The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

On March 6, 1998, a year after winning the Oscar for their snowbound noir gem, Fargo, Joel and Ethan Coen unleashed The Big Lebowski upon unsuspecting filmgoers. The critical accolades, public affection and bulging box office that graced Fargo were replaced by befuddled reviewers, head-scratching audiences and empty movie houses. After barely making back its $15 million cost, this colorful curiosity was pulled from theaters and quickly dismissed as a case of "the Oscar curse," hardly worth a trivia question.

Eleven years later, The Big Lebowski is regarded as not only the Coen Brothers' finest work but has, since 2002, joined the ranks of Star Trek as the source of conventions filled with costumed, saucer-eyed devotees. For the first time, the state in which the creators were born and raised will be host to a "Lebowski Fest." Not that the publicity-averse Joel and Ethan are likely to put in an appearance at either First Avenue, where the festival's Movie Night will take place on Friday, September 11, or at Memory Lanes, where Bowling Night will happen on Saturday, September 12.

Who definitely will appear will be throngs of Achievers: fans of the film, ranging from the dyed-in-the-wool to the newly converted, so named after the inner-city children of promise sponsored by the millionaire Lebowski (as should be obvious by now, if you have any interest in attending the festival, or even reading this article, you have to see the movie at least once. It would take the length of this piece to properly explain it!) On Movie Night, Achievers will view a screening of the complete picture in First Avenue's Main Room, enjoy Caucasians (White Russians to you Amateurs) and shout lines as the on-screen characters say them. On Bowling Night, these same worshippers and more will arrive ready to roll, drink and win prizes, dressed as their favorite characters, props or lines of dialogues. Yes, lines of dialogue, like paying tribute to The Dude's (Jeff Bridges) question, "Does the Pope shit in the woods?" by dressing up as the Pope and...well, you'll have to be there.

But, to back up, who started this organized insanity, and why has it spread like the kind of virus Bunny Lebowski and the stars of Jackie Treehorn's pornos would be subject to? Kentucky natives Will Russell and Scott Shuffitt decided to launch a public celebration of their hands-down favorite movie, after finding themselves dissecting it over many hours at a tattoo convention. Thus, Lebowski Fest launched its maiden voyage on October, 2002 at Fellowship Lanes, a rustic bowling alley whose Baptist owners allowed no liquor and - so The Stranger would put it - "no cussin."

"The Fellowship Lanes," as Will Russell described it to me in an e-mail interview, "only had 17 working lanes with the old school decor, bowling score transparency projectors, super dirty carpet, cigarette smoke abounding, etc." He went on to remind me that the Hollywood Star Lanes in L.A., where the film's bowling scenes were shot, was torn down to make way for an elementary school. "Like Donny (Steve Buscemi's character), may she rest in peace."

Nonetheless, the turnout of 150 souls that night in 2002 exceeded Will and Scott's wildest expectations. This, despite the fact that they couldn't even show the film, thanks to its 281 utterances of the word "fuck." The following June, the organizers brought the second annual Fest to Louisville's more elegant Rose Bowl, where attendees were allowed to purchase alcohol, watch the movie and swear to their hearts' content. They also started dressing up as every character ranging from The Dude to the Ralph's checkout girl who disinterestedly watches him write a postdated check for 69 cents.

In 2004, a "Lebowski Fest West" hit Las Vegas, and, the following year, Los Angeles. It was here that Jeff Bridges held court - sans bathrobe and drinking vodka unadorned by Kahlua or cream. Will goes on to list cast notables who've appeared at other Fests: "In addition to El Duderino himself, we've had The Landlord (Jack Kehler), Karl Hungus/Uli The Nihilist (Peter Stormare), Da Fino The Private Dick (Jon Polito), Woo The Carpet Pisser (Philip Moon), The Jesus' bowling buddy Liam (Jim Hoosier) and many others have attended and had a blast!"

The "blasts," according to Mr. Russell, have not gotten out of hand, at least not in any way to match Walter (John Goodman) pulling a gun on Smokey (Jimmie Dale Gilmore) for going over the line. "The sheriff of Malibu has never arrived and thrown a coffee mug at anyone's head. Amazingly, there has never been a major incident and sometimes it feels like it's about to get out of control when a Walter is chasing down a Jesus. But the Achievers are a good bunch and always stop short of an 'incident.'"

By the time of the West Fests, every event was divided into two successive nights at two venues - one to serve as a pre-bowling warm-up, and the other to house the main event. As the years went by, more cities in North America welcomed followers, and London and Edinburgh expanded their international profile. Will particularly enjoyed the events on the Isles. "We have seen a lot of impressive drinking around these things but nobody can put it away like the UK Achievers - and proud we are of all of them. It was a trip to see someone dressed as Walter and when they open their mouth said 'Ovah Tha Lyne!!!' in the most Scottish way imaginable. It blew my mind."

So, what is it about this cinematic sleeper that causes so many people across the globe to fork over hard-earned cash to degrade themselves in public? I'm a Lebowski, You're a Lebowski the handbook that Will and Scott co-authored with Bill Green and Ben Peskoe, attempts to answer this question. The authors - or "Bums" as they call themselves - interview cast members, real-life individuals who inspired the creatures they play, and selected fans. Perhaps the most thoughtful assessment comes from fan Oliver Benjamin: "Even though the characters and situations are totally outrageous, they all feel so familiar and authentic. Moreover, the issues the film brings up (war, heroism, power, individuality, freedom, morality, work) are more important now than ever before. And instead of bashing those issues over your head, it does so with a wink and a chuckle."

In addition to the interviews, the book gathers photos and data about the Fests, including the unsurprising fact that the second most popular character for attendees to embody is John Turturro's The Jesus. In his interview, Turturro discusses the possibility of a spin-off focusing on The Jesus, and, presumably, the immoral tendencies he shares with the late Michael Jackson (This brings to mind one historical inaccuracy: the "walk of shame" Jesus undergoes would not become a requirement of guys like him until 1994, three years after the film takes place). Another, more surprisingly, popular figure to don the garb and wheelchair of is the millionaire Lebowski played by John Huddleston. According to Will, "We can never tell if they are actually wheelchair bound but we're pretty sure most of them are faking. In fact, I've never been more certain of anything in my life."

Equally certain is the fact that you have to see the movie several times before all the strands of its Raymond Chandleresque plot come together. Of course, there's a flip side to this greater understanding. As The Bums aptly note in the book: "Once you've watched the film a number of times, the world around you begins to change. Seeing a tumbleweed invokes the Stranger's voice in your head. Every time you see half and half in the grocery store you are tempted to sniff it for freshness instead of just checking the date. If there's a bowling pin, ransom note or a pair of dirty undies in a movie, you think, is that a reference to The Big Lebowski?"

Another question is how long can the shenanigans under discussion continue shaking up bowling lanes and night clubs? And could any other Coen Brothers movie be worthy of so many ceremonies? "We have no idea how long this will go on." Will answers, "I would love to attend an O Brother Where Art Thou fest on an old railroad train, complete with old timey bands, fisticuffs in the Woolworth's and baptisms in a nearby lake where all of our sins could be warshed away. 'Care for some gopher, Everett?'"

Before getting sidetracked by references to the Brothers' follow-up film, it would be best for those of you planning to attend the what-have-you on September 11-12 to brush up on all things Lebowski. This especially applies to any lines you plan on quoting out loud, for they must be correct down to the last word. Otherwise, you may find yourself "micturated" upon like that damned rug!

For more information on Lebowski Fest visit www.lebowskifest.com