Pulp Fiction

If you don’t know what the word “Pulp Fiction” means, this film defines it for you.

In 8th grade, I remember looking at memes of a black man with a small afro and a slick mustache, and a white man with greasy long hair that is pulled back, both with black suits and 9mm silver handguns. To my impression, it was obvious that the memes were referring to a renowned work of art, but I was not inclined enough to search for its name.

"Pulp Fiction" is my 2nd Quentin Tarantino film after "Kill Bill". Though I failed to notice the same resounding elements Tarantino uses in the latter, the sheer brilliance in "Pulp Fiction" widened my eyes. It is one of those satirical films replete with smooth dialogues and memorable characters, all revolving around dark subject matters like philosophy, gun violence, sexual assault and drug use that children should avoid. In fact, to present such melancholy and appalling themes in a way that facilitates amusement and comedy (for example, when Marvin gets hilariously shot in the face), is truly indicative of talented writing.

Due to the film's unconventional chronological order that is simultaneously stylistic, describing the plot of "Pulp Fiction" is a challenge. As a result, the audience may find themselves bewildered or lost during the first half of the film, but will soon conceive the erratic plot structure as inconsequential once they are immersed by the dialogues, which are the main driving force behind the brilliance of "Pulp Fiction". To put it simply, the film presents two hitmen (the “meme stars”), a mob boss and his wife, a boxer, a drug dealer, a cleaner and two bandits with intertwining stories, hence the title “Pulp Fiction”. There are a total of seven episodes that are out of chronological order and in different points of view, which is typically referred to as “circular narrative” in literature. For this reason, the overarching plot may not be discernible, but with patience, the second half offers more sense to how all the conflicts compellingly merge into a single plotline, coupled with an ending that epitomizes filmmaking.

The heavy themes presented throughout, implemented with witty dialogue, could not be better expressed than the cast of "Pulp Fiction". Films nowadays are usually limited to one or two memorable characters; for "Pulp Fiction", almost every character is remarkable. Occasionally, it is what they say that elevate the scenes, but the majority of the film’s success can be credited to the tone, ambiance, and character that actors such as John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, and Ving Rhames convey.

For Jackson who plays Jules Winnfield, he has consistently played the steadfast yet rebellious archetype like Mace Windu of "Star Wars", Nick Fury of Marvel and Colonel Packard of "Kong: Skull Island". The character of Jules Winnfield is no different, which was perfect for Jackson. Anyone can savor his barrage of swear word like classical music and have a good chuckle even when Jackson’s character shifts into solemnness, simply because of the sheer level of “badassery” in his dialogue. While we may never know impressive Paul Calderón could have been, who was nearly casted for Jules, Jackson’s own acting overwhelmingly convinces me regardless.

The one other time I watched a movie with John Travolta in it, was “Hairspray”; otherwise, the actor was virtually unknown to me. Fortunately, Travolta resurges once again as a competent Hollywood star in Pulp Fiction, where in fact, he acts out my personal favorite scene of the movie, which is the milkshake scene. Travolta’s character, Vincent Vega, may be a buffoon and somehow allures misfortune whenever he retires to the bathroom, but his suave and reserved nature empowers the film's dialogues and atmosphere. Every repartee with Travolta is smooth and natural, and they are at its peak during the milkshake scene. It is no wonder why this role rejuvenated Travolta’s career after a downturn since the musical film “Grease”.

After this film, I have gained a new found respect for Quentin Tarantino. While his previous works are no prolific blockbusters like Steven Spielberg’s or James Cameron’s, his knowledge and skill in directing is tremendously laudable; his numerous nominations for Best Director speak for themselves. Tarantino’s "Pulp Fiction" is as satirical as it is subtle. This film encourages you to not only watch, but also think, as you will routinely examine themes on religion, violence, loyalty, and judgment. The film also employs a new style of storytelling with a plethora of infinitely revisitable scenes, because of exotic character personalities, the originality of the dialogue and appropriate soundtracks. While inexpensively made with an estimated budget of only $8.5 million, this film proves that unequivocal creativity in writing and palpable authenticity in acting alone can garner nearly $220 million in revenue without cutting-edge CGI technology. Overall, "Pulp Fiction" wholeheartedly lives up to its accolade as one of the best. It is the cornerstone of postmodern films that will also serve as a model for future films. Although the certain scenes can slow the pace down midway, and a variety of scenes being appallingly sanguinary and verbally coarse, Pulp Fiction in its entirety, however, delivers a fulfilling impression to the audience, and will forever stand the test of time.

Verdict: Legendary 10

Box Office: $213.9 million Release Year: October 14, 1994 Rewatchable: Yes

One of my favorite scenes in "Pulp Fiction"