Weekend Humor: Turturro on Playing “The Jesus”
October 16, 2010 12 Comments
The Coen Brothers film, The Big Lebowski is easily one of my favorite all-time comedies. Most “movie people” I know can’t get enough of it. I find it astonishing that the movie has developed such an enormous, devoted following over the years — complete with “Lebowski Conventions” that have appeared across the country. And though the film stars Jeff Bridges (by Law, I have to say how awesome he is), John Goodman, Julianne Moore, and Steve Buscemi — it is the cameo appearance by the brilliantly versatile John Turturro as master bowler, Jesus Quintana who absolutely steals the show for me.
Turturro has been one of Hollywood’s most underrated actors for some time now, delivering sensational performances in films like Barton Fink, Miller’s Crossing, Quiz Show, Unstrung Heroes, and the seldom seen Mac. It is a shame that he has gone completely unnoticed by the Academy, garnering zero nominations in his illustrious career. But it is Turturro’s immense talent and imagination that turns about 8 minutes of polyester-clad screentime into something much more memorable. In this short video, Mr. Turturro discusses how the character was created and how he went about approaching this iconic, alley-dancing intimidator. It’s very funny and surely, worth watching for any fan of the film. And always remember…
Nobody fucks with the Jesus!
Magic Lantern Film Blog 
No one fucks with the Jesus! Hahahaha………..love The Big Lebowski
And I love the new look of the site. It’s brighter and easy to read and I dig it big time man!
Thank you, Heather! I just tried a new theme and layout. Glad you like it. Hope I can improve on it in the near future. And yes, I always remember — the Jesus will always fuck you no matter when you bowl against him! 😉
The Heather Stamp of approval. Now you are complete!
I always appreciate feedback from everyone. And I respect what Heather and her fellow Mobsters have done on their terrific website.
I want to see the Jesus driving a school bus.
I would also like to see that Tracey… But is not the Jesus a molester?
Let’s not get carried away. I think he only exposed himself to some 8-year old. Haha
Hmm…okay, make it a charter bus full of old ladies on their way to Atlantic City, who happen to enjoy snug-fitting purple polyester jumpsuits…
I guess when a publication called Financial Times starts writing movie reviews, you get hyperbolic quotes like, “The best Hitchcock film Hitchcock never directed.” What a joke!
They also had some lame-ass critic quote from JoBlo.com. Awful job.
Did you see this when it was up (before it was taken down and apparently published as a book)?
http://www.runleiarun.com/lebowski/
It was one of my all-time favorite internet things ever. A sample:
To thrash thee soundly at the fair tourney.
THE KNAVE
Yea, well, that be, forsooth, thy opinion, sir.
QUINCE
Well; but be forewarn’d. It reach’d mine ears
That combustible Walter, o’ercome with rage
Did shed good sense, and raise his sword in play.
I fear not such jade’s tricks, an seeing ill,
Would snatch the burden from the jealous knight
And pierce his gizzard with the wrongful steel,
Points up, as said of Coriolanus.
THE KNAVE
Zounds!
QUINCE
Thou speakest rightly, sir. No man misdeals with Joshua Quince, by Jesu.
Haha — that is brilliant! Thank you so much for the link! good stuff. I can see Bridges doing this…he was perfect…