In the film 'The Big Lebowski', both genders are portrayed very differently. Which one comes out on top by the film's end? Let's take a look, shall we?
Why yes, yes we shall.
FEMALES
The women in the film are portrayed as more powerful. Then again, it's not hard to be more powerful than a bunch of bowling-loving-losers.
Maude, the daughter of the Big Lebowski, seems very in control. Emotionless, but in control. Her surroundings are crisp and neat, as is her hair and her personality. She obviously knows what she wants, and will get it, no ifs ands or buts. For example, she wants a child, but she does not want a father. What does she do? Try to conceive with the Dude. She doesn't try to seduce him, and she does not hide her intentions. She shows up and they make a baby. She has the power. She also has money, which gives her power. She even has control over her father, since she gives him an allowance.
Bunny is another character who has power. She uses sex to get what she wants, and since men are portrayed as not-too-bright, they fall for it.
MEN
The main men in the film are bums. They have no jobs, they are obsessed with Vietnam, and they spend all their time in a lonely little bowling alley. Bowling itself is an uncool sport (if you can even call it a sport), so it makes the men in the film even more lame.
However, even though the Dude is a bum, he did manage to figure out Lebowski's plan, and Bunny got home safe and sound (even though he had nothing to do with it). He heroically fights the Germans, and does not end up dead, which to me means the whole altercation was a success (except for the friend dying, which put a damper on the victory).
Not even Lebowski himself is successful, seeing as he gets his money from his daughter and he is a business failure who likes to put in airs.
The only successful man in the film is Jackie Treehorn. But he makes his money off of porn, making him kind of like scum, so he didn't come off as a likeable character.
Overall, the women (as shallow as they are portrayed) are the more powerful gender in this film. They've got drive, and are apparently even willing to cut of toes to get money/power. Interesting.
