Pulp Fiction

One thing that needs to be understood about Pulp Fiction, is that there was no Pulp Fiction, before Pulp Fiction. Up until 1994, the plots of many films were becoming increasingly more predictable, the charm was fading, and outstanding films were becoming a rarity. Suddenly, a boisterous young director with an obsession for pop culture and violence decided to change cinema overnight. The plot of Pulp Fiction just can’t be fully explained simply. It’s impossible. It’s probably the most complicated film to explain to someone oblivious to it in the world. But once you dig in, and manage to digest it, it’s magnificent. A whirring and constantly time-jumping crime caper that encompasses human morality, split-second decisions and a lot of pop culture, all portrayed by some of the most electric camera work ever put to the screen, and colours that give you the feeling of first seeing Technicolor in the early 20th century. The acting (apart from Quentin, but he gets a pass, it’s his masterpiece after all) feels naturally brilliant from everyone, especially Samuel L. Jackson, who often says he was transformed into the “coolest man overnight” after Pulp Fiction was released, which fairly equals for his utterly magnificent performance as Jules Winnfield. But you know the best thing about Pulp Fiction? It’s the little details. The empty apartment building Jules and Vincent walk through. Jules drinking all of Brett’s Sprite, signalling he won’t be needing it anymore. Every time Vincent goes to the bathroom, it signals something dramatic to the plot is going to occur. The absolute anarchy that is the overdose scene. The fact that, upon seeing the rape scene, you think to yourself, “Well, anything can happen now.” (Which is what makes the film so unbelievably unique.) Everything is so passionately crafted, so well tuned to Quentin’s liking, that nothing could possibly go wrong. Many, many years ago, one of the first questions I remember asking my dad was, “What’s your favourite film?” “Pulp Fiction.” He answered. Year after year, every time that specific question was asked, it was the exact same film. No changes, no ‘ok it’s wearing on me a bit.’ It consistently stayed at the top for him. Which is absolutely understandable. It’s unapologetically Quentin, it’s groundbreaking, it’s bold, it’s vibrant, and it’s phenomenal, and it hasn’t aged a day.