Pulp Fiction

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

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Release Date: 1994

Running Time: 2hrs 28 minutes

Genre: Crime

Rating: 18

Format: Amazon Prime UK

Quentin Tarantino is very well known for his controversial films. Is he promoting violence? Absolutely not. He's a hardcore filmmaker! Is he one of my favourite Directors? Honestly? No. I am a little bit hit and miss when it comes to his films, and in all honestly it's down to the storyline every single time. Tarantino has an extremely unique approach to directing his films. They don't sit well with everyone. This is one of his most famous. Two hit men, Jules (Jackson) and Vincent (Travolta) are out to retrieve a suitcase stolen from their employer, mob boss Marsellus. Marsellus has also asked Vincent if he will take his wife Mia (Thurman) out for a few days, whilst he is out of town. Meanwhile, Butch (Willis), is an ageing boxer who is paid by Marsellus to lose his fight. Several different story's rolled into one? Essentially yes.

What is the film's purpose? I'm not entirely sure. Is Tarantino simply trying to show off his unique film technique's? Quentin Tarantino's direction, is not what is wrong with this film. Essentially, the storyline has been very well written by Tarantino and Roger Avery, however it wasn't anywhere near as thought provoking that I thought it was going to be. I was expecting something far more intriguing, far more exciting. A hardcore film. What I got personally, was four different story's that were very well directed and acted. Samuel L. Jackson plays hit man Jules, a ruthless man with a witty sense of humour, a very good performance from Jackson. His partner? Vincent Vega, performed by John Travolta. Although Travolta's performance is fantastic, I don't really see him as a hit-man. He's almost a bit too nice. Uma Thurman plays Marsellus's wife, Mia. Thurman's performance is very good, I really like her character, the chemistry that she has with John Travolta is excellent, particularly during a dance sequence. The actors are not the problem.

The storyline, is what I am having trouble with. Personally, Tarantino should of focused on the characters Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield. Unfortunately when Bruce Willi's character Butch was introduced as was Christopher Walken's character Captain Koons, I lost interest. Willi's performance as boxer Butch is excellent, I just can't warm to his character. The story in which he is involved doesn't excite me. It prevents me, from wanting to watch more. The story's are linked, the second chapter is where it all starts to get exciting! It's just a shame it takes that long. There are a few twists and turns, moments that took me by surprise. Excellent. The action sequences when shown are very coherently shot and look great on screen! This is by no means a bad movie!

Tarantino seriously knows how to make a movie and how to make it look good! The cinematography is also not a fault here. It's a very nice looking movie. The production design works beautifully alongside the storyline and really, really adds to the tone of the movie. It's perfect in that sense. The dance sequence between John Travolta and Uma Thurman is excellent and works well with their characters. The scene in which it's set is to very high standards too, a very enjoyable scene, with fantastic choice of music by Chuck Berry. Although John Travolta's characterization did not match that of a gangster personally, he most certainly looks like one. Samuel L. Jackson is actually terrifying in this film. The scenes between John Travolta and himself really are magnificent. The costume and the make up department did good on this film! Really good!

Pulp Fiction is not a bad movie. It's not even close. I found the storyline to be a bit too confusing and found myself disliking characters, making for a boring experience half way through the film. I love that Quentin Tarantino makes an appearance. I really love the creativity behind the storyline. This film was simply not for me, I would however highly recommend it to hardcore Quentin Tarantino fans!

3/5 stars