Review of Pulp Fiction (1994) by James D — 24 Oct 2014

The year 1994 gave birth to the quintessential ?cool? movie of all time and redefined the bar for creativity in movie making. Pulp Fiction is often described as a ?gansta? film; however, director Quintin Tarantino manages to switch gears so fast that audiences are rewarded with several genres all rolled up into one very cool package. It is a story of revenge, love, honor, and general depravity. The film combines ?A? list actors like John Travolta (Vincent Vega) and Bruce Willis (Butch Coolidge) alongside phenomenal character actors like Harvey Keitel (Winston Wolf) and Samuel L. Jackson (Jules Winnfield). In addition to an already amazing cast, Uma Thurman (Mia Wallace) stuns audiences in her portrayal of the coked out party girl married to Ving Rhames, who portrays Marsellus Wallace, leader of the gang in which Travolta and Jackson reside.

Vincent and Jules are hit men used by Wallace for nefarious endeavors. Marsellus Wallace requests that Vincent take Mia Wallace out for a night on the town while he is away on business. Although nervous about the event, Vincent agrees to take care of her. During their date, Mia finds a baggy of what she thinks is cocaine in Vincent?s jacket. While Vincent is in the bathroom, Mia snorts the powder only to discover (too late) that it is actually heroin. Now it is a race against time to save her life or most assuredly lose his own. This is only one of the many competing story lines in the film. Bruce Willis, Christopher Walken, Tim Roth, and Amanda Plummer all have incredible parts to play in this twisted, yet symbiotic storyline.

Perhaps the most impactful punch to Pulp Fiction is the manner in which it was edited. Although unknown to the audience, the movie begins at the end of the story and eventually comes full circle. In between beginning and end lies masterful storytelling and acting. It is truly genius how Tarantino manages to take a hodgepodge of eclectic scenes and pulls them together in a roller coaster ride of excitement and movie bliss. The only aspect cooler than the movie itself was the soundtrack, which sold more than three million copies. Tarantino elected to use a collection of surf music, rock and roll, and pop songs to titillate audiences. The combination of toe tapping music set against incredibly disturbing and awkward film moments only boosts the ?cool? level of the film. Using upbeat music to set up disturbing scenes proved quite effective to audiences.

Pulp Fiction strives to build excitement and tension throughout the film. Audiences are helpless to predict what will happen from one moment to the next. A key attribute to achieving this is the cinematography used in the film. Tarantino and company combine film styles of ?B? movies from the 1960s and 1970s to create moods and styles. Besides the excellent dialog and acting, the addition of unique cinematography only fuels the mood and tone of the film.

The social context of the film is present from beginning to end. In true cinematic fashion, Tarantino reminds audiences how cool it is to do drugs and kill people. Although the majority of characters in the film are stone cold killers and generally bad people, audiences love them. In spite of who these characters are movie goers want to know them or be like them. Vincent, Jules, Marsellus, Butch, and Mia are all on top of the social scale. Despite their drug use, murderous tendencies, and revenge fueled passion for violence; they are very likable people. That is true movie magic.

The meaning of the film is quite subjective. Is it a story of vengeance? Is it a story about love and regret? Alternatively, is it a story about honor and pride? Personally, I enjoy exciting movies with great dialog, violence, and fantastic dancing. I found it awesome to have all of it in one film. If you suspend reality at the door, Pulp Fiction is one of the most enjoyable films made. At the very least, I highly recommend it for improving one?s cool factor. Pulp Fiction, a true 5 star film.