The meaning of the word ‘pulp’ refers to a “soft, moist, shapeless mass of matter. Webster does not help define the mega-hit movie PULP FICTION, which defies almost anything audiences had seen previously. It was viewed as violent, shocking, bloody, Bible-thumping, racist, and drug-promoting. It burned our ears and eyes, shouting fu** 265 times and forcing a painful, male rape scene upon our souls. It showed trigger-happy thugs that would instead shoot a person dead before taking a breath. Yet, if questioned, movie-goers would also sputter descriptive adjectives like sarcastic, hilarious, humorous, caring, thought-inducing, free-speaking, and gun-toting fun. PULP FICTION cannot be measured on any kaleidoscope because the picture continuously changes with every click.
I searched my brain and could not honestly come up with a story from my past that could be relatable until I talked with my son, Aaron. He reminded me how his first time seeing PF became wrapped around that pesky R rating, and I was chosen to get him and his best friend into the theater. The first time we tried innocently walking in was a colossal bust. Even though I had paid for tickets for these two 15-year-old “men,” I was stopped at the glass gate. I remember arguing with the movie attendant, saying, “Look, I am here. Standing before you, I am giving my child permission to see the film.” It did not work. It could be because the word fu** is spoken 265 times. Or it could be because of all the bullets and brains flying every which way. I don’t know, but I failed at getting these boys into the theater. So I created a better plan. I bought three tickets for another theater and walked in with them. This was all that was necessary, and then, after the lights went down, I snuck out and left them to enjoy the film on their own. At the time, I was knee-deep in rehearsals for my theatre projects, so I did not see the movie until much later. I trusted my son. I knew he could handle the verbal and visual onslaught created by the brilliant, creative Quentin Tarantino. (RESERVOIR DOGS) Tarantino has always been one of Aaron’s favorites. I was glad I could be a part of that clandestine mission.
Quentin Tarantino is the real deal. PULP FICTION launched his cinematic achievement and catapulted his lifelong career of writing, directing, and receiving an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. The icing on it all was the cost factor, with a budget of a mere eight million and exploding with a profit of over two hundred. This is a Hollywood story no one could have foretold. PULP FICTION has since been voted one of the top 250 most memorable films of all time.
Tarantino wrote four stories within the plot, weaving them together in unthinkable and unfathomable ways. At first glance, audiences would probably be saying to themselves WTF, only later nodding gleefully while catching a glimpse into a genius road map of entertaining dialogue. It was like being in a tennis match whenever any character spewed their verbal response and reactions. Quick lobs aimed directly at the heart of the matter. The words, the phrases, the script is a masterpiece.
- You know what they call a quarter pounder with cheese in Paris? A Royale with cheese
- Ezekiel 25:17
- What kind of shake do you want? A Martin and Lewis or an Amos and Andy?
The actors who knew precisely what to do with each gem tossed their way were at the center of all those words. Samuel L. Jackson as Jules and John Travolta as Vincent were mind-boggling together. I don’t know if I could have handled any more coolness in each frame. Powerful, enigmatic performances. There aren’t enough superlatives to give them their due, except a standing O. Bruce Willis as Butch was sublime. My favorite line was, “It’s a chopper, not a motorcycle.” What an adorable boxing machine with a heart. Uma Thurman was stunning and as quirky as ever. She was barefoot during most of the film. I loved, loved, loved the moment she and Vincent twisted together at the Jack Rabbit Slim’s Restaurant. Sheer perfection. And, of course, I must mention Tim Ruth as Pumpkin and Amanda Plummer as Honey Bunny. They were such a sweet couple who would shoot your piece of toast right out of your fingers. (That’s tough love, for sure) Honorable cast mentions are Christopher Walken, Ving Rhames, Steve Buscemi, and Harvey Keitel. Amazing overall casting.
Tarantino gave audiences a unique, added treat with his iconic music choices. From soulful ballads to surfing, rock, and pop, the songs helped shape the narrative while gifting viewers a breather and some comic relief. The notes accentuated each moment and helped link it all together. Tarantino was also cognizant of costumes and prop placement. Everything had to have meaning and add to what he envisioned. Tarantino is a total package director.
PULP FICTION is a thirty-year-old, classic’s classic. It represents the creative originality we all possess if only we can tap into it and allow free-flowing thinking. Quentin Tarantino is miles ahead of us all.
PULP FICTION is available on AMC+.
