Do you love talking about Films? Are you trying to watch more films in English?
Thinking in English is hosting another Film Club!- 19:00 BST on Wednesday 29th November!
Join us to discuss…. The Big Lebowski!
You can find more details on how to participate on Patreon and Discord!
Film Club – The Big Lebowski – Conversation Questions –
Useful Resources – Vocabulary – Example Answers
What is the Thinking in English Film Club?
The Film Club is a great opportunity for Thinking in English Patreon members to practice their conversational English by discussing a film with other members.
In each session we will talk about one film, please try to watch it before attending! Just like in the normal Conversation Clubs we will provide 10 questions about the film to help to inspire you.
You can find these (and some other useful resources) below…
For our next meeting on Wednesday 29th November, we will be discussing the Cohen Brothers’ one-of-a-kind comedic masterpiece The Big Lebowski
The Big Lebowski (1998)
What is The Big Lebowski?
Here is a movie description for The Big Lebowski!
The Big Lebowski follows the Dude, a now-iconic character known for being super-chill, drinking White Russians and his love of bowling.
When he gets tangled up in a case of mistaken identity, it leads to a hilarious and unpredictable journey with his larger-than-life group of friends.
This film blends the comedy genre with crime, mystery, and a bucket load of cultural references. Expect plot twists, a cool soundtrack and a lot of fun!
Conversation Questions and Talking Points!
- Who is your favorite character in The Big Lebowski? How does this character contribute to the overall story and themes of the film?
- The dialogue in “The Big Lebowski” is famously witty. Do you have any favourite lines? Do all great comedies contain witty dialogue?
- What are some of the symbols or themes you noticed, and why are they important? (For example, the bowling alley, the rug, or the white Russian drink)
- Talk about the relationships between the characters The Dude, Walter, and Donny. How do these relationships evolve throughout the film, and what do they reveal about the characters?
- Discuss the cinematography and visual style of the film. How do the visual styles of comedies differ from serious films?
- “The Big Lebowski” has a diverse soundtrack that complements the film’s eclectic nature. Do you agree and do you like the music in the film?
- The film is known for its cultural references, from music to literature. Are there any references that you found particularly funny or difficult to understand?
- How does humor vary across different cultures? Are there any comedy movies you like from your country that other people would not find funny?
- There are many different types of comedy such as slapstick, deadpan, wordplay, satire, toilet humour, dark humour and more. Which kind of humour do you like best? Can you think of any films that use it well?
- “The Big Lebowski” is known for blending genres (it mixes comedy with elements film noir and even western). Do all great comedy films incorporate other genres?
And finally, how would you describe the film to someone who has never seen it before? Would you recommend it? Why?
Do you have any more thoughts or questions about The Big Lebowski?
Why not prepare 1 or 2 more of your own questions or opinions about the film?!
Useful Resources
To help you prepare for the Film Club, you might want to look at the following useful online resources:
Playlist of The Big Lebowski Clips on YouTube:
IMDb Page
IMDb page where you can find everything about the film including: Videos, Characters, Cast and Crew, Plot Synopsis, Quotes, Reviews and more!
10 Reasons The Big Lebowski is FANTASTIC
“Tast of Cinema” Film Review: An online article that gives 10 reasons why The Big Lebowski is the best film from the directors, The Cohen Brothers!
Vocabulary
The Big Lebowski Vocabulary
Learn and practice vocabulary for this Conversation Club!.
Practice using 5 different study games and activities – including writing, listening, and memorisation techniques!
Flashcards
Matching Game
Learning Game
Test Yourself
Listening and Spelling
General Film Vocabulary
Learn and practice vocabulary for this Thinking in English Conversation Club.
Practice using 5 different study games and activities – including writing, listening, and memorisation techniques!
Flashcards
Matching Game
Learning Game
Test Yourself
Listening and Spelling
Example Answers
Example answers to question 5 – “Discuss the cinematography and visual style of the film. Are there any particular shots or scenes that stood out to you? How do the visual styles of comedies differ from serious films?”
B1 Example Answer
B2 Example Answer
C1 Example Answer
See you all at the Film Club!
