Showing posts with label John Travolta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Travolta. Show all posts

Monday, October 21, 2013

Brett and Marvin: Pulp Fiction and the (skill-testing) question


In this fifth installment exploring Pulp Fiction's treatment of redemption, we consider Jules' famous scene with Brett; he  had asked Brett if he knew why a Quarter Pounder with cheese was called a Royale with cheese in France. Brett proved he was a smart guy, figuring out that a Quarter Pounder with cheese can’t keep the same name in France… “because of the metric system” (“Check out the big brain on Brett…you’re a smart mothe…”) It was on the basis of his right answer that Jules could “lay his vengeance upon him” – because he should have known better

Monday, July 5, 2010

You're judging this [expletive] the wrong way: Pulp Fiction & miracles



"Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous."

I used the term "judging" in the title of this 3rd installment exploring  Pulp Fiction's treatment of redemption, but I'm not using it as it has been used in previous posts on the theme of judgment

For you fans of Koine Greek, there's a nuanced difference (pun intended) between krino and diakrino (and katakrino, and anakrino, etc.). In this post, we're talking about the issue of discernment - differentiating one thing from another; what we're differentiating are coincidence and providence.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Don't put me in this position, Vincent! Pulp Fiction & Redemption Accountability


Having discussed the primary Winfield/Ringo pair in the 1st installment of Pulp Fiction's redemption treatment, we now focus on the anomaly, Vincent Vega.

Vega is the only main character to die, and Tarantino is sending a message - failing to recognize the multiple opportunities for redemption, the guiding hand that made escape possible for everyone steps aside and crazy events unfold towards his demise.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Trying hard to be the shepherd: Pulp Fiction and Redemption



I find Pulp Fiction to be a remarkable treatment of the redemption theme, using several layers to accomplish the message. We’ll explore this fascinating treatment in installments.

One of the first tools Tarantino employs is a non-chronological order to the telling of the story which I believe to be a masterful stroke.