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The Dude Bowls- Ryan Kastl, lets a ball fly at West Seattle Bowl during the Bigger Lebowski event on March 28th. Photo by Patrick Robinson
Lebowski Goes Bigger in West Seattle
By Amanda Halm
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
If the scene at West Seattle Bowl looked a little unusual on a recent Friday evening, then maybe you have never seen The Big Lebowsk. Bowlers were clad in bath robes,"The Dude" seemed to be everyone's bowling moniker, and spectators shouted "Over the Line!" throughout the evening.
On March 28, fans of the Coen Brothers' 1998 cult classic, took part in the Bigger Lebowski - an age 21 and older event in which participants bowled, then headed to the Admiral Theater at midnight to watch the movie on the big screen.
White Russians, or as the Dude calls them, "Caucasians," were poured in plenty at the event. The real spirit of the movie came from Lebowski fanatics who dared to dress in costume. A Maude, several Dudes and Donnys, and at least one Walter were spotted milling through the crowd.
Even bowlers not dressed as characters proved to be super fans by feverishly quoting lines from the movie and reliving cherished scenes.
West Seattle resident Trevor Rasmussen has seen the film at least 30 times. Asked who his favorite character is, he doesn't hesitate.
"Walter is one of the best characters ever created and my favorite, because he reminds me of one of my college friends."
Some can't even pick one character; a testament to the movie's robust cast. Dressed as the Dude, Ryan Kastl says his favorite character is a toss up between the Dude and the Nihilist [Uli Kunkel]. "Both have their advantages," he says. However, his choice quote is "this aggression will not stand ... man."
Steve Garrett, manager of the Admiral Theater, wants to bring more iconic, off-beat entertainment to West Seattle. The Bigger Lebowski -bowling, movies, and a special on White Russians will only happen once a year, but the Admiral will show the movie on the fourth Friday of every month at midnight.
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