Are audiences inured to the "g_ddamns" and the gore?

Rating: 1/10 (17 January 2006)

It's interesting to read statistics such as " The word 'f_' was used 463,729 times in this film." Apparently Quentin Tarantino needs to know how many quarters to put in his cuss jar.
Movies are made to take the place of storytellers, and when we sit adoringly at Hollywood's knee we expect something fabulous. Not everyone can spin a good yarn, and now we know that even our most promising film makers, regardless of their inauspicious beginnings, cannot hold our attention without resorting to gore and gimmickry.
Films like "Pulp Fiction" (1994, written and directed by Quentin Tarantino; starring John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis, Ving Rhames, Uma Thurman and many other big names) leave me wondering if prominent producers have just flat lost touch with their audiences.
Parents and grandparents must also consider the larger view: If a little pitcher accidentally stumbles into the wrong warren at the neighborhood multiplex his big ears will hear fascinating new words that might cause him to stay for a second listen, but by the end of this loud, red film he'll be ready for the booby hatch. I worry. When Hollywood dumps buckets of blood like this on to the silver screen I'm always afraid youngsters might see it. Heck, I'm not sure anyone should see it.
I am disappointed in myself for falling for the fast talk and slickness (ignored the wee-small voice again). I watched the whole thing, and now my only hope for personal redemption is to try to prevent people with taste from having anything to do with this self-indulgent free-for-all. If I were Catholic I'd probably have to go to Confession just for having sat through this mayhem.
Public forums are an excellent way for us film fans to inform these talented and powerful people that we crave clever stories told in creative ways, and that profanity and blood are best served sparingly.
It is possible that Quentin Tarantino is a genius. My hope is that his future work will be full and inspired, and that he will begin to move toward the light. "Pulp Fiction" is a dazzling display of drugs, death and depravity, and I advise you to see it at your own risk.
Maureen Adele Compton
Post script: I can't be the only person who thinks it's getting worse. They're using curse words now that even people who do swear wouldn't have dreamed of using in public. I will admit saying "Aitch-eeee-double-toothpicks" is cumbersome, and probably wouldn't 'read' well. Having said all that, I could probably stand it if they would just stop using one phrase in particular. You know the one I mean. Say it now, pay for it later. Amen.