Pulp Fiction: Essay #1
Pulp Fiction
'Explore how far your chosen film are experimental in challenging conventional approaches to narrative' (20 marks)
Look at:
- Conventional narratives with Hollywood films
- Number of narratives in Pulp Fiction
- Do they individually follow conventional structure?
- Techniques Tarantino employs to ensure audience follow what happens?
- Effect film's structure has on audience?
Pulp Fiction is a 1994 film directed by Quentin Tarantino that challenges conventional approaches to narrative as the film unfolds in a non-linear structure that diverts from the typical Hollywood structure.
Pulp Fiction differs drastically from the conventional narrative in a Hollywood movie; the conventional approach to a narrative in a Hollywood picture has a six-point structure (beginning -> equilibrium -> disruption -> goals -> obstruction -> conclusion) and follows this pattern rigorously. However Tarantino prefers to make films in a non-linear style as he now believes America tell the worst stories so he wanted to return the story to prominence through his filmography. Tarantino deconstructs the conventional structure as 'Pulp Fiction' tells three interrelated stories through three main storylines and seven narrative sequences. This is evident in the opening of the film as the scene of the diner being robbed and Jules and Vincent retrieving the suitcase depicts that the film has started midway through the action which differs from the typical Hollywood approach which uses the start of the film to set up the plot. Tarantino uses the non-linear structure to immerse the audience in the story and keep them constantly trying to work out how these storylines interlink. Tarantino's approach to Pulp Fiction also differs from the conventional narrative and structure of Hollywood films due to the graphic and violent nature of the movie which takes inspiration from European art film and the French New Wave; Tarantino's influences inspires him to use similar approaches to these directors rather than sticking to the tried and tested Hollywood formula. The non-linear style of Pulp Fiction allows Tarantino to challenge conventional approaches to narrative as this give his film complete freedom to tell the story he wants to tell in the way he sees fit which allows the story to closely resonate with the audience and keep them on the edge of the seat as they watch the movie unfold.
Despite the conventional structure of Pulp Fiction significantly differing from the conventional structure of a Hollywood picture, the three narratives in the film follow a conventional structure as Tarantino presents how these scenes start, reach an obstacle and work to defeat the obstacle with a conclusion at the end of each narrative. This is shown in the final narrative where Jules and Vincent have to clear up the mess of the apartment and the accidental shooting of Brett's associate, as well as stopping the robbery at the diner. All of these are successfully sorted out by the conclusion of this act and the act also concludes with them leaving the diner after they have sorted out these situations which depicts that the individual acts of Pulp Fiction do follow a conventional structure. However Tarantino's use of non-linear storytelling and three different stories mean that despite the individual acts following a conventional structure, when the film is put together as a whole it makes the film challenge conventional approaches to narrative as Tarantino's repeats the process of the typical Hollywood act multiple times and plays around with the technique through the non-linear sequencing. This is an auteur trait of Tarantino as he uses the most effective technique in order to get the most out of his audiences. The effect that the film's structure has on the audience is significant as the individual acts keep them drawn in as they are intrigued to see how these situations play out, whereas once the film is put together this makes the audience appreciate the film significantly more as the use of a non-linear approach allows the audience to arrive at unexpected conclusions. This approach is also effective for the audience as this allows the pace to remain constant throughout the film and Tarantino makes the audience connect with the film through his storytelling as his approach allows him to demonstrate the depth of the characters and make a compelling story that enthrals the audience.
Tarantino employs many techniques in order to assure the audience is able to follow what happens. Tarantino's use of flashbacks is important as they allow the audience to remember what occurred in key scenes of the film and remind the audience why these scenes are important in shaping the plot of the film. The use of flashbacks in Pulp Fiction differs to the conventional approach in Hollywood as this leaves the audience in the dark over how the film will progress and doesn't give the audience the answers until later on in the film. Tarantino also differs to conventional approaches to narrative as he draws in the audience's attention through the suitcase which ends up being a MacGuffin which depicts that the audience's focus on what was inside the suitcase was of no relevance to the plot which means that Pulp Fiction's structural approach deceives the viewer into the importance of certain objects. Tarantino also ensures the audience's attention through the themes of the film such as the representation of gender. This is especially prevalent in the scene where Mia allows Vincent into her house; Tarantino clearly conveys that Mia has the control through her actions as she is smoking (seen as a 'masculine' and powerful quality) and she has the view from the camera which looks down upon Vincent so she is in control of how the footage plays out. Tarantino gives control to the female character who controls the male character as a puppet-like figure. This also challenges conventional approaches to narrative as the female character takes control over the vulnerable male figures and links to Tarantino's auteur approach of the power of the female character (as seen in Jackie Brown and Kill Bill).
In conclusion, Pulp Fiction challenges conventional approaches to narrative to a large extent as Tarantino draws on his influences and his love on films to make different and original movies compared to the mainstream Hollywood flicks and his use of a fragmented narrative and the content and themes that he includes throughout the film means that Pulp Fiction was an extremely experimental film that stood out from the crowd due to the film's unique features. Tarantino's approach to the structure of his film is more effective than if it was to follow a conventional Hollywood approach as the story would have turned into a typical action film. Tarantino is inspired by the works of Jean Luc-Godard who states all films 'every movie needs a beginning, a middle and an end, but not necessarily in that order' and Tarantino uses this concept to his advantage.
