Review of Pulp Fiction

Introduction

Quentin Tarantino was a nobody working in a video store, penning scripts with the hope of one day being discovered and shooting to fame. In the late 80`s, he wrote three scripts, and tried and tried to get them made. The first became True Romance - eventually directed by Tony Scott; the second amounted to nothing; and the third became Reservoir Dogs: a story of betrayal, set after a bungled heist, which Tarantino went onto direct.

After the successful release of the latter in 1992, Tarantino was asked by Jersey Films (Danny DeVito`s company) to pen another script. He at first thought of making a film in the same vein as Reservoir Dogs, but then he thought of an idea: his second script, which amounted to nothing as said above, was unique in the fact that it wasn`t one story...it was an ensemble piece that comprised of many different elements. So, Tarantino went back to the drawing board, and reworked this idea into what would become argubably the best film of the 90`s - Pulp Fiction.

To describe the plot simply, it is about three different stories, all set against the backdrop of modern day Los Angeles. First up, we have Vince and Jules - hitmen who work for fearsome crime lord, Marcellus Wallace. After being sent to kill some yuppies that dared to defy their boss, Vince has to take Marcellus` wife, Mia, out on a dinner date - not a date-date, but instead must keep her company whilst the big man is out of town. The second story revolves around a boxer by the name of Butch who refuses to take a dive in the fifth round of an upcoming bout, and then has to live with the consequences. Thirdly and finally, a couple of lovebirds, Honey Bunny and Pumpkin, plan to hold up a diner. Now, the clever thing about Pulp Fiction is that in each story, the characters drift in and out of each others stories, until they all link together into one, immensely satisfying, jigsaw.

Video

It is presented in 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, and the visuals are deep and well defined, with no compression signs visible. The print is always crisp and clear, and the colour saturation is just right.

Pulp Fiction is a visceral picture - and very well directed. Inventive angles, tight shots and explosive set-pieces add to the strong narrative. People have described this as violent, but too be honest none of it is gratuitous - when there is claret spilled, it is justified by the context, and fits into the gangster theme.

Audio

A DD 5.1 track is on offer, there are no compression signs evident, and the main audio stream is crisp and clear. The surrounds are used well, whether it is during action scenes or during the various musical numbers, and the subwoofer is given a good workout.

The script is excellent: a mixture of witty banter, strong narrative and a few twists and turns along the way, and thankfully - good character development. Tarantino has a visible flair for writing, and after the success of Reservoir Dogs and now this, it proves that he is no one-trick pony.

The soundtrack is also excellent, and fits the film perfectly. From Vince and Mia swinging in `Jack Rabbit Slim`s` to the music on the opening credits that sums up what will follow. It has Tarantino written all over it...

Features

This is how a DVD gets made:

Film + Studio Commitment and Work = DVD

This is how this DVD was made:

Film + Buena Vista = Ignore DVD

Yet again they provide us no extras, so all we have to entertain us are lovely static menus, and, wait for it - scene access! All together now - yippee!

Pulp Fiction is presented in a black Amaray case, with a booklet containg chapter listings.

Conclusion

A mixture of frenzied cool, ever-quotable dialogue, developed characters, memorable action and intense drama, Pulp Fiction is one of the best films of the 90`s, and is rapidly becoming one of my favourite films of all time. It boasts a great replay value thanks to its combination of intrigue and humour, and due to the great performances from all those involved, it sits well long after the end credits have appeared.

Disc wise, the presentation is good - from a crisp transfer to clear audio, it doesn`t disappoint on the quality fronts. Extras? Yeah right.

Overall, this is well worth the price for the film alone, but, because the film is so good, insight into the production is needed. Hence, avoid this, and pay an extra few quid for the collector`s edition.