Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 classic, Pulp Fiction, is an unparalleled cinematic masterpiece that has forever altered the art of filmmaking with its groundbreaking elements. The multistrand crime thriller weaves four interconnected storylines together in an unforgettable way, encapsulating Tarantino’s genius and making itself a touchstone in contemporary cinema.
The movie follows hitmen Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson); their gangster boss Marcellus Wallace (Ving Rhames); his wife Mia (Uma Thurman), and boxer Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis). The stories are not told chronologically, challenging the audience to piece together the events and relationships as the movie progresses.
Tarantino’s character craftsmanship is undeniable, and nowhere is that as evident than in this movie. His characters do not just exist for the plot, but they are vibrant, multidimensional personas with whom the audience can connect. In Pulp Fiction, many of his characters have iconic performances.
For example, an iconic scene takes place when Vincent takes Mia out for dinner. At his boss’s request, they go to a 1950 themed diner. Vincent and Mia join an impromptu dance competition, gyrating the Twist to Chuck Berry’s “You Never Can Tell.” Not only does this scene serve as a memorable moment, but it also humanizes the characters and shows a different side to their personalities.
The diner scene is then contrasted with many of Vincent’s scenes and with some of Mia’s. Vincent, being a hitman, busting it out to Chuck Berry really shows the depth the character has, and how multifaceted he is. Mia dancing demonstrates the complexity and unpredictability of her character, and Tarantino’s characters in general.
Not only does the movie have incredible characters, but the soundtrack is meticulously curated, with each song going with the scene to enhance the cinematic experience. Noteworthy is the soundtrack’s impressive performance, reaching No. 21 on the Billboard 200 with over 2 million copies sold.
In addition to its chart’s success, it has also been nominated for a numerous number of accolades. It won at the Academy Awards in the category for Best Screenplay – Written Directly for the screen, and at the Golden Globes Awards it secured the trophy for Best Screenplay – Motion Picture.
Pulp Fiction is rated R due to several elements like explicit dialogue, drug use, nudity, sexual violence, and graphically depicted violence in general. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is worth the watch if you are into crime and unconventional storytelling. Clocking in at 2 hours and 34 minutes, the film is a rollercoaster of relentless experiences, filled with violence, action, and clever dialogue, that will keep you captivated until the credits roll.
