Continuing with this momentum, Hoffman appeared in five films in 1998. He had supporting roles in the crime thriller "Montana" and the romantic comedy "Next Stop Wonderland", both of which were commercial failures, before working with the Coen brothers in their dark comedy "The Big Lebowski". Hoffman had long been a fan of the directors, and relished the experience of working with them. Appearing alongside Jeff Bridges and John Goodman, Hoffman played Brandt, the smug personal assistant of the titular character. Although it was only a small role, he claimed it was one for which he was most recognized, in a film that has achieved cult status and a large fan base. Between March and April 1998, Hoffman made 30 appearances on stage at the New York Theatre Workshop in a production of Mark Ravenhill's "Shopping and Fucking", portraying an ex-heroin addict.