Pulp Fiction, 2 disc limited edition box set Running time 2 hrs 28 minutes Stars: Samuel L Jackson, John Travolta, Harvey Keitel, Ving Rhames, Eric Stolz, Uma Thurman and Bruce Willis. Dir: Quentin Tarantino, 1994.
First of all, I make no apologies for this review sounding gushing. I adore this film. For originality of production, script, subject matter and the cast involved, it is first rate. Quentin Tarantino's 1994 modern day masterpiece brought together the unknown Samuel L. Jackson, the struggling John Travolta and the highly-rated Uma Thurman and Ving Rhames then mixed them with respected actors such as Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth and Bruce Willis and a killer script written by Tarantino himself. The result had the critics swooning and the awards panels nominating Tarantino's film and cast for all sorts of prizes.
A BASIC PLOT OUTLINE
Travolta and Jackson play Vincent Vega and Jules Winfield, two hitmen who work for Mr Big (Rhames). Doing his dirty work of money laundering and settling scores with double-crossing conmen, they let their guns do the talking whilst engaging each other in a witty and sometimes aggressive dialogue. These two are the centre point of the whole film. Whilst the story drifts from character to character, Jules and Vincent are central to everything that is good about the film. Their actions, mannerisms and arguments are a joy to watch. Playing Mr Big's wife Mia is Uma Thurman, she is very much her own woman and her main interaction comes when she is taken out on the town by Vincent. If Vega and Jules have the central roles, the scenes with Vega and Mia are certainly an intruiging sub-plot. Tying them all together are the cool as a cucumber Winston Wolf (Keitel) and Butch, the bribed boxing hero (Willis). Whilst never stealing the limelight from the main characters, these two were born to play these roles in my opinion. Keitel may never find a part this easy to walk into again. The running order of the film is unique, too. The opening scenes of the film are some of the middle chapters of the story. The final scenes are those preceding the opening scenes. Whilst being unusual, it in no way detracts from the film and makes it that extra bit special for me.
THE MAIN CHARACTERS
As I've said the central characters are Vega and Jules. Vincent is the wanderer. He's returned from travelling Europe and the hash bars of Amsterdam to retake his role as one of Mr Big's chief henchmen. This is the film that revived Travolta's career. After the some awful attempts with the likes of the Look Who's Talking saga, he found this part and like Keitel walked into it like a natural gangster. The suave ladies man from Grease comes through in Vega's smooth manner. However fervent the action, this guy doesn't break sweat throughout the ntire movie. If you've seen those god-awful Barclays Bank adverts you'll get a soundbite of the Sam Jackson character. He plays the role like Shaft in a dinner jacket, a prophesising, god-fearing man unafraid of giving up everything to find himself.
Uma Thurman also finds a role that finally suits her. She has looked lost in some of her roles as if she accepted any script that was thrown at her. Placed in the position of 'dominant female', she excels and takes Vega to task just when he thinks he is the one in control. Ving Rhames could have played no other role except that of a gangland overlord. The booming voice and smart clothes set him aside from the dinner jacketed minions around him. As with Keitel and Willis, immense credit should go to the casting crew. Tarantino and his people got the roles spot on for everyone involved.
COMPARISIONS? Perhaps Pulp Fiction's outstanding feature is that it is incomparable to most other films of it's genre. No other film that portrays the underworld, does it in this way. The random sequencing of the film plays a big part in that, separating the gunslinging scenes with light hearted dialogue and sub-plots. It's notable as well that any of the characters could be Joe Bloggs on the street. By giving them ordinary lives and giving an insight into their seemingly ordinary backgrounds, no-one here seems separated by class. When a gun is pointed in their face, these characters are all mortal. There's no elite, untouchable group like some mafia and gangland films have.
Tarantino has done well to also wrap up the film in one go and leave no loose endas for a sequel. It is a one off. The first of his Kill Bill films has a similar feel and pace to this but that is where the similarity ends. Equally his other notable films in Jackie Brown and the mobster flick Reservoir dogs are similarly paced but again otherwise incomparable in their natures.
SOUNDTRACK
One thing that all Tarantino films have is a cool soundtrack. Misirlou by Dick Dale kicks off the movie and from then on it's a rich mix of Soul, acoustic guitars and tunes that you can tap your feet to. Picking out my favourites I'd plump for Al Green's Stay Together and Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon by Urge Overkill. There's also a fantastic scene with Willis driving home to the tune of Flowers On The Wall by the Statler Brothers. Nothing on the soundtrack is out of place. Better still, the best dialogues from the film are interlocked with the music on the soundtrack album.
DVD EXTRAS
My word, you are in for a treat. If like me, this is one of your favourite films, the two disc fold-out box set is heaven-sent.Even before you get to the discs, there arelimited edition postcards and a fold out pamphlet giving backgrounds on the director and his main cast. Then there is a magical moment when you play disc 2. Quite honestly, I've not seen a bonus line-up like it on any other DVD. Only by listing them can I give you a better idea of everything here:
4 deleted scenes with a Tarantino introduction for each one
Each is worth a look, especially for die-hard fans. Deleted scenes aside, I enjoyed the Tarantino interviews because he seems like a fascinaating guy with so much to offer directorally. All bonus discs should have features like these. The special features here somehow complete the film for me as a brilliant stand alone piece of cinema.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
This for me is in the top three films of my generation. The unique style of film-making here makes it something I can watch over and over. My video of this film is wearing thin because of that. The scene where Vincent and Jules get even with Mr Big's business partner Brett is unmissable. I can quote the whole speech from Jules about Ezekial 25:17, such is my enjoyment of the movie. In fact here it is (no checking of the film required)
"Ezekial 25:17. The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he, who in the name of charity and goodwill shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness for he is truly his brothers keeper, and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengence and furious anger, those who attempt to poison and destroy my brother. And you will know my name is the Lord when I lay my vengence upon thee!"
I won't be as over-excited as to say that it's a film for everyone because that isn't strictly true. Although everyone I know has said nothing less than it is a very good film, it's not for everyone's tastes. Those offended by violence and swearing should stay away from the film because it earns it's 18 certificate through them. At the same time, the language is only in keeping with the film and perhaps adds something to it at times. Listen to the Vincent and Jules dialogue when they are cleaning their car to see what I mean there. Their actions are limited but the language speaks volumes.
Even if this box set sets you back £15-20, it's worth it. Every penny and the five stars I'm giving Pulp Fiction is not nearly a high enough accolade.
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Soundtrack
Outstanding
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Good
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