In 1994, “Pulp Fiction” – a commercial and critical darling – had a sweeping effect on independent cinema.
“It is the king of the 1990s indie film movement, which had already begun in earnest,” said Robert Fox, who teaches film and media arts in the Ann Arbor Public Schools. “But it all came to a head with ‘Pulp Fiction.’ Of course, the copycat filmmakers that came after sort of diluted its impact in a negative way. But again, nobody came close to capturing all of (writer/director) Quentin Tarantino‘s idiosyncrasies.”
Fox was a senior at Edsel Ford High School in Dearborn when “Pulp Fiction” debuted, cementing his dream of becoming a filmmaker.
“This movie pushed the needle — no pun intended — as to what cinema could be,” said Fox. “Its impact is still felt today. Tarantino is on the same top shelf as any of the heavy hitters of filmmaking — right next to (Oscar-winning director) Martin Scorsese (1980’s ‘Raging Bull’) in my mind.”
Widely regarded as Tarantino’s magnum opus, “Pulp Fiction” is a crime drama
known for its witty dialogue and over-the-top violence that is told out of chronological order, yet all the vignettes are somehow interrelated. It stars Oscar nominee John Travolta (1978’s “Saturday Night Fever”), Samuel L. Jackson (2000’s “Unbreakable”), Uma Thurman (1996’s “Beautiful Girls”), Bruce Willis (1999’s “The Sixth Sense”), Ving Rhames (1996’s “Mission: Impossible”), Harvey Keitel (1976’s “Taxi Driver”), et al.
“Pulp Fiction” won the Palme d’Or at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival. It was nominated for seven Oscars. It won Best Original Screenplay. Travolta, Jackson, and Thurman were nominated for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, respectively. As a result of its success, Travolta’s career was revitalized, Jackson and Thurman were promoted to A-list status. Thurman was also featured prominently in its promotional materials. Thurman and Jackson have since collaborated with Tarantino on several occasions.
“It was up for Best Picture along with ‘Forrest Gump’ and ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ – three all-time classics right there,” said Fox. “In hindsight, ‘Pulp Fiction’ probably deserved to win Best Picture, though I do think ‘Forrest Gump’ gets unfair hindsight treatment. They were both landmark films in their own way and I still love ‘Forrest Gump,’ but ‘Pulp Fiction’ was far more boundary-pushing. Sometimes, it takes a while for groundbreaking works of art to rise to the top. Not that ‘Pulp Fiction’ didn’t get much-deserved acclaim at the time, but if you ask more film scholars and film nerds, ‘Pulp Fiction’ is a far more influential film than anything else that year.”
Fox pointed out why “Pulp Fiction” stands out from other crime dramas.
“It shows the in-between moments of criminals. Like when Jules (Jackson) and Vincent (Travolta) are discussing foot massages en route to a hit before they ‘get into character’ and enter the apartment,” said Fox. “Aside from Tarantino’s visual aspect and homages to so many iconic works of film, the dialogue is just top-notch and innovative. Of course, this led to a lot of copycat films, but nobody was able to do it like Quentin. He is a truly singular artist. There can be only one.”
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Another reason why it stands out is its non-linear narrative.
“It certainly was a huge part of this experience,” said Fox. “The best films require a second viewing to further understand it. There were many reasons why I saw this in the theater several times as a senior in high school. And why I continue to re-watch. The scrambled plot structure was by no doubt a huge appeal of the movie and a huge influence on some of my own writing. Even if the film was edited in a linear fashion, it would still be an undeniable work of art. It is just further deepened and broadened with Tarantino’s experimental approach to storytelling.”
For Fox, there are so many memorable moments in “Pulp Fiction” that he can’t name just one.
“Oh, man. Picking a favorite scene in ‘Pulp Fiction’? Tough,” said Fox. “To me, the pinnacle of the movie is the apartment scene near the beginning when Jules and Vincent obtain the suitcase. Jackson is just dynamite in that scene. The line that makes me laugh the most though is Willis’s delivery of ‘Zed’s dead, baby. Zed’s dead,’ before he rides off with his girlfriend (Maria de Medeiros) on Zed’s chopper.”
Fox has shown “Pulp Fiction” in his film classes.
“I send home a list of all the films we will watch in class, many of which are R-rated. Though I have shown ‘Pulp Fiction’ in the past, I have since stopped. I would have a much harder time justifying the gratuitous violence of this film, not to mention the rape scene. It’s tough not to show Tarantino in a film class. I think going forward, I might show the opening of 2009’s ‘Inglourious Basterds’ with the interrogation scene at the farmhouse,” explained Fox.
He gave his insights on what gives “Pulp Fiction” its staying power after 30 years.
“Because no matter how many people have tried – and still try – to copy it, nobody has come close to capturing the undeniable power and artistry of this film,” said Fox.
See “Pulp Fiction” on the big screen in 35 mm at the historic Redford Theatre – located at 17360 Lahser Rd. in Detroit – on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $7 ($5 for senior citizens). Not recommended for children. Viewer discretion is advised. Purchase tickets here. For questions or more information, contact 313-537-2560.
