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Finally watched Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction (SPOILERS)
Posted on 1/10/14 at 10:57 am
Posted on 1/10/14 at 10:57 am
I got on the Netflix bandwagon and over the last few weeks I watched Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction because I felt like it was my duty as a man. And, I got to say, I just don't get it.
Reservoir Dogs - The movie just seemed way too short. By the time I realized I was supposed to be figuring out who the rat was, they revealed it. There wasn't really any time spent developing the characters to make me care if they figured it out or not. After the huge shootout, when the credits ran, I was left wondering how that was the whole story.
Pulp Fiction - This one was obviously longer, and I felt like it had way more character development. But so many things happened that left me wondering what was the point. Tarantino does a good job letting us get to know Jules and Vincent, but then he just kills Vincent in what seemed like an afterthought. Then, before I can even really miss him, he's back in the flashback for the final act. Also, the whole night spent between Mia and Vincent seemed pointless. There was no consequence to it. There were plenty of scenes that I liked, but I was really disappointed that the different stories didn't lead to some main conclusion. It's like Reservoir Dogs in that after Jules has the awesome speech at the end, it just finishes. And what was the point of the Wolfe story? Jules already had his epiphany that he wanted to change his life before they got that whole car situation resolved. So, it just seemed like a 20 minute pause between Jules deciding to change his ways and actually doing it.
Don't take this as rhetorical, but I really want to know what I am missing. In reading the Song of Ice and Fire series, one of my favorite things is reading things online that I missed while reading the book. I'd really like to know what makes people thing these are great movies. It bothered me that I watched Pulp Fiction and just couldn't get it.
Reservoir Dogs - The movie just seemed way too short. By the time I realized I was supposed to be figuring out who the rat was, they revealed it. There wasn't really any time spent developing the characters to make me care if they figured it out or not. After the huge shootout, when the credits ran, I was left wondering how that was the whole story.
Pulp Fiction - This one was obviously longer, and I felt like it had way more character development. But so many things happened that left me wondering what was the point. Tarantino does a good job letting us get to know Jules and Vincent, but then he just kills Vincent in what seemed like an afterthought. Then, before I can even really miss him, he's back in the flashback for the final act. Also, the whole night spent between Mia and Vincent seemed pointless. There was no consequence to it. There were plenty of scenes that I liked, but I was really disappointed that the different stories didn't lead to some main conclusion. It's like Reservoir Dogs in that after Jules has the awesome speech at the end, it just finishes. And what was the point of the Wolfe story? Jules already had his epiphany that he wanted to change his life before they got that whole car situation resolved. So, it just seemed like a 20 minute pause between Jules deciding to change his ways and actually doing it.
Don't take this as rhetorical, but I really want to know what I am missing. In reading the Song of Ice and Fire series, one of my favorite things is reading things online that I missed while reading the book. I'd really like to know what makes people thing these are great movies. It bothered me that I watched Pulp Fiction and just couldn't get it.
This post was edited on 1/10/14 at 11:02 am
13
Posted on 1/10/14 at 11:02 am to DestrehanTiger
It took me a second or third time viewing to get a full appreciation, especially Pulp Fiction. Once you have the plot down you can really focus on the character interactions, which are my favorite things about Tarantino's films.
I could watch Jules and Vincent discuss fast food chains in Europe and foot massages all day.
I could watch Jules and Vincent discuss fast food chains in Europe and foot massages all day.
Posted on 1/10/14 at 11:03 am to craigbiggio
quote:
It took me a second or third time viewing to get a full appreciation, especially Pulp Fiction. Once you have the plot down you can really focus on the character interactions, which are my favorite things about Tarantino's films.
I could watch Jules and Vincent discuss fast food chains in Europe and foot massages all day.
That was the common thing between the two movies that I noticed. They have great conversations, but when the story seems to be lacking, those convos just seem empty.
Posted on 1/10/14 at 11:04 am to DestrehanTiger
A lot of what makes Tarantino movies great is the dialogue. The interplay between the characters is witty, sharp, and interesting. The scene at the beginning of RD where Buscemi is talking about tipping is straight awesome.