'Explore how far your chosen film are experimental in challenging conventional approaches to narrative' (20 marks)
Look at:
- Conventional narratives with Hollywood films
- Number of narratives in Pulp Fiction
- Do they individually follow conventional structure?
- Techniques Tarantino employs to ensure audience follow what happens?
- Effect film's structure has on audience?
Pulp Fiction is a 1994 film directed by Quentin Tarantino that challenges conventional approaches to narrative as the film unfolds in a non-linear structure that diverts from the typical Hollywood structure.
Pulp Fiction differs drastically from the conventional narrative in a Hollywood movie; the conventional approach to a narrative in a Hollywood picture has a six-point structure (beginning -> equilibrium -> disruption -> goals -> obstruction -> conclusion) and follows this pattern rigorously. However Tarantino prefers to make films in a non-linear style as he now believes America tell the worst stories so he wanted to return the story to prominence through his filmography. Tarantino deconstructs the conventional structure as 'Pulp Fiction' tells three interrelated stories through three main storylines and seven narrative sequences. This is evident in the opening of the film as the scene of the diner being robbed and Jules and Vincent retrieving the suitcase depicts that the film has started midway through the action which differs from the typical Hollywood approach which uses the start of the film to set up the plot. Tarantino uses the non-linear structure to immerse the audience in the story and keep them constantly trying to work out how these storylines interlink. Tarantino's approach to Pulp Fiction also differs from the conventional narrative and structure of Hollywood films due to the graphic and violent nature of the movie which takes inspiration from European art film and the French New Wave; Tarantino's influences inspires him to use similar approaches to these directors rather than sticking to the tried and tested Hollywood formula. The non-linear style of Pulp Fiction allows Tarantino to challenge conventional approaches to narrative as this give his film complete freedom to tell the story he wants to tell in the way he sees fit which allows the story to closely resonate with the audience and keep them on the edge of the seat as they watch the movie unfold.
Despite the conventional structure of Pulp Fiction significantly differing from the conventional structure of a Hollywood picture, the three narratives in the film follow a conventional structure as Tarantino presents how these scenes start, reach an obstacle and work to defeat the obstacle with a conclusion at the end of each narrative. This is shown in the final narrative where Jules and Vincent have to clear up the mess of the apartment and the accidental shooting of Brett's associate, as well as stopping the robbery at the diner. All of these are successfully sorted out by the conclusion of this act and the act also concludes with them leaving the diner after they have sorted out these situations which depicts that the individual acts of Pulp Fiction do follow a conventional structure. However Tarantino's use of non-linear storytelling and three different stories mean that despite the individual acts following a conventional structure, when the film is put together as a whole it makes the film challenge conventional approaches to narrative as Tarantino's repeats the process of the typical Hollywood act multiple times and plays around with the technique through the non-linear sequencing. This is an auteur trait of Tarantino as he uses the most effective technique in order to get the most out of his audiences. The effect that the film's structure has on the audience is significant as the individual acts keep them drawn in as they are intrigued to see how these situations play out, whereas once the film is put together this makes the audience appreciate the film significantly more as the use of a non-linear approach allows the audience to arrive at unexpected conclusions. This approach is also effective for the audience as this allows the pace to remain constant throughout the film and Tarantino makes the audience connect with the film through his storytelling as his approach allows him to demonstrate the depth of the characters and make a compelling story that enthrals the audience.
Tarantino employs many techniques in order to assure the audience is able to follow what happens. Tarantino's use of flashbacks is important as they allow the audience to remember what occurred in key scenes of the film and remind the audience why these scenes are important in shaping the plot of the film. The use of flashbacks in Pulp Fiction differs to the conventional approach in Hollywood as this leaves the audience in the dark over how the film will progress and doesn't give the audience the answers until later on in the film. Tarantino also differs to conventional approaches to narrative as he draws in the audience's attention through the suitcase which ends up being a MacGuffin which depicts that the audience's focus on what was inside the suitcase was of no relevance to the plot which means that Pulp Fiction's structural approach deceives the viewer into the importance of certain objects. Tarantino also ensures the audience's attention through the themes of the film such as the representation of gender. This is especially prevalent in the scene where Mia allows Vincent into her house; Tarantino clearly conveys that Mia has the control through her actions as she is smoking (seen as a 'masculine' and powerful quality) and she has the view from the camera which looks down upon Vincent so she is in control of how the footage plays out. Tarantino gives control to the female character who controls the male character as a puppet-like figure. This also challenges conventional approaches to narrative as the female character takes control over the vulnerable male figures and links to Tarantino's auteur approach of the power of the female character (as seen in Jackie Brown and Kill Bill).
In conclusion, Pulp Fiction challenges conventional approaches to narrative to a large extent as Tarantino draws on his influences and his love on films to make different and original movies compared to the mainstream Hollywood flicks and his use of a fragmented narrative and the content and themes that he includes throughout the film means that Pulp Fiction was an extremely experimental film that stood out from the crowd due to the film's unique features. Tarantino's approach to the structure of his film is more effective than if it was to follow a conventional Hollywood approach as the story would have turned into a typical action film. Tarantino is inspired by the works of Jean Luc-Godard who states all films 'every movie needs a beginning, a middle and an end, but not necessarily in that order' and Tarantino uses this concept to his advantage.
Hi Jordan,
ReplyDeleteThis is really detailed and almost constitutes as being your full answer. I will take your written response as the main mark.
All the best
Mr Cooper