Pump It

************這篇影評可能有雷************

Given its crisp prose, nonlinear structure, and almost flirtatious dialogues that would later establish it as a postmodern classic, it is no wonder that Pulp Fiction opened with a track that would later be sampled in Black Eyed Peas』 Pump It. It’s pop but not quite pop – it has a little bit more taste and much more life in it. I watched Pulp Fiction with the knowledge that it is looked up upon, almost revered by, my generation, and usually this kind of knowledge turns me off – some kind of reverse herd mentality? Yet, Pulp Fiction has a certain charm to it that makes it the opposite of cheesy in spite of its widespread popularity – the charm of someone whom even the thought of trying has never crossed her mind. It does its own thing, in such a meticulous manner – not once is the chronological order messed up – that everything works out and at the same time have you question, 「How?」 The scenes are engaging enough within themselves, and somewhat achieves the effect of a synergy as they weave in and out of seemingly parallel storylines. The lines are random, all over the place, but each sentence tells us something about the story by telling us something about the character, which, as pointed out by the great film critic Roger Ebert, is rarely seen in cinemas these days, or maybe ever. Much of the film’s humor is derived from a glaring mismatch between the situation and the characters』 response, which is so out of place that it is naturally funny, and from genuinely unexpected twists. You can say that the film holds all of its ridiculousness together so well that it becomes what it is – a fun-to-watch, fun-to-quote, and re-watch-worthy comedy that you can』t take too seriously but would not easily forget.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, got lost in the radiant and fresh ambiance of the movie, and laughed without having to take any cues from the film. My rather long list of favorite scenes include:

1) Vincent and Mia dancing at Jackrabbit Slim’s. I love the whole concept of the restaurant – such vintage, much style, and the scene was so fun to watch that it gives you the conviction that they must have won the competition. When you later learn they actually stole the trophy, and in the very subtle manner as it was, it adds another dimension to the scene and the satisfaction of picking up an ingeniously-planted clue to your experience.

2) Vincent plunging the syringe into Mia’s heart to revive her. This scene was the perfect eruption of all the tension and chaos that had been built up previously. Amidst all the agitated conversations and frantic search for instructions to use the syringe, you can』t help but laugh along, half anticipating the scene but still eager and craving for it to actually happen.

3) Jules revealing that his spiel was made up. Hilarious and on point.

4) Butch killing off Vincent. Such a surprising turn of events, and alludes to Vincent’s fate after parting ways with Jules, who is now a reformed man.

5) The chase between Butch and Marsellus. Gripping in the beginning, it took a turn for the hilarious when Marsellus bumps into Butch just when Butch thought he was free. The conclusion was just downright unexpected, and you somehow end up rooting for both characters.

6) The Wolf taking care of the mess Vincent made when he accidentally shot their captive. His professionalism was so cutthroat that it reflects exactly what Vincent and Jules are – 「inglorious bastards」.