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Pulp Fiction: The Birth of a Myth

Updated: Feb 21, 2023


Reviews by:

  • @movieejunkiee

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Introduction

I saw Pulp Fiction last night. I have been SOOOO excited to watch this film because it's one of the best film ever made, and OMG, it exceeded my expectations! I couldn't believe how good this film is. Quentin Tarantino was already one of my favourite filmmakers with Django Unchained being my favourite of his (before Pulp Fiction). His directing is phenomenal, but his screenplays are on another level. The performances he got out of his cast, the soundtrack, and the non-linear timeline are just a few of my favourite things from this film.

Directing

Quentin Tarantino is one of the best filmmakers ever, and his directing style is very unique. Now, I am aware that he homages/"copies" some filming techniques from other filmmakers, but, in my opinion, I don't think that's a crime. As long as you don't completely rip-off the filmmaker and they're just an influence on you, I believe that that's great. People like, Brian De Palma, Sergio Leone, and Martin Scorsese have formed the filmmaker that Quentin is today. Anyway, he did an excellent job at directing Pulp Fiction. Quentin used a lot of long, one shot takes which really kept you glued to the screen. I also loved the zooms and extreme close-ups he used when either something bad happened or to show the character's expression even more. Another thing I found very impressive was the 360° shots he took around Butch (played by Bruce Willis). A prime example of this is when Butch is on a call in a phone booth and the camera pans around him for nearly a minute straight. It's very impressive.

Acting

The whole cast did an outstanding job playing their characters. John Travolta was a great cast for Vincent Vega. He plays his character very chill and cool, until he has to bring Mia to Lance's house, where his acting ability really stands out. Uma Thurman was also a perfect choice for her character. She played Mia very mysteriously and discreet, while also being very memorable (and a great dancer). Although the whole cast was outstanding, my two favourite performances were Sam Jackson's and Bruce Willis'.

More Acting

Let's start with Samuel L. Jackson. Samuel plays Jules soooo well. This might be my favourite performance of his (along with Stephen from Django). His character is very cool, professional, and smart. I absolutely LOVE the monologue he gives (Ezekiel 25:17). It's not only well written, but very well acted. He slowly raises his voice and the "vengeance" gradually shows when he presents his monologue. Now, onto Bruce Willis. Bruce did cause the budget to raise up to $8 million dollars, but it was definitely worth it. He plays an extremely daring, brave, and rageful character. Before Pulp Fiction I thought Willis usually played the same sort of roles, but after watching this, Butch is unlike any character Willis has ever played. I LOVE "The Gold Watch" chapter, it's probably my favourite chapter in the whole film. I think the best acting from Bruce in this film was in the apartment where he is arguing with his wife about forgetting his watch. Anyway, as I said, the whole cast was insane but I just think these two hold the best performances.

Screenplay

Quentin Tarantino was my favourite screenwriter before I ever saw Pulp Fiction, and now, this is my favourite script he ever wrote. Pulp Fiction is a dialogue driven film with some of the best dialogue ever written. I had heard that this was a great script, but I was simply blown away. I mean, from the very start to the very end you are glued to the screen by what the characters are talking about. Most of the time the characters aren't even talking about the plot of the movie, they're talking about every day things, like Quarter Pounders with cheese, or Le Big Mac, or why awkward silences are awkward. I think that's what makes Pulp Fiction so engaging.

More Screenplay

There are also so many quotable moments in Pulp Fiction, like: "Zed's Dead, baby", "English Mother fucker, do you speak it", "Does he look like a bitch?" The dialogue isn't the only good thing about the script, the non-linear timeline is also really fun and interesting. Non-linear timelines are very rare. You only see Christopher Nolan and Quentin Tarantino do these types of movies, usually. When you think of a non-linear timeline the word "confusing" comes to mind, whereas Pulp Fiction isn't confusing at all. Actually, piecing together the chapters after watching the film for the first time is part of the fun.

Soundtrack

As usual, Tarantino's soundtracks are unbelievable. The soundtrack is one of my favourite parts of the film. From "You Never Can Tell" by Chuck Berry, to "Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon" by Urge Overkill, this film has it all. All the songs fit the feel of the film so well. The music feels like a breath of fresh air after a very tense moment. One of my favourite scene in the film is the dance in Jack Rabbit Slim's. It's a perfect example for a breath if fresh air. Also, the Pulp Fiction theme in the opening credits is sooo cool. It let's you know that you're in for a fun ride from the very start.

Tension, Disaster, Suspense

Tension, disaster, and suspense are like other characters in the film. They hover over every scene ready to strike. An example of tension is when Butch sees Marcellus walk across the street with a pink box, an example of suspense is the Zed scene, and an example of disaster is when Mia OD's. There are so many more examples that have these extra characters, but the film isn't all serious, it's also hilarious. Quentin knows exactly how to balance tension and humour. He knows when the audience must laugh, and when the audience must be disturbed. Also, he can mix the two, like in the Marvin scene. That's one of my favourite things about Quentin Tarantino.

Conclusion

This is one of my favourite films of all time, made by one of my favourite filmmakers of all time, starring some of my favourite actors of all time. All in all, the directing, acting, screenplay, quotes, timeline, music and suspense are merely some of the best things about Pulp Fiction. If you haven't watched this cult classic film, I definitely recommend you doing so, but if you do watch Pulp Fiction, actually watch it with no distractions. This is an experience. Anyway, that's today's review. This is one of my longest reviews yet so I hope you guys enjoyed. If so, drop a comment with your thoughts on this fantastic film and my review.


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