One of the greatest and most-cult-like of film fandoms is battling it out over relics of The Big Lebowski, the Coen Brothers 1998 film about a Los Angeles stoner dragged into a complex mystery.
A sale to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the movie’s release is due to close tomorrow, December 16.
Dressing gown and glasses
The Dude was never without his glasses, which bear the scars of his helter skelter daily routine.
More than 250 lots take in storyboards from the films creation and numerous costumes, including some that are staples at fancy dress events linked to the film.
The Big Lebowski has inspired the pseudo-religion of Dudeism, in which fans follow the lifestyle of the central character of the film, the Dude, played by Jeff Bridges.
Among the most valuable items are totemic costumes like the Dude’s dressing gown and white t-shirt, which carries a $30,000 to $50,000 estimate. A pair of sunglasses worn by Bridges in the film has a current bid of $20,000.
Storyboards from the film are attracting a wide variety of valuations depending on the scenes they show. The Coen Brothers use storyboards extensively, always working with artist J Todd Anderson.
The sale is part of a larger movie-related sale run online across several days. It will end on December 17.
The Big Lebowski has a large and dedicated global fandom. Whether it’s a fandom that has the cash to push these sales up into the higher eshelons of movie memorabilia values will be shown in the next couple of days. Some proceeds of the sale will go to the Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign.
