How this scene takes Pulp Fiction from good to masterpiece

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In this video, we dissect one of Pulp Fiction's most iconic scenes: the tense apartment confrontation with Jules (Samuel L. Jackson), Vincent (John Travolta), and Brett (Frank Whaley). We'll delve into how Quentin Tarantino’s masterful direction, the unforgettable performances by Jackson and Travolta, and the scene's sharp dialogue come together to create a cinematic classic. Discover how this moment of high tension and dark humor has cemented itself as a standout in film history. Whether you're a Tarantino fan or simply curious about the art of crafting unforgettable scenes, this breakdown is for you! Editing, filmaking, cinematography, and more.
#pulpfiction #quentintarantino #videoessay #scenebreakdown

[@lancelloti.]

What other scenes do you think are some of the most iconic in movies?

[@bruce4303]

One I don't hear discussed much is from Birdman - when Michael Keaton and Edward Norton have that argument in the bowels of the theater, where by the end of it EN throws his sandal at MK calling him a "F__KING DILETTANTE!" It just kills me!

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

Nearly everything from "Blade Runner 2049".

[@dielaughing73]

Say "what" again!

[@tammyr1489]

Sicario. Border scene. Children of men. Car ambush scene. World war z. Opening attack.

[@mosesperez1924]

The final scene of "The Devil's Advocate" with Al Pacino and Keanu Reeves. The opening scene to "Inglorious Bastards". "Kill Bill Volume 1" Introduction of Oren Ishii.

[@imaseeker100]

There is a moment where vincent in the background has finished his smoke and reveals his pistol when Jules begins his sermon. He knew the routine. Another day at the office. Yet another brilliant but subtle detail.

[@mackychloe]

yep

[@LembeckIsStaying]

That's what gets me. SLJ was amazing, but as I get older seeing Travolta treating contract killing (not serial killing psychosis) like I treat any old day at the office is chilling.

[@hartodeserfeliz]

Absolutely. Worth mentioning.

[@greyclaa]

even worth a second mention

[@hartodeserfeliz]

@@greyclaa even a 3rd

[@johnupdate]

Eating his burger is not only a power move, it is also particularly brutal because he takes away his last meal, which every condemned is entitled to. thus he robs him of his last remaining dignity.

[@Brocktoon68]

The most cold-blooded part of the whole film. Not Butch's callousness about killing a fellow boxer, not Marcellus telling Butch that Zed will have a horrifying death, not Jules' and Vincent's indifference over killing Marvin, this.

[@daffidavit]

@@Brocktoon68 It's horrific.

[@michaelb.42112]

Oh, I never thought of that aspect. Good eye, or analysis.

[@James-vn8zb]

​@@Brocktoon68 That's all subjective, which I think is part if the point. The religious aspects that are injected into the film, often during times of violence, means that everyone will form their own opinion on the moments that show the most cruelty and indifference. Just the fact that there really isn't a moment that's made to be the obvious pinnacle of heartlessness kind of leads us to that conclusion. Which ultimately gets Jules thinking about his actions and what they bring upon his soul (the briefcase serves as a reminder) and wanting to get away from it so he can attempt to gain his morality back, with Vincent remaining happily unchanged, which leads to his demise. They were receiving warnings about the consequences of their actions. Jules heeded those warnings. Vincent didn't. The movie was loaded with cause and effect. Actions having consequences.

[@rupeoverlay3153]

The burger is cold blooded but the sprite is downright evil

[@robbynew100]

Equally iconic: the diner scene where Jules elects NOT to kill ringo and honey bunny because he's trying REAL hard to be the shepard

[@KameronJ7]

The whole movie is deliberately made for each scene to be iconic, quotable, etc. That's how you get odd, dud moments like "just because you are a character doesn't mean you have character." It's also why Pulp Fiction copycats are usually not fun to watch; it comes off very try-hard when they miss the mark.

[@Jonasgp123]

Jules: "I want you to go in that bag and get my wallet" Ringo: "Which one is it?" Jules: "It's the one that says bad motherfucker" ICONIC

[@jimh6813]

​@@Jonasgp123My wife bought me that wallet as a birthday gift. I carried that wallet for years. She found it online. It even comes with a Jules driver's license printed on a calling card.

[@matthewhallberg8256]

That speech at the end is ICONIC

[@goobytron2888]

When he calmly grabs Ringo’s gun and pins his head to the table on one move.

[@kendallpeters6451]

Y’all gotta admit…every actor just nailed their roles. A great movie. 👍👍😎

[@emanuelmota7217]

Pulp is a masterpiece.

[@SMjeffkameny3711]

One of the greatest scenes in cinematic history

[@garystrittmater8258]

John Travolta's career saver!

[@EvertfromNederland]

even the Flock of seagulls guy on the couch has genuine fear on his face.

[@missayawk]

​@@EvertfromNederlandExactly. When Jules was grilling Brett with the " WHATTTT, SAY WHAT AGAIN" I myself was terrified. Brett played that SO well. Great casting another underrated part of great movies, shows or sitcoms.

[@LucasRocha-xj6tm]

"What ain't no country i ever heard of, they speak english in what?" is the best line

[@LoserInChief]

I laughed so hard at that joke the first time I almost ruined it for myself and my friends in the theater.

[@VioletDeliriums]

@@LoserInChief the whole movie is one big dark humor joke, presented in the language of pop culture references that generation X viewers would understand and laugh at while others in the theater who did not get it would just sit there wondering what the fuck is happening. (At least that's what I experienced when I saw it in the theater back in the day.) One of my friends commented how violent the movie was, but even though I do not like violence I hardly even noticed it in the movie until she pointed it out, because it was softened by the dark humor delivered in strange references to pop culture than Gen X would understand, but others would not whether older or younger. The analysis in this video is certainly valid and interesting, but it lacks that cultural perspective just as your comment seems to. Laughing hard didn't "ruin the scene." The whole scene, in fact the whole movie, is a series of jokes presented in a series of (moving) images that look like a light and entertaining comic book, which is perhaps why it is called "Pulp Fiction."

[@LoserInChief]

@@VioletDeliriums OK, Boomer.

[@VioletDeliriums]

@@LoserInChief That's so 2017. Get with the times Millennial, and also learn the difference between Boomers and Gen X. Boomers were not in their 20s in the 1990s. All that said, it is amazing how self-righteous both the Boomers and Millennials are; they are more similar than they think; very preachy.

[@r1thou]

@@VioletDeliriumsSay What again!

[@Pete_the_Fuzzball]

Just gonna rewatch Pulp Fiction for the thousandth time and I'll come back.

[@kerrigillings8447]

That was my thought, too lol

[@neatchipops3428]

Yeah, man... whenever it's just on... I noticed you can watch from any point, just pick it up from anywhere, and it never gets old. A true genius' work. It took me until around 2002 to realized that it is indeed, The Best Movie of all time. It beats Godfather and Citizen Kane.

[@TheJbn7013]

Me too!😂

[@deanpitcher9832]

Most overrated movie of all time. I have a wide range of tastes with movies, but this is boring crap!

[@thenovicewildcamper9192]

Django unchained for me lol

[@MakeMeThinkAgain]

For me the greatest thing about this film is how much important stuff happens in bathrooms. In most movies, people never even use the bathroom but here every twist seems to come out of a bathroom.

[@urbangorilla33]

And again, it probably makes the characters more like real people and not icons or archetypes.

[@mattmulry7329]

That’s interesting. Hand cannon guy, and Vincent’s apartment demise. Vincent in the diner & at Jack Rabbit Slim’s (both times he finds a very different situation upon exiting the bathroom). Oh, Vincent’s self-talk in Mia’s bathroom. I think Lance searches his bathroom for the little black medical book. Does Butch jump out a bathroom window before he gets in Esmeralda Villa-Lobos’s cab?

[@tomsawyer5902]

Interesting Sidenote: I remember reading that Vincent spends a lot of time in the bathroom because constipation is a physical symptom of heroin addiction.

[@sergeantarmy]

@@tomsawyer5902 constipation is common with opiods. All really illicit stuff happens in the bathrooms,

[@Dr.Claw_M.A.D.]

Details of the story. Reservoir Dogs. The commode story. Do the stalls have doors? Is there bar soap or that pink granulated s*** you used to use in grade schook?... Etc etc. A smart person say a seasoned crook will ask questions to check if you are remembering or creating. Details.

[@lotus65]

You didn't include the most telling signal of all that there's no way out for Bret and the boys; when Jules drinks the whole cup of Sprite while giving Bret the coldest gangster stare on film. He's saying "you ain't gotta worry about being thirsty ever again, Bret..." Cold AF!

[@jimh6813]

I've seen Pulp Fiction many times and I've always noticed the cold stare down Jules gives to Bret while drinking all the Sprite. Your comment, "you ain't gotta worry about being thirsty ever again, Bret" makes me think of the biblical idea of where bad people go when they die? They are all bad, even Bret. Hell. Hell is where bad people go. That's the place where Bret will be going and wanting that drink the most, but Jules drank it all up. So when Bret arrives at the blistering hot flaming gates of Hell, that cool tasty beverage will definitely be on Bret's mind. In that context it truly is some damn cold-blooded shit.

[@lotus65]

@@jimh6813 Great take on hell Jim. That actually gives me a knot in my stomach for Bret.

[@jimh6813]

@@lotus65 Thanks much. It was your comment that got me thinking. Things like this make Pulp Fiction a masterpiece of gold.

[@ImYourOverlord]

F should never be cold, or else something may be very wrong 🤣

[@morningstar577]

​@@jimh6813 I've seen Pulp Fiction a thousand times & I've never thought about the drink/stare part like how you just described. That's some fucked up shit, I'm gonna be thinking about that on my next watch lol

[@pillettadoinswartsh4974]

This scene and the diner scene toward the end are bookends. With Jules' character development in between. He kills. He doesn't kill. He uses words to solve the situation. He's grown.

[@emanuelmota7217]

Now he's gonna walk the earth. Gset into adventures ...

[@johnjohnson1556]

And Vincent's lack of this growth leads to his ultimate death.

[@kennymichaelalanya7134]

​​@@johnjohnson1556well because Vincent wasn't a Believer. God knew that Vincent made a great deed because he saved a person's life and wished to spare him. But he didn't change his ways like Jules did.

[@redwoodcoaststudio1610]

It's what Joseph Campbell called The Hero's Journey.

[@eversosleight]

I think a reason why Jules eats almost the whole burger and finishes the Sprite is a nonchalant way of letting the audience and Brad know that, Brad will no longer need his food or drink when he's dead, lightly predicting what they're going to do to him.

[@kiritotheabridgedgod4178]

It also robs Brett of any remaining dignity in his life, as Jules is quite literally, taking Brett's last meal from him, right in front of his eyes.

[@chasmcloughlin9296]

The first time I watched Pulp Fiction was in a 4:3 pan and scan cut. Roger is out of frame until Jules shoots him. When Jules fires, the edit pans quickly to the left keeping the gun center screen, then back to Brett's reaction. It's a weird, cool move that I didn't realise wasn't intentional until I saw the widescreen version.

[@deanharrison162]

Have you got a link for that

[@chasmcloughlin9296]

@@deanharrison162 It was on VHS tape :)

[@kelvinfoote9897]

I' d forgotten now they used to do that in films on TV. They used to pan left and right in the widescreen epics like Spartacus, Lawrence of Arabia and Ben Hur. And the opening titles would all be squashed up, making all the human figures elongated.

[@panamadvd]

That always looked weird to me.

[@skat1140]

Pan and Scan should be illegal. What are our politicians doing if they are ignoring this pressing universal issue.

[@Powder148]

That shot of the burger always makes me want one lol

[@emanuelmota7217]

That IS a tasty-looking burger, right?

[@jowhit226]

Big Kahuna Burger is also in other movies like From Dusk Til Dawn for example.

[@simonleeofficial]

aint you a smart mf 😂

[@peterlatella7090]

That guy, Brad is played by Frank Whaley. My sister was in acting classes with him in college. I also had the pleasure to meet him about 10yrs ago when he and his family stopped at the TePee. We had a nice conversation about this scene, in which he said that the contents of the briefcase was to be left up for the individual audience to fill in the blanks, instead of directly or indirectly telling the audience what it really is. It was then that I saw a bit of the genius that is Tarantino.

[@captainslapem]

He also played "Moonlight Graham" in Field Of Dreams

[@TheGlass50]

It’s great that you know him and had a conversation with him about pulp fiction. He’s a great actor. I loved him as the Oswald impostor in JFK(1991)

[@jooei2810]

@@peterlatella7090 It is literally a MacGuffin!

[@JayCail]

The contents of the briefcase was Marcellus's SOUL. His soul was sold and had been extracted via his nape which is why you see the bandaid on the back of his neck. The 666 code on the briefcase was to signify the DEVIL owned the contents of the briefcase; Marcellus's soul.

[@RoseanneSeason7]

Very good actor. Swimming with sharks, is in my opinion his finest accomplishment in acting

[@TheLyricalCleric]

I think Tarantino topped himself with the Hans Landa milk scene in Inglorious Basterds. The restraint and the menace of Christoph Waltz was masterful, and the whole scene is crackling with tension. I don’t think anyone writes and directs film dialogue as well as Tarantino. A real master.

[@christheghostwriter]

That's my favorite scene of all time.

[@azeranth9263]

Well, no, because the thing being illustrated is reversed. This sequen e portrays our hitmen as somewhat incompetent, amateurish, dealing with the quirkier details of their jobs, as opposed to Hans Lands, where, we witness his job and how he goes about it, as part of his job. Here we see how our characters are not the same as the roles they play in work, in Inglorious, we see how the character Hans Landa plays at work, follows hin out of that context

[@jackthurman2642]

@@azeranth9263 What are you disagreeing with? Both scenes are masterful examples of writing and setting the tone for their respective movies. You're just describing how the scenes are different, which should be obvious considering they're from movies that are radically different in nature.

[@jameshowland7393]

Absolutely. Landa is in charge. EVERYBODY knows it, but ha acts graciously to his "host" and his daughters, being very polite, almost demure. Even when he switches language to English in order to ascertain whether the farmer knew where the family was, he behaved in a very reserved fashion. Right up to and past the point where he brought the soldiers in to shoot through the floor, he acted as if everything was okay, nothing to see here, move along. COLD hearted.

[@Deletirium]

Absolutely. Christoph Waltz is one of the greatest actors of our age- he's a rare actor who actually ACTS, not just playing himself in different roles. That scene with the milk is one of the most menacing, tense, and epic opening shots ever filmed. Even the end of it, when he elects not to shoot the fleeing survivor. "Au revoir, Shoshanna!" In my opinion, it's Walz and James McAvoy at the top- nobody else comes close for believablity, authenticity, and versatility.

[@thirdhandlv4231]

Sally Menke (the editor) deserves a lot of the credit for cutting the whole damn thing up, as is usual with editors, any time length of a shot or a silence or a stare or anything is kept, that is a choice by the editor.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

Editing is key with every book, film, video game script, and even illustrations. Every single nuance can influence the way a viewer perceives the materials. In the end, the creator s supposed to properly ORCHESTRATE the audience's emotions. Tarantino talked about this in at least several interviews.

[@judgedrekk2981]

it's why Marcia Lucas get's a lot of praise even if it took a long time for her story to be told....editing out parts that slow the movie down and clean up some jank that might exist vs putting things in to fill out the world on one side might fit the original idea but on the other side it makes scenes a little jumbled and editing action to change a character is bad I'm not gonna rant about all of it but adding Jabba back into ANH, he shoulda been a hologram, they coulda easily cut out the original actor and put a 3D jabba in and when han walks behind him the hologram glitches for a second, not everything has to be played for laughs and it preserves Jabba's character.... seriously han stepped on a crime boss's feet, imagine if it was Boba Fett? eh that's it! feet tail yes but my point is made!

