The Big Lebowski Scene breakdown. scene #20-Ashes to Ashes

The Big Lebowski is an extremely dark satirical comedy. By definition satire has a defined target, however, through the course of the film several different targets are satirized. The nature of the targets of this satire along with the grim yet passive nature of the film is what makes the movie a Dark Comedy.
In this scene they are not so much mocking death as pointing out the ridiculous and essentially pointless ways we approach it. The two contrasting characters, Walter and The Dude, create an interesting dynamic that essentially play off each other to deliver this grim satire.
After the death of their friend, Walter and The Dude attempt to spread his ashes out across the ocean. When they cannot accomplish even this one simple task The Dude has a “breakdown” and a temporary roll reversal occurs in which The Dude becomes angry and aggressive and Walter attempts to comfort him. This scene is coherent with a larger theme of successful incompetence throughout the film.

Shot breakdown.
1. Medium close up to three shot.
2. Cut out to zoom (still three shot)
3. Zoom to medium close up
4. Cut to medium close up (repeat)
5. Scene break
6. Establishing shot (two shot)
7. Medium two shot close up to long shot
8. Back to medium two shot
9. Cut out to over the shoulder back to medium close up.
10. Cut to medium close up 2 shot to three shot (coffee can)
11. Over the shoulder. Cut to medium close up repeat.
12. Cut to medium shot
13. Scene
Mis-En-Scene
The Mis-En-Scene that is seen in this clip from The Big Lebowski is very consistent with the rest of the film. Though makeup is not readily noticeable on the characters, their costumes are direct representations of their personalities. Walters’s eccentrically conservative attire reflect him perfectly, while The Dudes laid back bowling garb is a perfect representations of him.
The shots themselves are usually very “big and empty”. What this means even though the shots are wide (in this case including a vast ocean and huge cliffs) the only thing relevant are the two characters having a dialogue. The film also makes ample use of the rules of thirds, leading lines, vanishing points, and natural frames. This makes it very easy and fun, easy, and interesting to watch.
Though in other scenes the lighting is used to create a specific desired effect. This scene makes good use ambient natural light. This technique is a reflection of the nature of the scene itself.