pulp fiction Essay -- essays research papers

Pulp Fiction (1994) is a mesmerizing, violent and entertaining movie. It has a extraordinary cast of characters, a nonlinear sequence of events and endless references to pop culture. The underlie theme of the movie, however, deals with religion and the transformation of two characters Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) and Butch (Bruce Willis).In the lineage of the film, Vincent (John Travolta) has returned from a stay in Amsterdam, and the conversation between Jules and Vincent deals with what Big Macs and bum Pounders are called in Europe. As the movie moves on, other references are the Fonz on Happy Days, Arnold the Pig on Green Acres, the band Flock of Seagulls, Caine from Kung Fu, TV pilots, and other such topics. At first viewing, these kinds of references seem to be a kind of comic relief put together against the violence the audience witnesses on the screen. These brief, pop-culture symbols and icons are more than just comic relief. They are the way these characters spring sens e of their lives. In past centuries, people were affiliated by something they precept as larger than themselves, most often religion, which would provide sense and signification for their lives and which would help to determine the pry of things. (The Sage, p.10) Such a larger setting is completely absent, however, from Juless and Vincents lives. This explains why the film is so complete(a) with these pop icons. The empty and subtle icon phrases are the reference points by which we now understand ourselves and each other. These references throw ins to a real climax when Vincent and Mia (Uma Thurman) chit-chat Jack Rabbit Slims, where the host is Ed Sullivan, the singer is Ricky Nelson, the server is Buddy Holly, and the waitresses include Marilyn Monroe and Jane Mansfield. In the film, the pop cultural symbols are set into sudden words against a passage said to be from the senior Testament, Ezekiel 2517The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he, who in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brothers keeper and the finder of lost children.And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious... ...spIt is also of the essence(predicate) to note how Butch is always returning. He seems doomed to return, perhaps to replicate things, until he gets it right. He must return to his apartment to get his watch. This come back is associated with his decision to become his enemy. Theres his return to the basement to save Marsellus. Theres also his return to Knoxville-where Butch has consider to escape after he doesnt throw the fight. After he chooses the sword and saves Marsellus, Butch can rightfully return to Knoxville, now connected to his family.The big overall question that this movie asks us is that can our materialistic, disorderly, adult male relationships provide real and lasting meani ng in our lives and in the world? Butchs actions hint at an agreeable answer. With his newly end bonds of family, friendship, and love, Butch may achieve at least some formulation of a meaningful existence. And as a result, we are made to think about our own lives, especially in todays high society full of pop culture icons and materialistic people. This movie brings up philosophical questions such as why we do certain things and what is the true value in our life.