Quentin Tarantino’s genius lies in his ability to write a screenplay that is bordering on nonsensical, but inexplicably hypnotising. The seemingly casual banter between his characters draws you into the film, and takes you on a rollercoaster ride through their interactions while the plot silently moves along. Pulp Fiction (1994) is the greatest example of this writing genius, and it has an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay to prove it.
Like most Tarantino movies this action-packed film is not for the faint-hearted. But for those who can stomach the strong language and violence, it is worth watching for its memorable dialogues and celebrated characters, played by a star-studded cast that includes (among others) Uma Thurman, John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson and Bruce Willis.
The film also has an excellent soundtrack, and a punchy title track which you have probably heard even if you haven’t seen the movie:
As a rule Tarantino’s films pay homage to specific genres and styles from the past that have caught his fancy or fascinated him. Pulp Fiction, as its name describes, is inspired by early “Pulp” magazines from the 1950’s and earlier, which were cheap publications that would contain hard-boiled stories and short novels of adventure and action. Pulp magazines are sometimes considered to be the predecessors to modern comic books.
The film takes place in LA and involves “the lives of two mob hit men, a boxer, a gangster's wife, and a pair of diner bandits intertwine in four tales of violence and redemption”. The movie has a non-linear narrative that takes you from one storyline to the next throughout the movie.
One of these storylines focuses on Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) and Vincent Vega (John Travolta) who are two hit-men on assignment to retrieve a suitcase (a “MacGuffin” plot device pioneered by Orson Welles in Citizen Kane) stolen from their boss Marsellus Wallace, and punish the perpetrators.
Instead of just using such characters as “goons” who appear on-screen for a few minutes to forward the plot, Tarantino puts Jules and Vincent on center stage and follows them around before and after they do their criminal duties – resulting in many entertaining scenes of the aforementioned banter where they exchange experiences, hearsay, trivia, and each others’ perspective on life.
Vincent Vega is also asked by his boss to entertain his wife Mia Wallace while he is out of town. Which is a stressful situation for Vega because his boss is notoriously suspicious (he is known to have thrown a man four stories from a balcony for giving his wife a foot-massage).
The actual meeting is also a brilliantly played by the Travolta and Thurman, as the sultry Mia Wallace leads the night’s direction and Vincent tries to tip-toe around her and maintain his boundaries. Everything does not exactly go as planned, which leads to yet another iconic scene from the movie involving a drug overdose and an adrenaline shot.
In this act we are also treated to Travolta’s famed dancing skills in a scene at a 50’s themed restaurant that was awarded “Best Dance Sequence” at the MTV Movie awards in 1994.
Another storyline involves Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis) who is a boxer paid by Wallace to lose a fight, but has other plans on his mind.
These stories of course come together at various parts in the movie in a very bizarre series of events that are often funny, shocking and surprising at the same time. We are also treated to a host of supporting characters that are as entertaining and memorable as the main cast; such as Tarantino’s cameo as the nervous “Jimmy”, and the mysterious “Mr. Wolf” who is called in by him to clean up an accidental murder scene.
In true Tarantino fashion, the film is full of pop-culture references from start to finish, and due to its success is in-turn highly influential in its own right.
Here’s a reference in “Space Jam” of all places:
Pulp Fiction is difficult to categorise; some have called it post-modern while others label it black comedy or – controversially – even Noir. It is however, definitely one of the most influential movies of our time. You can’t talk long with a modern movie buff before this gem of the 90s comes up.
Who should watch this movie
If you like dark comedies with gritty characters, you will love this movie. However, a high tolerance for strong language and violent scenes is required – like any Tarantino feature – this is a classic blend of shock and humour.
If you like any Quentin Tarantino movie and you haven’t seen this one, it is a must watch.
If you end up watching this movie or have already seen it, do share your own review and observations in the comments section – and add your own reasons for liking/disliking it.
Because this blog is weekly we will continue to highlight one classic a week, including foreign-language films, as well as local classics, so check back same time next week to see our next weekly classic!
If you liked Pulp Fiction watch “Inglourious Basterds” or “In Bruges”.
View Dawn.com’s weekly classics archive here.
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