This post is for all the Quentin Tarantino fans out there. I was blown away when I saw Pulp Fiction for the first time. The nonlinear storytelling felt exciting and new. Pulp Fiction was cinematic and literary at the same time. I read recently that Jennifer Egan, who just won the Pulitzer for A Visit From the Goon Squad, was inspired by Tarantino's narrative structure. I'm sure she wasn't the only writer inspired by Pulp Fiction.
There are so many great characters in Pulp Fiction, it's hard to pick a favorite. I particularly loved Travolta's performance as Vincent Vega. Here's an interesting bit of movie trivia for you. Tarantino initially wanted Michael Madsen to play Vincent. Madsen had played Vic Vega (Vince's brother) in Reservoir Dogs, but he passed to be in Wyatt Earp. I bet there's not a day that goes by that Madsen doesn't regret that decision. I liked Madsen in RD, and I'm sure he would have done a great job with Vincent, but it's hard to imagine anyone doing a better job than Travolta.
Vincent and Jules are the heart of the movie, and their scenes together are full of hilarious, spot-on dialogue. My favorite Vincent scene though is when Vincent stabs Mia Wallace in the heart with that wicked needle. We're talkin' cinematic genius.
So what do you think Pulp fans? Which character is your favorite? Which scene stands out the most for you?
Vega by far best character travolta ever played
ReplyDeleteWould you give a guy a foot massage?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, he was my favorite in that movie as well. Although Wallace comes in a close second.
ReplyDeleteButch was my favorite character..simply because of the scene with Marsalis in the store. As disturbing as it was. I was almost shouting for Butch to go back and help Marsalis...and was happy when he did. Marsalis never would have gone back to help Butch. And Butch had a clean get away..but risked his life to save Marsalis from the captivity and demise he surely was to face. That scene is still hard for me to watch..but I know it's rewarding at the end.
ReplyDeleteTravolta at his best here! I felt the same way--this movie lingered long beyond the theatre. So well written and acted. And that needle stabbing made me anxious for days.
ReplyDeletebaygirl: I love Travolta as Tony Manero and Chili Palmer, but I agree, the best work of his career.
ReplyDeleteMunk: Me doing my best Sam Jackson face in response.
OT: I love Marsellus too. Ving Rhames was awesome.
Mike: Zed's dead, baby. Zed's dead
Great post! I actually was not an immediate Pulp Fiction fan and had to watch it 3 times before it's genious-ness set in! My favorite line by Jules...
ReplyDelete"What" ain't no country I've ever heard of. They speak English in What?"
I'm probably the only person in the world who hasn't seen Pulp Fiction. *hangs head in shame* I don't even know why, it's like I just somehow totally missed the boat on that one. This post reminds me again that I really need to watch it.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen Pulp Fiction, but obviously that is something that needs to be remedied very quickly :)
ReplyDeleteSarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)
Apparently a movie that I must see!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness I can't believe there are people out there who haven't seen Pulp Fiction!!! I remember watching it at the theater and thinking it was the most amazing movie ever! I don't think I can pick a favorite character. They're all perfect. Okay, maybe Jules ;)
ReplyDeleteCan you send a pic?
ReplyDeleteI haven't watched this movie in ages. This movie came out when I was in college and I think it was always on in someone's room. There was also the soundtrack which I'm pretty sure would have been one of the most played albums if iTunes had existed then.
ReplyDeleteI still call myself Mr. Wolf because I am cleaning up the shit of all my co-workers. Love the scene prior to his arrival.
ReplyDeleteI'd have to say Vega is my favorite, too. He's so bad-ass, funny and with it all at the same time. I bet Travolta is really glad that Madsen passed the role up. He and Samuel had too good of chemistry that I'm glad he did anyway.
ReplyDeleteAva