Pulp Fiction
d. Quentin Tarantino, 1994
Every time I rewatch a great film, and Pulp Fiction certainly is a great film, I tend to notice something new. This time around it was Samuel L. Jackson's film-driving performance. Forget about Tarantino's obvious influences and inspirations, his great elliptical script, flawless direction, and notice the way Jackson delivers his lines. By the time he gets to "I'm trying real hard to be the shepherd," near the end, almost every character in the movie (and they are all well-developed) takes a back seat to this newly enlightened hitman.
Although Jackson's performance is definitely one of the highlights of the film, the true star is obviously Tarantino. Having more resources than when he was making Reservoir Dogs, he was able to fashion a masterpiece so astonishing that very few films I have seen can be compared to it. Other than Paul Thomas Anderson's Magnolia, I don't know if there's another movie of the 90's that deserves to be mentioned in the same sentence as Pulp Fiction.
I am unsure as to whether it is important to describe the film's "story" (stories, actually). I for one don't think the film is necessarily driven by plot, but instead by wonderful conversations and an unforgettable cast of characters. The situations merely arise out of these elements, instead of the other way around, as in most films, where the situations define what the characters say and do.
Pulp Fiction's pacing is one of its best attributes. There is rarely a down moment, and when there is, it is to provide some background information or comic relief, as is the case with Christopher Walken's famous "watch" speech. However, although the film is definitely fast-paced, it is not nearly as violent as it is known to be. There are a couple of scenes of unexpected violence, but the film itself is essentially people talking. Whether it be about Amsterdam, hamburgers, Bible passages, or foot massages.
Few films are as entertaining, fascinating, and audacious as Pulp Fiction.
