The Big Lebowski is considered one of the Coen brothers’ best movies, one that launched a subculture and an actual religion following its 1998 release. From its story to its blending of genres to its all-time great soundtrack, a lot is going on in the movie following “The Dude” as he gets wrapped up in a confounding conspiracy involving rugs, severed toes, and nihilists. There’s also the perfect Big Lebowski cast, headlined by Jeff Bridges and John Goodman.
However, I recently learned that Paul Rudd, who was very much an up-and-coming actor at the time, auditioned for one of The Big Lebowski’s most memorable roles, and now I want to see this audition tape. No, it’s not The Dude, Walter, or even Donnie, but instead an unforgettable (and uncomfortable) character played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman: Brandt.
