Pulp Fiction (1994)

Pulp Fiction by Quentin Tarantino is considered to be one of the most disputable, stylish and extraordinary movies of the latest decades. Frightening cynicism combined with strikingly humorous dialogues make it hard to figure out whether you are watching a gangland thriller or a parody on all thrillers and crime movies. In numerous sources Pulp Fiction is referred to as a black comedy. Perhaps it is rather a comedy than action or thriller as far as the more the plot revolves the more dolled funny it seems. The black humor is sometimes running up to very absurd extremes – one composed and merciless killer is continuously citing the Bible and believes in the divine intent, the other is shot with his own gun which he has left to visit the toilet, constant firing and random killings – one undoubtedly needs to have steady nerves to watch Pulp Fiction up to the end. However, Tarantino remained true to himself and, though having balanced on the verge of a bad taste gore and a post-modern masterpiece, managed to create something absolutely extraordinary and of a certain artistic value. The action takes place in Los Angeles – the city traditionally associated with bold crimes most and desperate gangsters.

As in many other movies by Tarantino, the plot has no chronological sequence. The story is split up into several episodes. This episodic movie structure proved so original and attractive, that Tarantino then applied it to both parts of the cult Kill Bill. Each of the episodes has their own plot and the common line uniting it with other episodes. In general, the value of the movie is not due to the plot but to the outstanding personages.

The central episode is called The Gold Watch. It revolves around the personality of Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis), a boxer in the twilight of his career, who accepts the offer to make a fake fight for a large sum of money. But he wagers money on himself and wins, killing his opponent. Butch escapes the arena and returns home to his girlfriend Fabienne (Maria de Medeiros). They are going to get the money and disappear from Los Angeles. The next morning Butch discovers that Fabienne has left his gold watch, the only gift of his father who had perished in Vietnam. So Butch has to risk his life and get the watch back at any cost.

The personage of Bruce Willis is very likely to be the most normal of Pulp Fiction characters. His strong and risky personality is very attractive. Other central figures are the couple of contract assassins Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) and Vincent (John Travolta). Constantly occupied with their dirty business they find time for most amusing discussions and quarrels reminding of those of married couples.

Another interesting point of Pulp Fiction is the underlying erotic message of some episodes. There are actually no sexual scenes but the female characters are very seductive and alluring. The legendary Coca Twist performed by Uma Thurman and John Travolta is one of the most ardent and delightful scenes in the world’s cinema. The perfect soundtrack of the movie also deserves special attention.

Being a master of cameos, Tarantino plays an episode in Pulp Fiction, as well as in Reservoir Dogs and Inglorious Basterds.

Having turned out a surprisingly high-rated and even a cult movie, Pulp Fiction has influenced greatly many other movies of following years, such as Sin City.