Fan Phenomena: The Big Lebowski

Fan Phenomena: The Big Lebowski examines how this quirky movie evolved from its underwhelming debut to attract a mass following on par with that of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Contributors take a close look at the films phenomenal impact on popular culture and language and examine the scripts rich philosophical implications, whether it is the nihilism within the film itself or the Dudeism that Jeff Bridges God-like character has bred (the 'Church of the Latter-Day Dude' has attracted more than 70,000 official adherents through its online ordination process). Covering issues concerning gender and sexuality within the film, such as Maudes feminist art and Jackie Treehorns Malibu garden party, the essays here also explore the gender divides the film has created in todays society, such as male versus female fandom rivalry at festivals. These gatherings part costume contest, part bowling tournament, part trivia contest, part fan meet-up have, since their debut in Louisville, K Y, in 2002, sprung up all around America and have even expanded globally, and the book takes an inside look at these events and includes interviews with Lebowski festival organizers and authors of other fan books and academic treatises.