Catching Up On The Classics: A Review Of Pulp Fiction

As someone who hasn’t seen a lot of classic films, much to the dismay of those around me (“what, you haven’t seen x? How could you not have seen it, it’s the greatest movie ever made…”) I’ve decided to try and catch up. I currently have a long “to watch” list which I’m slowly (very, very slowly) making my way through.

Which is how I ended up watching Pulp Fiction for the first time the other day. If you haven’t yet seen it (which is ludicrous, I mean, how could you not have seen it yet!) Pulp Fiction is a 1994 black comedy crime film by Quentin Tarantino (Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill) divided into mini storylines that focus on two mobsters, their boss, his wife and a boxer.

Honestly, I have no idea why it took me as long as it did it did to watch the film. And now, after seeing it, I truly understand why it is a cult classic, from its non-linear timeline, to the amazing soundtrack, it’s all in all a visual treat. Which is why I’ve also decided to write this review in honour of the way the movie is presented, with what seems like a conclusion first, followed by my thoughts during the movie.

Royale with Cheese

“You know what they call a Quarter Pounder with Cheese in Paris?”

When I walked into work the other day, and let my colleagues know I had finally watched this movie, one of them turned to me and asked me this question. And that is the power of this movie. When you can have a conversation with other people based entirely on quotes, that’s when you understand what huge impact movies can have on individuals. It’s something that brings people together.

A simple “hey, do you remember in x movie when x…” is enough to start a conversation with a stranger. Unless that stranger is me, in which case you get some side-eye and me explaining how I haven’t see anything, blah blah blah (see paragraph 1).

Jules and Vincent/Ezekiel 25:17

Okay, this makes more sense now. I understand the reference in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (I won’t say more than that in case spoilers? In which case, please go watch that immediately after reading this).  Do you know how many times I’ve heard this, or seen this image?

A lot. This movie is referenced almost everywhere (there’s even a Gimp reference in Scrubs, which I get now too) that I mostly spent the entire time going “oh, that’s where that isfrom”.

Mia Wallace

As if to illustrate the point above, I understand most woman’s go-to Halloween costume. Seriously, it’s the simplest costume to put together, and yet it’s instantly recognizable.

Other thoughts I had about Mia and Vince:

(When she’s discussing her pilot) ah, that explains the theory that Fox Force Five is actually Kill Bill.

“Yay, John Travolta dancing.”

“Shit, don’t snort that. Can you even snort heroin? Oh, I guess not.”

The Gold Watch

I had no idea Christopher Walken was in this movie but his monologue in this made this honestly one of my favourite scenes.

Butch

When Butch wakes up, the movie that’s playing on the TV is a classic Steve McQueen motorcycle film called The Great Escape. I know this because as it was playing my boyfriend turned around and say to me “It’s foreshadowing”.

See?

Also, the last line of this scene “Zed’s dead, baby. Zed’s dead” is actually the name of a DJ duo. I wonder if this is where they got the name from?*

Winston Wolf

“The Wolf is too cool. Too cool” 

Bad Motherfucker

“It’s the one that says ‘Bad Mother Fucker’ on it”

I did not expect this to be literally what was on the wallet, so when he pulled out the wallet and it looked like this:

I burst out laughing. This is the best wallet ever. EVER.

“Did you enjoy it?/How amazing was it/Other variations of this question”

Short answer: YES. I loved this film. I would watch it again. I understand the fuss around it and most importantly, I now know what they call a Quarter Pounder with Cheese in Paris.

*A quick Google search has revealed that yes, this is exactly where they got their name from.

What classic movie should I watch and review next? Leave your suggestion in the comments!

For more awesomeness, you can follow Jamie on Twitter @eimaj_j and on Vine (JaimeCette), or check out her blog, J’aime Cette.