Bowling Shoes and White Russians Provided
The three steps to become a “cult classic.”
- Alienate the mainstream
- Attract a niche following
- Attain awesomeness with age
A Case Study with “The Big Lebowski”
Step #1: Alienate the mainstream
When “The Big Lebowski” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 1998, there were walkouts along with a scathing review citing “a large amount of profanity in the movie, which seems a weak attempt to paper over dialogue gaps.” (Howell, Peter. Toronto Star. January 19, 1998)
Step #2: Attract a niche following
Established film critics might be split on reviews, but the Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic communities are effusive in heaping praise. The Big Lebowski set a record for the longest run at midnight film screenings in Santa Cruz.
Step #3: Attain awesomeness with age
- Classic quotes. “That rug really tied the room together.”
- The renaissance of a drink. The White Russian
- And now… Lebowski Fest!
This weekend, the Lebowski Fest swings through San Francisco. This two-day event features bowling on Friday night in Daly City followed by a movie party on Saturday. Har Mar Superstar headlines the event capped by the movie’s first run at the Fox Theater in Oakland—a gem still sparkling from their $83 million renovation.
Mister Archer abides!
Till next time!
~Mister Archer
The Details:
Lebowski Fest rolls through the Bay Area
Friday, July 24th at Classic Bowl, Daly City
Saturday, July 25th at Fox Theater, Oakland
LebowskiFest.com
