Braxton, Greg (June 26, 1998). "Embattled 'Magic Hour' to Try Different Strategy". The Big Lebowski (/ləˈbaʊski/) is a 1998 black comedy neo-noir crime film penned, manufactured, and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. According to the board, the movie was "highly provocative and may perhaps trigger off unrest and communal violence".