The Dude Survives: Jeff Bridges on the Enduring "Big Lebowski"

Tell me about how you found out about the role, and what your life in the Sixties was like — that era is such an important element of the film.
I drew on that a lot. The Coen brothers said, "Oh we're writing something for you." And I was so excited because I'm a big fan of Blood Simple. Years passed, finally they presented me with what they had written, and it was, you know, the Dude. I couldn't figure out where they got this character. It was like nothing I had played before. But it seemed like they had been in a few parties back in the Sixties with me or something. It reminded me a lot of myself back in those days. I smoked my share of pot and all that, and the long hair.

That's one of the ways I prepare for all my roles. I look at myself and think, What aspects of myself am I going to use for this guy, and what sides do I want to kick to the curb? And I do that on an emotional level, but also on a physical level. My looks and my wardrobe are very important. I kind of work on the exterior and the interior at the same time. They kind of inform each other. So we went up to my closet to see my clothes, kind of match the Dude. And we just found all kinds of stuff. Those jelly sandals, some T-shirts that I had.

The characters in the film are so different; I almost wonder why they're friends in the first place. But you can sense a kind of warmth, in the midst of their constant arguing.
Totally. That's one of the things I like about it, sort of a hope for humanity to see two polar opposites being able to get along. And love each other.

What was your first reaction when you read through the script?
I had a couple of different reactions. One was that it was an incredible script. I was a little concerned because my kids were still in school, and remembering what it was like growing up with my father, Lloyd Bridges, who had a big hit TV series in the Sixties called Sea Hunt — it's hard enough being a kid without having the famous dad, and having all the weird stuff projected on you. So I was concerned about me playing this strong character who was a pothead. I remember sitting them all down, my wife and my three daughters and saying, "I'm really excited about this script, and it's a chance to work with the Coen brothers, but I am concerned about playing this kind of character, that it's gonna give you guys trouble for some reason." And after a long pause my middle daughter said, "Dad, you're an actor, it's all pretend. We know when you kiss some beautiful woman in a scene that you still love mom, it's an act. So go ahead, that's my vote."