Pulp Fiction (1994)

Pulp Fiction (1994), is one of my favorite movies of all time. Written and directed by the brilliant Quentin Tarantino, Pulp Fiction is a rare example of a movie that succeeds on every level. From the rich storyline, ferocious acting performances, and gorgeous cinematography, Pulp Fiction hits every mark and is worth repeated watchings. 

Something that makes the the ultra hip crime film so compelling is the ambitious nature of the plot. The movie follows three main characters, Vincent Vega (John Travolta), Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis), and Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson). The movie shows their stories through other side characters and with eachother. Pulp Fiction is told out of chronological order, and starts in the same place as it ends, a Denny’s restaraunt. The way that the movie finishes gives an intense sense of satisfaction to such a complex story. 

The acting in this movie is fearless. The writing of Tarantino is brought to life by an extremely talented group of people. With strong performances on all fronts, Samuel L. Jackson’s execution of Jules Winnfield, the hitman with a philosophical side, is a stand out. His recital of Ezikiel 25:17 is one of the most powerful monolugues I have ever watched. Jackson’s deep, resisnent voice cuts through any room and brings a sense of stability to a movie with such apparent chaos. 

Cinematography can make or break a motion picture. Cinematography is more than just camera angles, it’s how we see the story. As I stated previously, Pulp Fiction is not a chronological film and the movie starts and finishes in the same place. In the beginning of the movie, Tarantino only lets us see one side of the diner with Tim Roth and Amanda Plummer’s conversation on how they are going to rob the restaraunt. Only a few booths away is Travolta and Jackson, discussing the meaning of life and eating pork that we see in the final minutes of the film. Tarantino uses artful camera angles throughout and is able to manipulate our perspective of time until the final minutes where everything falls into place.

This is the final and my personal favorite scene of the entire film, everything ties together.

Here is a link to the Pulp Fiction soundtrack. Another reason to love this movie is how good the music is. Definitely worth a listen!