I'm also not sure that I really look for a "point" to these movies. I am entertained and intrigued by how all the action plays out. The out of chronology keeps a sense of mystery throughout that forces me to think more about what exactly is happening, which I think heightens the entertainment.
I'm also not sure that I really look for a "point" to these movies. I am entertained and intrigued by how all the action plays out. The out of chronology keeps a sense of mystery throughout that forces me to think more about what exactly is happening, which I think heightens the entertainment.
Posted on 1/10/14 at 11:07 am to Peazey
First of all, figuring out the rat isn't even remotely the point of RD. That is apparent fairly early on.
Second, Pulp Fiction isn't so much about the story. There isn't a "point". THAT was what made it so refreshing at the time. It was talky, vulgar, violent, irreverent, etc. To me that film is just fun as hell to watch, and is more about filmmaking and subverting the genre than anything else.
Second, Pulp Fiction isn't so much about the story. There isn't a "point". THAT was what made it so refreshing at the time. It was talky, vulgar, violent, irreverent, etc. To me that film is just fun as hell to watch, and is more about filmmaking and subverting the genre than anything else.
Posted on 1/10/14 at 11:14 am to Fun Bunch
quote:
First of all, figuring out the rat isn't even remotely the point of RD. That is apparent fairly early on.
All of the characters spend the entire film figuring out who ruined the plan. I know the point wasn't for the audience to figure out the rat.
Posted on 1/10/14 at 11:16 am to DestrehanTiger
quote:
bothered me that I watched Pulp Fiction and just couldn't get it.
I'll say this - Pulp Fiction is a tough one to absorb in just 1 viewing - remember, he selected to show it out of order for a reason. The movie is primarily about actions having consequences, characters in transition and second chances.
Remember how Vincent was a complete a$$hole to Butch? If he had not been careless with the weapon and accidentally killed Marvin, their paths might not have crossed that day. If he's not a complete a$$hole - maybe Butch walks away when he has the upper hand.
The really powerful person in the film is Marcellus Wallace - he is literally raped and is changed by the experience - he experiences a spiritual rebirth because of the trauma. He recognizes that there are things more important than money. Butch realizes there are more important things than his father's watch. Butch saves Marcellus shortly after them being at each other's throats. He also maintains his warrior's code - he was willing to kill Marcellus one-on-one in a fair fight, but unwilling to leave him at the mercy of Maynard and Zed.
Vincent and Mia are addicts - their addictions are killing them. Mia mistakes heroin for cocaine (remember the balloon versus baggie issue?). Mia dies (effectively) and is literally reborn. Wonder if she will rethink her addictions...
Jules is almost killed on the job - he experiences a spiritual rebirth (predicting Marcellus') after the near death experience. Likewise, Vincent and Jules would have killed Ringo and Honeybunny under ordinary circumstances. Our criminal couple realize this and, perhaps, now have the means to change their ways.
This is one of the best movies of all time. All of these levels are worth exploring.
Posted on 1/10/14 at 11:23 am to Ace Midnight
quote:
Remember how Vincent was a complete a$$hole to Butch? If he had not been careless with the weapon and accidentally killed Marvin, their paths might not have crossed that day. If he's not a complete a$$hole - maybe Butch walks away when he has the upper hand.
This is what I was looking for. I forgot about that interaction.
quote:
Vincent and Mia are addicts - their addictions are killing them. Mia mistakes heroin for cocaine (remember the balloon versus baggie issue?). Mia dies (effectively) and is literally reborn. Wonder if she will rethink her addictions...
Yeah, I knew why she OD'ed. Vinny goes to get Coke and the dealer tells him that heroine is coming back. But I still didn't really feel like Mia was reborn or anything. We don't see her again to see how this event changed her life.
quote:
Jules is almost killed on the job - he experiences a spiritual rebirth (predicting Marcellus') after the near death experience. Likewise, Vincent and Jules would have killed Ringo and Honeybunny under ordinary circumstances. Our criminal couple realize this and, perhaps, now have the means to change their ways.
