Film Review Pulp Fiction (1994)

Cast: John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis

Director: Quentin Tarantino
Follow the release and the success of Quentin Tarantino's first solely directed
movie 'Reservoir Dogs' in 1992, there were high expectations of Pulp Fiction
when it was released in October 1994. Tarantino responded with yet another
cold-blooded, action packed, gangster inspired movie jam packed with
entertainment from romance to horrific gore. Some familiar faces are seen from
'Reservoir Dogs' in the 1994 blockbuster, however we are also introduced to
some new characters not yet seen in a Tarantino movie.
The film follows the lives of two mob hit men (John Travolta and Samuel L.
Jackson), a boxer (Bruce Willis), a gangster's wife (Uma Thurman , and a pair of
diner bandits (Tim Roth and Amanda Plummer) intertwine in four tales of
violence and redemption.
The film provides terrific entertainment with a colourful, unusual and never seen
before cast. Tarantino uses stars from his previous films 'My Best Friend's
Birthday' and 'Reservoir Dogs' in contrasting roles, providing an unexplored edge
to Pulp Fiction. However new stars emerge onto the screen such as Samuel L.
Jackson, Ume Thurman, Vanessa Valentino and Bruce Willis who became very
familiar faces in forthcoming Tarantino movies.
Without doubt both John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson shine in their respective
roles in Pulp Fiction. Arguably Jules Winnfield is Jackson's best ever performance
on the big screen and a performance he surely won't be able to top, along with
the passion to his performance comes a sense of enjoyment of both the role and
working with Travolta. Also Vincent Vega (John Travolta), a typical character of a
Tarantino film but one involved in some of the most memorable scenes in the
movie, perfect for the role.
However, quite controversial is the bold role of Tarantino himself in the film,
usually Tarantinio gives himself a small and easy role to work with in his films. Yet
Jimmie (Quentin Tarantino) in Pulp Fiction is given a lengthy monologue including
the 'N' word on numerous occasions, this is unusual of Tarantino although I must
say it is done spectacularly and is a memorable scene within Pulp Fiction.
At 154 minutes long Pulp Fiction is one of Tarantino's longest movies, although
never does it feel drawn out as every moment within the movie seems to have a
purpose. With memorable and eye catching scenes, to unbelievable dialogue I
certainly would recommend this movie which will provide you with a range of
emotions and keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.