest of the cast.
Posted by: Eric J | June 06, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Lebowski has just never quite clicked with me, despite the fact that I love some of the other Coen Brothers movies. I've lost count of how many times I've seen Blood Simple, I regularly quote Raising Arizona and I even liked The Hudsucker Proxy. But Lebowski... eh.
Maybe this documentary will convince me otherwise.
Posted by: GlennS. | June 06, 2008 at 09:11 AM
I take comfort in that, Markos... the Dude, takin' it easy for all of us.
Posted by: Steve Persall | June 06, 2008 at 07:16 AM
The Dude Abides
Posted by: Markos | June 05, 2008 at 11:59 PM
Mark it eight, dude!
I'd love it if it came to town as part of a local film festival - THE ACHIEVERS could really tie the whole festival together....and whatnot...
Posted by: Princess Di | June 05, 2008 at 02:04 PM