LAist Interview: Jack Kehler of "The Big Lebowski"
This weekend fans of "The Big Lebowski" will gather for Lebowski Fest LA and Book Release Party. Followers of the religion Dudeism and of the film can be found wearing bowling shirts, drinking White Russians, and getting a little crazy "Dude" style. Known for his memorable interpretive dance scene in the film, I asked Jack Kehler who played Marty, the Dude's Landlord, about the cult status of this Coen Brother's classic.
LAist: The film opened in 1998. Could you have ever predicted the reaction from the fans?
Not for a moment. It was always a funny movie. We figured that. The mere fact that it was a Coen brothers film. You knew that it was going to tickle some people, but the way that it has panned out has been a head scratching kind of experience. It's been kind of fun. My wife Shawna and I were in Edinburgh, Scotland and somebody stopped me on the street there. We talked about my character and the scene. It's really been kind of fun and funny.
What did that fan in Edinburgh want to know?
He really just wanted to thank me. He said 'I can't tell you what a thrill it is to see you' and what an influence my character has had on British comedians. We just stood and talked on the sidewalk about the film.
Describe what it is like for the actors to attend a to the Lebowski Fest?
I've been to one and I am going this Friday for the book release party. For me the Lebowski Fest was more of a surprise than the response to the movie. I got there and within twenty-five seconds I was swept up in all this recognition. I was there on my own and I snuck in quietly and the next thing I know every ten or fifteen seconds someone was wanting to have a photo taken with me. I was really fun, very crowded. It was like a big convention or tailgate party. Everyone was walking around with White Russians. It was a funny experience. I've been walking down the street or at auditions and people will say my lines to me. It's very funny stuff. It's really kind of interesting.
Does anyone ask you to dance?
Uh no. They haven't done that, but when I was at the Lebowski Fest a few years ago I did a step or two up on the stage.
Tell me about the rehearsing and putting together the dance for the film?
I rehearsed with choreographers, Jacqui and Bill Landrum at their studio. We were given three or four choices of classical music from the Coen brothers. The three of us listened to them. Jacqui and Bill asked me how did I feel about it. Ultimately the one I preferred was the one that we chose, "Pictures at an Exhibition". Then what we did was phase by phase they would talk me through. 'How do you feel when you hear that? How does it make you feel physically, if you had to manifest it physically? What would it look like?' They talked me through this for several three hour rehearsals. It was an in depth process and fun and very sweaty and all the stuff you think of with dance. Sometime people ask 'oh did you just get up there and do that?' It would have been great if I had. I'd come home after rehearsal and practice in our living room to the music. That took about two to three weeks and then we filmed it.
What was Joel Coen's reaction on the day of the filming?
I think he loved it. It was at the Ivar Theatre in Hollywood. In the audience as in the movie there were about a dozen people in this big theatre which was a really funny aspect of it. I did it for a couple hours in the morning. They loved it. I was really happy with that. Jacqui and Bill were happy I think. I remember when I auditioned for it. It was just part of the stage direction, the fact that the character does this dance. I thought to myself. Well you know it's just a sentence in the stage direction, but I remember thinking that's a lot of work if I get this part. And it turned out to be just that.
What was your experience collaborating with Jeff Bridges?
I love that guy. He is just the nicest fellow. He couldn't make you feel any more at home and more comfortable. I had worked with his brother also. Beau had directed me in a TV movie. They were both so gracious and they make you feel like you are part of the family. Jeff took photos all the time. After the shoot and the wrap and everything, in the mail you get this beautiful book of pictures from the set. It was really thoughtful. He's just a wonderful special kind of person.
A film on YouTube of "The Big Lebowski" cuts together 281 times that the characters say fuck in the film? Did you character get in on the swearing?
No I didn't at all.
You were the goody two shoes character?
Yeah, that's really funny. I didn't get any of the candy.
Do you bowl?
Oh yeah- I'm a good bowler.
Where are your favorite lanes in LA?
It's so funny. The one that they filmed in is no longer there. It was my favorite. Shawna my wife had my 50th birthday party there. It was the one that I always loved. I was really bummed when it got taken down. Now I'll go to the one at Pico and 3rd, Bay Shore Lanes. That's a nice bowling alley in Santa Monica.
The religion of Dudeism teaches, "Just take it easy, man." Are you planning to convert any time soon?
I'm already in the choir.
You can buy a copy of the book "I'm a Lebowski, You're a Lebowski: Life, The Big Lebowski, and What-Have-You", meet some of your favorite characters, and commune with those who worship at the alter of the Dude this weekend at the Lebowski Fest:
Friday, October 12th - Opening Party @ The Knitting Factory Hollywood
Saturday, October 13th - Bowling Party @ The Cal Bowl
Sunday, October 14th - Lebowski Locations Tour
The Big Lebowski - F-ing Short Version