A Paragon Picture...

Rating: 10/10 (18 February 2007)

Quentin Tarantino's 'Pulp Fiction' continues to inspire, shock and intrigue an entire audience of film watchers since its release in 1994. The story consists of three sagas of drugs, deceit and sleaze inter-linking in a vastly unconventional and unchronological style leading to a simply astonishing end sequence. Tarantino builds a strong plethora of almost archetypal characters that resembles pulp material. The scenarios are almost generic situations that we always see, yet Tarantino and Avary add another zest to these stories that lead on a tangent resulting in a complex inter-mingling of transition and unbelievable acts of fate.
Interpreting this movie is almost impossible; it's become the subject of many film studies courses. Responses to the mysterious contents of the briefcase is a hotly fought debate. Some say it's the soul of Marsellus, others the jewels from Reservoir Dogs or others simply say it's a golden light bulb! Tarantino has made the film stick with you, caused debate amongst its fan and accomplished a medium of mysteriousness towards the film that somewhat mirrors the incomprehensible nature of 2001: A Space Odyssey.
An overall interpretation of this film is equally impossible. It is often called a 'masterpiece with no message', this is true but a fan can at least delve deeper into the subject matter of this film, what's happening? and what really binds this set of sleazy characters. Tarantino's script tends to look at the importance of transition and the repercussions of not acknowledging this transition. Butch and Marsellus' experience with Zed leads to an immense change in their relationship, their blind hate leads to a mutual sense of acceptance that Butch takes into account and leaves town as soon as he can. Then you have Jules' 'moment of clarity'. His divine experience makes him change his ways and acknowledge a sign of transition away from gangster activities. Interestingly, Vincent's disregardance of this 'divine intervention' leads to a cruel fate of death. Then finally, you have Yolandi and Ringo's frightening thought that they would lose each other therefore seem as if to alter their villainous ways. Their transition is captured by Jules' final speech speaking of his desire to be the shepard and guide them through a tyranny of evil (which he ultimately does!). In a way, 'Pulp Fiction' tracks a range of characters going through a huge change governed by the perplexing actions of fate or even of a form of divinity.
One thing that is extraordinary about Tarantino's script is its flawless ability to enthral and entertain. The speech is memorable and expertly crafted, the banter is thought-provoking and lifts these characters from their almost archetypal interpretations.
Jules: Let's get into character
The script is almost a critical expose of what goes on behind the scenes of these typical gangster situations that we've seen so many times. That is why the script is so dynamic. Never have I comprehended a screenplay where almost every scene has quotable lines and I probably never will again! The film was garnished with 7 Oscar nominations and 1 win (for the screenplay). Perhaps Pulp Fiction should have snatched best picture and some acting Oscars yet the important thing is, the film didn't need the awards and Tarantino didn't want it! He just made a movie he wanted to make and like so many other films shunned by the Academy, it has become as memorable if not more memorable as the film that won best picture (Forrest Gump)
PulpFiction is a cinematic marvel, a tour-de-force of magnificent proportions. Beautifully directed by Tarantino and the awesome performances of Uma Thurman, Samuel L Jackson and John Travolta elevate the film to a cult pedestal that is almost unrivalled.
Quentin Tarantino's masterpiece may be one of the greatest films of all time.
10/10