FAQ for
The Big Lebowski (1998) More at IMDbPro »

The following FAQ entries may contain spoilers. Only the biggest ones (if any) will be covered with spoiler tags. It is assumed that no one who is diligently avoiding spoilers will be visiting this page in the first place.

The Big Lebowski is based on a screenplay written by co-directors and brothers, Joel and Ethan Coen.

There isn't any real evidence within the movie which would suggest that he was imaginary other than the viewer's own interpretation/speculation.

Some believe that Donny may have been Walter's imaginary friend based on the fact that Walter is thought to be the only one who speaks to him, and The Dude is familiar with Walter's imaginary friend, and ignores it. They are mistaken: the Dude and Donny exchange dialogue as well ("Phone's ringin,' Dude." "Thank you, Donny." and also, Donny: "What the fuck is he talking about?"; The Dude: "My rug.").

Plus, in the end the bartender at the bowling alley says, "Sorry about Donny," and the narrator/cowboy played by Sam Elliot laments his loss, so there really isn't any evidence that Donny should be imaginary. The fact that the mortuary service acknowledges and handles Donny's body after his death is proof enough that Donny existed.

"The Man in Me" by Bob Dylan is the only song in the movie that plays more than once. It plays at the opening credits and again when the Dude dreams about bowling after being knocked out.

For the rest of songs and their corresponding scenes in the movie try here.