Pulp Fiction Dance Scene — What Makes This Scene So Great?

How does a director create a memorable scene? The Pulp Fiction  scene dance made a lasting impact
in pop culture consciousness, still inspiring Halloween costumes, hairstyles, and dance moves nearly
two decades later. But what techniques did Quentin Tarantino use to make the Pulp Fiction dance
scene so indelible?

How shot choice strengthens the impact

Now that we have all our creative elements in place, let’s look at the shot list Tarantino used. This
scene is an excellent example of how Tarantino’s shot choices, from wide shots to extreme closeups,
make his scenes so distinctly “Tarantino-esque.” Tarantino’s shot list is minimal to keep our focus on
the characters. This choice also helped elevate this scene from a mere dance sequence into a key
part of the story development.

The intimacy and danger of the conversation between Mia and Vincent is escalated with close-up
shots at the booth. The bright, jangly diner around them recedes into the background and our
attention is pulled to the intricacies of their dialogue and the building energy between them.

Unbalanced camera framing for an awkward conversation

We are temporarily brought back into the larger setting by a few wide shots once the dance contest
is announced. Mia and Vincent approach the stage, take off their shoes, and begin Twisting. 

A typical dance sequence uses multiple shots to create a sense of movement and intensity. For
example, any of John Travolta’s previous iconic dance scenes from Saturday Night Fever or Grease).

But here, the purpose of the scene is not the athleticism of the dancing, or how well they dance
compared to other contestants. It's all about what the dance reveals about the relationship between
the two characters. 

Check out some key moments from the dance we brought into StudioBinder’s storyboarding
software. You'll notice after the first wide shot, the shots stay locked in on Vincent and Mia — just as
they are to each other.
Vincent and Mia in the Pulp Fiction Dance Scene  •    Click to view the shot list

After a few wide shots as the dance gets going, we see a shot of their feet. Although taking off their
shoes is per dance contest rules, making sure to capture this shot is also a way to illustrate
vulnerability of both characters. A gangster without their shoes on will have trouble running away
should some unforeseen incident erupt. For example, say Marcellus shows up, or, someone sees Mia
doing coke in the bathroom and calls the cops. 

We’re back to above the waist shots from there onward. We are drawn to the intense eye contact
between the two characters using two-in-profile and close-ups. That's when feel a building,
uncomfortable contrast between their fun, even silly dance moves, and their intensely focused
stares. 

Despite how much fun they’re having, and despite the fact Vincent is fulfilling his duty to his boss by
showing Mia a good time. Each moment escalates a building sense of danger.

The Pulp Fiction dance scene is a prime example of Tarantino’s penchant for slowly building
understated dramatic elements. By looking at his use of key story beats, a creative approach to
elements, and an intentional use of shot choices helps us illuminate the choices Tarantino made. A
great reminder of how any great scene is put together: shot by shot.