Pulp Fiction - Review

“If my answers frighten you, then you should cease asking scary questions” – A review of Pulp Fiction. 

As far as cult classic films go, you’d find I difficult to find one more iconic than Pulp Fiction. Released in 1994 and directed by Quentin Tarantino, it’s still beloved decades after its release for good reason. Full of memorable characters and witty dialogue, Pulp Fiction is a truly special film.

The film follows several characters in a non-linear narrative, combining several stories in LA. You follow the lives of hitmen Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) as their lives intertwine with a whole host of unforgettable characters, such as their boss, Marsellus Wallace (Ving Rhames), his actress wife, Mia (Uma Thurman), boxer Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis), charismatic fixer Winston Wolfe (Harvey Keitel) and an anxious pair of armed robbers, Pumpkin (Tim Roth) and Honey Bunny (Amanda Plummer). The narrative includes time shifts, leaving the audience to put the pieces of the story together as they watch, and as the lives of the characters become intertwined a series of events unfolds which are sure to keep viewers intrigued and engaged.

The acting in Pulp Fiction is genuinely brilliant. For me, Samuel L. Jackson is a real highlight, as he brings menace and philosophy to the role of Jules; with that said, there isn’t a bad performance in the whole film. Uma Thurman’s Mia is iconic, and her dance scene at Jack Rabbit Slim’s is one of my favourite scenes in the film. Every actor brings charisma, depth and obvious passion to their role, making each of them memorable in their own right.

The writing is brilliant too, which is unsurprising for a Tarantino film. Pop culture references, philosophy, dark humour and pop culture references combine to create witty and quotable dialogue, each conversation is sharp and often a bit ridiculous, but it’s still so engaging and fun to watch.

Pulp Fiction looks and sounds great, too. The cinematography is stylish, the editing is clever and the soundtrack is absolutely perfect for the film. Pop, soul and rock is an eclectic mix for one soundtrack, yet it still works.

This is a film that truly revolutionised indie filmmaking. It won the Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival, cemented Tarantino’s reputation as an incredible director and even revived the careers of some of the actors involved. You can see its influence in countless films that followed, as filmmakers were inspired to experiment with dialogue, characters and, of course, narrative.

There’s so little to criticise about this film. Stylish, innovative and full of witty dialogue and incredible performances, Pulp Fiction is both entertaining and thought provoking. Whether you’re watching for the first time or returning for the hundredth, you’re sure to enjoy.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

Share Article: