Pulp Fiction: 1994

Initial release date: October 14, 1994
Director: Quentin Tarantino
DVD release date: May 19, 1998
Screenplay: Quentin Tarantino

   Quentin Tarantino might possibly be one of the greatest directors of all time. His directions are original, and his writing is without a doubt the most down to earth and understandable out of anything otherwise written for film. The most prominent example of this kind of dialogue is shown through his 1994 film, “Pulp Fiction,” where plot is unbound by dialogue, and chronologically non-linear. This is, "Pulp Fiction"

   Pulp Fiction translates out to, "fiction dealing with lurid (rich in color) and sensational subjects, often printed on rough, low-quality paper manufactured from wood pulp." And that's exactly what the film is about. "Pulp Novels," as they are more commonly referred to, were popular in the 1920's and often dealt with science fiction, or just fiction in general. This type of work would continue to be popular among readers during the 30's. However when WWII reared its head, this type of publishing would become unwanted, and things like comic books and television would take its place.

   Consider the idea if something representing this kind of writing were to be produced in the early 90's.  This is that movie, and it has such a natural disposition for itself, as if it actually belonged in this era of film.  One contributing feature for this film is that it has allot of humor that doesn't force itself.  It also has much more dark humor rather, than light, and I like that.  There is a scene where Jules (Samuel L. Jackson), and Vincent (John Travolta) are driving down the road with a hostage in the back, discussing the idea of divine intervention. Vincent turns around to face the hostage, and asks him for his opinion on the situation.  It is then that Vincent's finger slips on the trigger of the gun he was holding and shoots Marvin in the face.  This whole situation escalates to the point where they have to drive the car to Jules' friend's house.  Jimmy (Quentin Tarantino), isn't fond of this idea and get Jules to contact Wolf (Harvey Keitel) to solve the problem.

  Quentin Tarantino explains in an interview that his dialogue is for the most part, unconstrained to an actual script.  When a person is acting with mostly ad libbed dialogue, they find the need to swear.  This is where that natural flow of conversation is coming from.  I have seen many movies, and some, if not most of them, have dialogue in a film to further a plot.  Sometimes this is the ONLY reason they do this, and it almost never works.  There are no painful expositions anywhere in the film, but you already know what you need to know.  The characters are always interesting, and the situations these characters get into are executed to perfection.  "Pulp Fiction"  is one of the films that you can quote from many times.  Try and think of one memorable quote from Avatar.  See?  

9.8/10

Trailer

 Next Review:  Touch of Evil 1958