How our actions affect our lives

Rating: 10/10 (6 February 2011)

The theme of Pulp Fiction is how our lives interact with others and how the decisions we make now affect our lives. John Travolta (Vincent Vega), Samuel Jackson (Jules), Bruce Willis (Butch), and Uma Thurman (Mrs. Mia Wallace) are the four main characters in this movie. All their lives are somehow entwined with one another and are affected by decisions they make, by themselves or one of the other characters. This movie is different from other movies because it contains mini-movies rather than one movie as a whole.
Each mini-movie contains its' own plot that centers on the theme of the movie. It helps explain how the characters know each other and how the events that happen in their lives mix with the other characters lives. The first story revolves around a couple low-life robbers', the second is two hit men's lives, and finally a boxers life. All the stories are broken up and in random order, which was part of the movie's unique characteristic.
Vincent and Jules are two hit men in search of their boss' briefcase. In the course of their travels they interact superbly with one another. Samuel Jackson, who plays Jules, does a wonderful job of getting into character. Bruce Willis plays a character named Butch who is an aging boxer wanting to make a comeback. Butch is the type of character that you root for in a movie. He is down to earth, funny, and the audience can relate to him. In a way, we watch him grow from childhood to adulthood.
The writer/director Quentin Tarantino, first made his debut with the film Reservoir Dogs in 1992. Reservoir Dogs showcased Quentin's movie making magic, which also is showcased in Pulp Fiction. According to www.IMDb.com he has written 18 scripts for television/movies and directed 15 titles (retrieved from www.IMDb.com on February 5, 2010).
There are two scenes that standout in my mind. First I must notify the reader that this might be a spoiler if you haven't seen the movie. The first scene is when Vincent is buying drugs from his dealer. The scene goes from two people having a conversation to a close-up shot of a needle being stuck into a vein in the arm. The background is completely black and we see the needle puncture the vein, draw up blood, and then watch the blood swim in the barrel of the needle. The second scene that sticks out in my mind is when Jules and Vincent are riding in the car talking with Marvin. This is another potential spoiler alert. The scene goes from all three characters discussing divine intervention when suddenly Vincent's gun goes off. The camera starts out in the car, moving from character to character. Right after the gun goes off, the camera angle is outside the car, from behind looking in. The rear window is covered in blood and then the camera moves back into the car showing the effects of what happened. Jules and Vincent are covered in blood, brain tissue, and pieces of skull.
In conclusion, the movie Pulp Fiction shows how the choices that we make affect our lives. If one analyzes the movie, looks closely at each character, and what they go through in the movie we begin to understand about choices, actions, and consequences. Quentin Tarantino and the superb acting from the cast of the movie make it a must watch.