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Learning Objective
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZR58d77a4A
The Big Lebowski: EVT #2
• An additional scene that depicts EBT is when The Dude finishes
meeting with the big Lebowski and is escorted off premises. When
passing the pool, the wife of the big Lebowski, Bunny, suggest that
she will perform fellatio on The Dude for a sum of money. Brandt,
more-or-less, acts appropriately in this regard; however, Lebowski
simply shrugged it off in makes a funny comment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pynxRRVBu74
The Big Lebowski: EVT #3
• The scene where Walter and The Dude spread the ashes of Donnie
is an excellent example of EVT. In the scene, Walter begins a eulogy
about Donnie and how he was a rememberable human being. Soon
after, Walter goes off on a tangent and begin speaking about the
war. When Walter dumps Donnie’s ashes, they immediately go and
are caked on The Dude’s face. The solemn reaction of The Dude is
characteristic of EVT.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u44D3qKKGPU
The Big Lebowski: EVT #4
• One of the greatest scenes in The Big Lebowski is when Walter is
questioning the kid who they believe still The Dude’s car. Although
the kid did steal The Dude’s car, his face remains resolved
throughout the entire interrogation. In fact, when Walter begins
bashing in the kid’s neighbors car, the kid remains undeterred and
this exemplifies the notion of EVT.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PztgWdMEJdg
Conclusions
• EVT elucidates on how individuals respond in unanticipated
situations that violate social norms.
• The three core concepts of EVT are expectancy, communicator
award valence and violation valence.
• The theoretical perspectives of EVT suggest that an understanding
of the cultural nuances associated with EVT can greatly increase
society’s understanding of the world.
• Practically every scene in The Big Lebowski is an excellent
representation of EVT, given that all of the characters respond to
social violations in a manner that is not appropriate with the
violation.
• All-in-all, a fundamental understanding of EVT increases one’s
perspective on socio-psychological issues in modern society.
References
• Bevan, J. L. (2003). Expectancy violation theory and sexual
resistance in close, cross-sex relationships. Communication
Monographs, 70(1), 68-82.
• Burgoon, J. K., & Jones, S. B. (1976). Toward a theory of
personal space expectations and their violations. Human
Communication Research, 2(2), 131-146.
• Burgoon, J. K. (1993). Interpersonal expectations, expectancy
violations, and emotional communication. Journal of Language
and Social Psychology,12(1-2), 30-48.
• Coen, E., Coen, J., Bridges, J., Goodman, J., Moore, J.,
Buscemi, S., Stormare, P., & Focus Features. (2005). The big
Lebowski. United States: Universal Studios Home Entertainment.