MovieChat Forums > Cutter's Way (1982) Discussion > Bone and The Dude

Bone and The Dude

posted 18 years ago by whoisfletch
16 replies | jump to latest

I'm shocked no one's mentioned this before:

This is a movie in which Jeff Bridges plays a slacker/underachiever who is dragged deeper and deeper into a mystery by his unhinged Vietnam Vet friend who is more obsessed with the case than he is. The investigation of the case ultimately brings about tragic consequences. It's a very bleak film.

The Big Lebowski is a movie in which Jeff Bridges plays a slacker/underachiever who is dragged deeper and deeper into a mystery by his unhinged Vietnam Vet friend who is more obsessed with the case than he is. The investigation of the case ultimately brings about tragic consequences. It's a very funny film.

I often wonder if it's just coincidence.

They're both great films.

[–] Naughty-God 18 years ago

It has been mentioned years ago and perhaps again several months ago on the Big Lebowski boards. I remember, because I commented on the same coincidences you just mentioned.

I'm pretty sure that the Cohen brothers incorporated some elements of Cutter's Way into TBL.

Hi, I'm God. Can I touch You?

[–] nutsberryfarm 10 years ago

the coen brothers ripped off another movie? no way!

The circulation of confidence is better than the circulation of money.-James Madison

[–] I_Created_U 7 years ago

What movie did they rip-off? You say that like it's a known fact... well, is it? I enjoy a lot of what they do so i'm surprised.

People who don't like their beliefs being laughed at shouldn't have such funny beliefs

[–] qljsystems 18 years ago

Actally, there was also another Jeff Bridges movie made in the early 80's called The Dude (I think) in which he adopts the identity of a distinguished alter-ego after staging his death in a river suicide attempt. I mention it, because it is the reverse of the roles he played in the TBL and Cutters Way, yet equally quirky and memorable. Jeff Bridges seems to be strongest when he plays such roles.

[–] Naughty-God 17 years ago

Are you sure about that? I've followed Bridge's career since his surf dog days in the 60s and I never recalled a film or character called "The Dude" outside of The Big Lebowski.

Hi, I'm God. Can I touch You?

[–] laslopaniflex 17 years ago

Some Spoilers!!

I noticed Jeff Bridges in the film did a lot of ‘Hey man’s’ and ‘hey dude’s’ in this film and it did raise a smile. Especially when he was driving his crummy car. It just needed some Creedence on the soundtrack. Oh and those sunglasses were straight out of TBL as well!
When Alex is bleeding at the end of the film, Bone should have said ‘Not on the rug… man’ as a closing line.

"What are you, some kind of doomsday machine, boy?"

[–] london777 8 years ago

when he was driving his crummy car
Oi, that is an English classic you are writing about. F*kin Yanks!

[–] smiley- 9 years ago

Actally, there was also another Jeff Bridges movie made in the early 80's called The Dude (I think) in which he adopts the identity of a distinguished alter-ego after staging his death in a river suicide attempt.

That sounds like THE AMERICAN SUCCESS COMPANY.http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078765/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_61

[–] aus1128 17 years ago

Not to mention that the climactic scene where Bone crashes Cord's Santa Barbara "garden party" bears certain similarities to when the Dude shows up and is ejected from Jackie Treehorn's beach bash. Come to think of it, Cord and Treehorn are a lot alike: rich, powerful, balding men who are above the law, etc.

[–] beldo 17 years ago

Is it just me or is the diner that Cutter, Bone and Mo go to after the parade the same diner Walter and The Dude go to where Walter is asked to keep his voice down by the waitress?

[–] godlike93 17 years ago

Johnie's Coffee Shop, the diner in the Big Lebowski has been used as a filming location for several movies. Such as American History X, Reservoir Dogs, Miracle Mile, as well as several others. I believed it's closed now and used only as a filming location these days. So it's quite possible it is the same diner.

[–] 17 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Krustallos 13 years ago

So does Mo = Donny?

I used to want to change the world. Now I just want to leave the room with a little dignity.

[–] tomherling 12 years ago

I'd have to say that Bone's boss George, who's somewhat awkward but well-meaning throughout, might fit in the Donny part better.

[–] london777 8 years ago

Bone's boss George, who's somewhat awkward but well-meaning throughout
Well-meaning? I thought he was revealed to be a spineless and treacherous informer, working for the murderer of his father, who stitched up our heroes at the end.

But then I understood very little of this confused mess so perhaps I got that wrong.

[–] PenTheater 8 years ago

I like to think of this movie as very subtle, not confused.
George certainly was a sell out. He was comfortable but corrupt and he knew it.
He just happened to owe Bones, but not over his comfort.

Watch it a couple of more times, or dive into the book. After any confusion clears its a masterpiece!
In fact, as in a discussion elsewhere here, it is actually better than the book in regards to the ending, Bone's character and struggle is heightened even more. For all of us.

Ephemeron.