Directed by Quentin Tarantino
Starring: John Travolta, Samuel L Jackson, Uma Thurman
Rated R for strong graphic violence and drug use, pervasive strong language and some sexuality
What could be said about a universally beloved classic film that hasn’t been said before? Pulp Fiction is indeed a classic film because it is a film that still holds up 25 years later. The snappy dialogue, the funny moments, the relateable anti-heroes are aspects that makes Pulp Fiction a film that is still remembered to this day, all thanks to writer and director Quentin Tarantino.
Pulp Fiction tells a non linear story of two hitmen, a washed up boxer, a wife of a crime boss, and a couple robbing a dinner. It a sense, it shows “a day in the life” of these characters we meet on screen but the story is not told in chronological order. This aspect is what is remembered from the film and deservedly so got praise for this. This influenced other films that followed Pulp Fiction to tell a story nonlinear.
But the highlight of the film comes from writer and director Quentin Tarantino. Tarantino was coming off fresh from his debut, Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction was his sophomore effort. It is still impressive that a film like Pulp Fiction was well written coming from a director who had only directed one film prior. Pulp Fiction would turn Tarantino into a household name and becoming a director to watch with all of his following successors.
Pulp Fiction is a dialogue driven film that is still remembered to this day. There are many scenes that feature several minutes of dialogue, yet the film does not feel like its dragging because of it. The first act features two hitmen Jules( Samuel L Jackson) and Vincent (John Travolta) walking to an apartment with a job to do. The moment both Jules and Vincent exit their vehicles and enter the apartment, we see the two characters have a conversation about foot massages, of all things. Most writers would have skipped the walk from the vehicle to the apartment and gotten straight to the action, but Tarantino is a writer that can make the dialogue work.
All of the acting is top notch as well. Travolta is the main star in Pulp Fiction, who has the most screen time in the film. His presence shines in the film, playing a drug using hitmen and he makes it work. We also get Samuel L Jackson in his most remembered role in his career and it also skyrocketed his profile and for good reason. When people think back to Pulp Fiction, most will think of the two most iconic characters of the 90’s Travolta and Jackson as Vincent and Jules, respectively. We also get Bruce Willis, who had mostly been in action films prior. His turn as a washed up boxer is a welcome change from a hero who is saving the day to a man who is in over his head.
Although the film is near perfect, it is not without its fault. The scenes that feature Bruce Willis and Maria de Medeiros are a bit slow but entertaining at the least. But when Willis goes off to retrieve his father’s watch, it starts to pick up. Nonetheless, Pulp Fiction is a must see movie as it is still has influences to this day. Reading a review of how excellent the film is does not do it justice. Pulp Fiction is indeed a timeless, classic film that stand the test of time.
4/4
Edward's Film Reviews 