Assignment Four: Pulp Fiction

Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film Pulp Fiction is undoubtedly iconic. In a particular scene, Tarantino heightens tension within a single room. The use of angles, depth of field, and close ups are key in making the scene infamous. Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta remain standing throughout the scene, in power positions, while the three younger victims stay seated and static. Jackson is shot from below, giving him a God-like quality above the other goons. Travolta remains relatively silent in the background as Jackson intimidates one of the guys, Brett. Tarantino creates an interesting scene by having Travolta out of focus, but actively smoking, eating, and pacing. Jackson makes use of the room's spacious quality by walking to and from each of the three guys. Close-ups are prevalent to depict the fear on Brett's face, to reinforce the intensity of Jackson, and on the lock to the money-filled briefcase; three important continued themes of the scene and film: anger, money, and fear.