Reviews

Could contain SPOILERS

This movie is one of the most underrated films of all time. This tear-jerker about a family in turmoil is superbly written by Alvin Sargent. His adaptation of Judith Guest's bestseller added more emotional depth and realistic dialogue to provide extreme credibility to the story.

The acting is exceptional. Timothy Hutton's performance of a young man struggling with the guilt of surviving is heartfelt and real. Mary Tyler Moore, who is more accustomed to playing more emotional roles, does a fine job as a mother who is almost incapable of displaying affection after a personal tragedy. Donald Sutherland's portrayal of a father who is trying to keep his broken family together is earnest and impressive.

The best performance must have come from Judd Hirsch who plays a sharp-tongued psychiatrist, Dr. Berger who tries to explain to Conrad (Hutton) that its acceptable to feel pain. In the most poignant scene of the movie, Conrad doubts the goodness of life, but Berger reaffirms its goodness. When Conrad asks how he knows this, Berger simply replies, "Because I'm your friend."

Good acting does not come without good directing. Robert Redford handled Sargent's script beautifully and brought career performances from each of the four main characters. You would have to be a good director to get an Oscar-nominated performance from Judd Hirsch. Ordinary People established Redford as an actor's director.

SPOILERS in this summary

This film is arguably the most well-written of all time. Quentin Tarantino's screenplay includes everyday conversation that enhances character development. There are no lulls since every piece of dialogue has a certain significance to the entire film.

Pulp Fiction is also not as violent as some critics think. Take for instance the scene at Lance's house when Mia is suffering from a heroin overdose. Vincent stabs Mia with an adrenaline needle to jump start her heart. However, (thanks to brilliant directing from Tarantino) the viewer never actually sees the needle penetrate Mia's chest.

The best scene in Pulp Fiction has to be the end scene in which Jules (played by Samuel L. Jackson in his career role) negotiates with Pumpkin and Hunnybunny with regards to saving their lives. His last lines interpreting Ezekiel 25:17 are powerful and spine-tingling, especially his last sentence.

"You're the weak, and I am the tyranny of evil men, but I'm trying', Ringo, I'm trying real hard to be a shepherd." This speech makes Pulp Fiction one of the greatest and most unique stories of redemption.

Pulp Fiction is personally my favorite film. The movie earned its Oscar for Tarantino's screenplay, but was denied Oscars it should have won, especially best picture, best director (Tarantino), and best supporting actor (Samuel L. Jackson). Regardless, this film is extremely important with blazing originality similar to Citizen Kane. It is a film that will continue to thrive for many decades to come.