Our generation’s first and only source of knowledge, Wikipedia, describes a cult film as a movie that attracts a devoted group of followers or obsessive fans, despite having failed commercially on its initial release. Although the motion picture did not initially do well in box offices, it often earns cult following and becomes successful following its video and DVD releases. There is no finer example of a cult film for our generation than 1998 Coen brother comedy, The Big Lebowski – my pound for pound favorite movie of all time. An ensemble of A-list actors each delivering some of the signature performances of their careers in a quirky, wildly hilarious plot has earned Lebowski acknowledgment as “the first cult film of the Internet era.” Some fans are such staunch Lebowski supporters, that they show up in hordes to “Lebowski Fest” each year in Louisville, Kentucky. Even greater proof of the ardent love for Lebowski in certain circles of our culture is offered by Nike’s tribute kicks – the Jesus Bruin Walter Janoski Holiday 2010 Pack.
Although the film centers on the exploits of Jeff Bridge’s character, Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski, Nike’s commemorative two pack pays tribute to a pair of the movie’s secondary characters – Walter Sobchak (John Goodman) and Jesus Quintana (John Turturro). Walter, a converted Jew and troubled Vietnam War veteran, is the most over the top personality in the film with a strict moral code against “rolling” on his Shabbos and stepping over the foul line in the bowling alley. Clearly still affected by his time in the bush, Sobchak has a quick temper and never hesitates to draw a firearm or crowbar to get his message across. Jesus Quintana, on the other hand, is the Dude and Walter’s rival on the lanes and Turturro delivers a convincing performance as this hairnet-wearing, smack talking Latino pedophile. Walter informs The Dude that Jesus served “six months in Chino for exposing himself to an 8-year-old,” this should come as no surprise as Quintana enjoys such activities as licking freshly polished bowling balls and dancing furiously to Gypsy Kings flamenco version of “Hotel California.”
Now that all of you outsiders are familiar with the characters that inspired Nike’s Jesus Bruin Walter Janoski Holiday 2010 Pack, let’s take a look at these modest sneakers that offer a genuine Lebowski feel. The brown Walter low tops draw their color scheme from the vest, bandana, and army fatigues he dons throughout the movie, while the Jesus kicks resemble his patented purple bowling shirt. These are the definition of comfort shoes and appeal directly to the Lebowski fan just looking to take it easy and perhaps “do a J.” Keep your eyes open for this rare combo pack for the 2010 holiday season.
