Friday, November 02, 2007

Is Donny real?


While discussing The Big Lebowski with a coworker, something was brought to my attention. Throughout the film, Walter (John Goodman) is seen conversing with Donny (Steve Buscemi). If you pay close attention, no one else addresses him. Is he a figment of Walter's imagination? Is Donny real?
There are a few instances where this is debatable, specifically during the scene when the three of them go to little Larry Sellars house looking for the briefcase. After Walter smashes the Corvette, the owner runs out to smash the Dude's car, which is where they left Donny. However, next time we see the Dude's car, Donny's gone. Did he go to In-N-Out? Was he ever there?
This myth is laid to rest after the failed drop with the kidnappers. As Walter, Donny, and the Dude are leaving the bowling alley, Donny says, "Phone's ringin', Dude," to which Dude replys, "Thanks, Donny."
I found this interesting and I hope you all have as well. If you haven't seen The Big Lebowski, this has been a waste of your time.

1 comment:

phbalanced said...

I think, as the brothers have said, the movie works both ways. Donny does not interact with any other characters besides Walter and a select few instances with the Dude. Those Dude instances are shrouded in potential clues, such as you don't see Donny tell the Dude his phone is ringing as he walks away. In fact, the Dude doesn't even turn around to acknowledge him. Perhaps Walter has a Donny voice he uses when interacting with him. In fact, it's quite possible the whole bowling alley know of Walters issues and just accept he is pretty crazy. He did, after all, pull out a weapon and had no real reprecussions from it. I just finished watching the whole movie and think this is a great concept that makes me want to just re-start the dvd right now...the Dude abides!