Pulp Fiction
In Pulp Fiction, director Quentin Tarantino consistently defies viewer expectation and delivers one of the best films of the '90s. You'll marvel at Tarantino's adept bending of time structure, brilliant dialogue and memorable images. Some indie fans may prefer Reservoir Dogs, but I say no go: Pulp Fiction is a deeper, more audacious and more accomplished picture.
Plot synopsis is difficult when dealing with Tarantino's time-bending narrative, but what the hell: Pulp Fiction commences with two hitmen -- Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Jules (Samuel L. Jackson, (Shaft , Menace II Society) -- slinging hilarious dialogue (already considered classic) as they journey to collect some product from a soon-to-be former employee. After taking care of business, Travolta takes out his boss's lovely wife (Uma Thurman) as a favor to his out-of-town employer. A seemingly innocent night out turns into a unforgettable evening of '50s nostalgia, drug overdose and a memorable needle scene that will have the more squeamish population wincing.
The next sequence involves Bruce Willis as a boxer who agrees to throw a bout at the behest of Vincent's boss (Ving Rhames), but then has second thoughts. The situation gets considerably hairier when Willis and Rhames unexpectedly come face-to-face following the bout, and then must eventually join forces due to the most unforeseen of circumstances.
The movie does have its slow spots, most notably a dull sequence when a death-obsessed female cab driver peppers Willis with a series of bizarre questions. The scene isn't particularly funny, and in a 3-hour film it's clearly superfluous.
That said, complaining about a single scene seems like sour grapes when discussing a masterpiece like Pulp Fiction. The film is consistently hilarious and pushes the envelope in just about every sense. What other movie could have John Travolta staring at a mirror and declaring, "You're gonna go home, jerk off, and that's all you gonna do," without blinking an eye?
An oft-overlooked plot point is Jules' life-changing realization in the film's final act, a transformation that makes the movie about something instead of just a stylish piece of entertainment. Jackson's phenomenal performance is the best of many excellent acting turns, most notably John Travolta's outstanding comeback role, Uma Thurman's career-best peformane and Ving Rhames' star-making turn. For Christ's sake, even the perpetually obnoxious Eric Stoltz is hilarious.
Andrzej Sekula's brilliant cinematography demands mention, making great scenes even greater (e.g. Travolta's walk down drug-trip lane). Pulp Fiction is a stunning film that deservedly cements Tarantino's position as one of the industry's hottest directors.
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The type of movie that demands you pop open some cold ones and enjoy the ride. Numerous unforgettable lines and audacious scenes make this a classic party film.
Depends on the person. Indie types will be enamored, but the sight of Ving Rhames taking it from behind isn't likely to endear the more conservative.
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