Pulp Fiction just finished on Bravo. I only watched the last third or so. It doesn’t make any difference, I’ve seen the movie many times.
This is an amazing movie. It’s also the most violent movie I like. I wish that weren’t so, but the movie is powerful enough to overcome the objections I’d normally have.
I think there are some exceptional performances, that’s probably what impresses me the most.
First, Samuel L. Jackson. He is so powerfully weird, yet believable at the same time. I can’t think of one thing he should have done differently. My opinion of him as a person, in appearances I’ve seen since Pulp Fiction, is totally based on the character he played here. In essence, I’m accepting this movie as his own personality.
John Travolta’s work is nearly to the same level. He’s also believably weird, though not quite as weird as Samuel L. Travolta’s best performances have been with characters who are off center, like this movie and Get Shorty.
The problem is, I just can’t recommend Pulp Fiction. There are too many weird scenes, too many violent images. As good as it is, I wouldn’t take the responsibility.
But, wow – what a movie.
Geoff,
I agree with your observations on Samuel Jackson’s performance. If I remember correctly,(and a 30-second Google search would confirm this for me, but I’m just that lazy) John Travolta was nominated for an Oscar for his role in this movie, but Samuel Jackson was not nominated for his. I actually thought Samuel Jackson was better, if for nothing else but the scene in the diner at the end where he gets his wallet back from the robber.
I understand that it was Travolta’s “comeback” film after so many years of poor role choices- “Look Who’s Talking” and the like, but I thought Samuel Jackson was just great.
Awards for
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Academy Awards, USA
Won:
Oscar Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
Quentin Tarantino
Roger Avary
Nominated:
Best Actor in a Leading Role
John Travolta
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Samuel L. Jackson
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Uma Thurman
Best Director
Quentin Tarantino
Best Film Editing
Sally Menke
Best Picture
Lawrence Bender
So, Samuel L. was acknowledged with a nomination.
Geoff Fox