Redemption? Spirituality? Yeah, Right.

Rating: 3/10 (7 August 2001)

The comments for "Pulp Fiction" generally fall into one of three categories: 1) "Awesome Dude! The best movie ever!" raves that offer zero supporting analysis, apparently written by Gen-Y homeboy wanna-bes raised on "Friday the 13th" and "Nightmare on Elm Street" sequels; 2) more considered, thoughtful raves praising the unconventional structure and 'hip' dialogue; 3) absolute horror that such violent, profane trash was ever made in the first place. I am much closer to #3 than the other two.

I had read about "Reservoir Dogs" (but not seen it) when "Pulp" was released. I went to see this with an open mind, before all the hype erupted. I almost walked out during the Gimp scene. I found this movie impossible to enjoy, because it seemed to revel in sadism, profanity, and cruelty, and I could find not one character to identify with. The whole film was simply unpleasant and repulsive - I just cannot find humor in graphic, casual murder. "Apocalypse Now" and "Seven" are favorite films of mine, so I do not buy the 'go back to Mary Poppins' routine from many of the defenders of "Pulp". I think the audience (and possibly Tarantino himself) simply gets off on seeing people like this go about their business - it is a vicarious thrill. I have known some lowlifes in the real world, and it is most decidedly NOT fun. What genuinely scares me about the overwhelming praise that "Pulp Fiction" has received from critics and viewers is that there is zero empathy for the various victims of violence in this movie - they are regarded as mere props, not human beings.
***SPOILERS***
One thing that has always bugged me, story-wise, is the scene in Butch's apartment with Vega. It makes no sense that a guy who is a professional killer would leave his weapon in plain sight, out of his reach, while he 'relieves himself'. I do not care how whacked out he is, in hostile territory he simply would never do that.
***END SPOILERS***
Everyone who praises Tarantino as the greatest filmmaker of a new generation - educate yourself a little about film. The overlapping storyline thing is nothing new ("Rashomon"), neither is using scatological monologues and non-stop profanity in place of actual dialogue ("Scarface", for one). Let Tarantino write or direct something where the characters' primary means for self-expression is not gunfire, then we can talk.