This was the one story arc I saw completed. Jules is a heartless killer, almost dies, changes his views, then actually acts this out. I liked that aspect of the movie, and I wish I saw more of the conclusions.
I am still trying to figure out the point of the Wolfe.
Posted on 1/10/14 at 11:32 am to Ace Midnight
quote:
Remember how Vincent was a complete a$$hole to Butch?
I almost mentioned that in my post, one of my favorite small scenes in PF.
"I think you heard me just fine, punchy"
Posted on 1/10/14 at 11:57 am to DestrehanTiger
quote:
It bothered me that I watched Pulp Fiction and just couldn't get it.
My 80 year old parents didn't either. One of the best movies ever so don't know what to tell you.
Perhaps you just need a linear movie?
This post was edited on 1/10/14 at 11:59 am
Posted on 1/10/14 at 12:00 pm to DestrehanTiger
quote:
I am still trying to figure out the point of the Wolfe.
the point of the wolfe? huh?
Posted on 1/10/14 at 12:13 pm to DestrehanTiger
quote:
am still trying to figure out the point of the Wolfe
What do you mean point? Like symbolically?
Posted on 1/10/14 at 12:35 pm to DestrehanTiger
quote:
Reservoir Dogs - The movie just seemed way too short. By the time I realized I was supposed to be figuring out who the rat was, they revealed it. There wasn't really any time spent developing the characters to make me care if they figured it out or not. After the huge shootout, when the credits ran, I was left wondering how that was the whole story.
I definitely cared that Mr. White was so confident and so wrong about Mr. Orange and the fatal consequences of his mistake. I also think the reveal of the rat in the middle works because for me the long flashback to him gaining the trust of the organization was one of the most enjoyable parts of the movie.
Posted on 1/10/14 at 12:45 pm to DestrehanTiger
quote:
I am still trying to figure out the point of the Wolfe.
That many people in life make huge messes for themselves and other people have to come in and fix it for them? And those people are children, emotionally.
Seriously - the movie is better and better with rewatching - you will continue to pick up nuances and see themes. So few films even flirt with being art or filmed "literature" - Pulp Fiction is way up there in that category.
I probably didn't watch it until 1998 - and I've seen it at least 30-35 times since - I once watched it 3 times in 2 days.
This post was edited on 1/10/14 at 12:46 pm
Posted on 1/10/14 at 1:04 pm to Gnar Cat21
I love Reservoir Dogs....always thought it could be made into a play.
Posted on 1/10/14 at 1:14 pm to DestrehanTiger
My first question would be how old are you? If you've watched lots of other movies but not seen either of these then I would guess that a lot of the themes and nuances are lost on you because you have seen them in a hundred other movies. These two films essentially made independent films what they are today and influenced every modern film maker. It's like looking at a biplane after first flying In a jet. But I do agree that they need to be rewatched a few times to bring it all full circle. Pulp Fiction is one of the greatest films ever and was robbed of best picture in 94.
Posted on 1/10/14 at 1:31 pm to DestrehanTiger
quote:
But I still didn't really feel like Mia was reborn or anything.
That's why I said "literally" - we are left with an uncertainty there - the only time she appears again, at least chronologically - is when Butch goes missing and she says something like , "I never thanked you for dinner."
Another thing about Pulp Fiction -
Vincent is in the bathroom when Butch comes back - Marcellus is getting coffee and doughnuts. If Jules does not quit the game a few days before - he would likely have been there - either to make the breakfast run, or to stay with Vincent while Marcellus does. How does that change what happened between Butch and Vincent?
This post was edited on 1/10/14 at 1:32 pm
Posted on 1/10/14 at 1:51 pm to Ace Midnight
OP is a fuddy duddy
Posted on 1/10/14 at 2:02 pm to craigbiggio
quote:Talkin shite to a pro boxer.
"I think you heard me just fine, punchy"
Posted on 1/10/14 at 2:06 pm to DestrehanTiger
Those two movies are what they are. Pulp Gangland Tales with intersecting nonlinear timelines. What you see is what you get there really isn't any deeper meaning to be had. They're simply meant to be an updating of the classic pulp style for modern day audiences.
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