[@ForageGardener]

Lots of shitty editors these days then that's for sure

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

Tarantino, like Hitchcock, storyboards every scene, every shot. So, she did a fine job, but didn't really have to make too many difficult or creative decisions. She finds the best take, and the most consistent ones to the story and lays down the beat. You're right about the length of each shot though.

[@Reggie2000]

Actually Terintino isn't afraid to linger. Sam talks about a scene in Jackie Brown where Terintino encouraged him to let his character think it all out in real time, unworried about the length of us just watching him do so.

[@jollyjohnthepirate3168]

At the end of Captain America 2 you see the headstone set up for Nick Fury. On it is chiseled Ezekiel 25:17. Priceless.

[@jowhit226]

Wow. Great catch.

[@RocketDog797]

Why would you watch that garbage

[@jollyjohnthepirate3168]

@@RocketDog797 Cap.2 had a great story. Came for the super hero movie, stayed for a retelling of 8 Days of the Condor.

[@lazarperic4525]

​@@RocketDog797 Cap Murica movies are actually good compared to those other shite Marvel "movies" fr

[@marvelgame335]

@@RocketDog797 dude, captain america 2 is the goat of mcu. great action movie. you should watch it.

[@Twannnng]

16:52 I like the little detail that, when Jules starts on about the Bible you see VIncent in the background turn and stub out his cigarette, because he knows Jules' method, and that's his cue that they're about to do what they came for.

[@BoluzB2]

Although the scene is great and iconic it is not a proper bible verse.

[@alphonse1462]

​@@BoluzB2not a secret,we've all looked it up.

[@paavobergmann4920]

That, and you just don´t smoke during a sermon. You don´t. it´s disrespectful.

[@joemarshall4226]

Samuel Jackson's performance is terrific and famous. But Brett's performance is sensational and more difficult. And you don't even realize how good it is because he is just representing you.

[@icu3869]

Representing WHO?!How dare you.

[@joemarshall4226]

@@icu3869 You. He is the side of you that is tempted to make a quick buck doing something illegal, when you should be happy with your ligal way of making money. But you are not cut out for that kind of life.....

[@Realmusiclover1957]

The scene worked so well IS because the Brett character's performance was brilliant and flawless. Great observation!

[@joemarshall4226]

@@Realmusiclover1957 if you’ve seen Goodfellas, you might remember the scene where the Owner of the Italian Restaurant where the gang hangs out pleads with Pauline, their leader to do something about the way he is being ruined by the Joe Pesci character and his friends. Everyone remembers the great performance by Pauline, but they take the restaurant owner for granted because he is so real….in fact he DOES own an Italian restaurant in NYC in real life!

[@joemarshall4226]

@@Realmusiclover1957 paulie, not Pauline

[@howkel]

"Check out the big brain on Brad." He didn't give a fuck about that kid's name.

[@pimproj]

Would you have corrected him?

[@mackychloe]

@@pimproj Bret & Brad sound kinda the same when said slowly in an American accent.

[@redwoodcoaststudio1610]

I've read that Jackson actually just made a mistake, but the shot was so good that they kept it and used it.

[@MrBentastic]

Love the distinction between the shock gunshot and the joke gunshot. I've seen this movie a million times and never caught that subtle but intentional choice.

[@jooei2810]

Tarantino saved Travolta’s career in one movie.

[@banjomechanic]

He didn’t just save it, he redefined it. Really amazing what Travolta did after this film.

[@seanbrazell7095]

For a little while anyway.

[@TomJ-u8o]

Yep, Tarantino is worshipped by people. I did the electrical on a bar in TX that he had something to do with people went crazy.

[@jooei2810]

@@TomJ-u8o Thank you General Electric!

[@skat1140]

Another victory for Scientology.

[@nickthelick]

"You. Flock of Seagulls..." 😆

[@byronspears9395]

I don’t remember asking you a gotdam thing🫵🏾💯👍🏾🤣😂

[@davidschmidbauer3930]

That’s the line that made me laugh the most

[@VasudevAnandcva]

Honestly this scene has always been proof (along with the opening of Inglourious Basterds) that Tarantino is a genius. The apartment scene in Pulp Fiction genuinely might be my favourite scene in all of film.

[@lucaskuczek]

Mine is in Goodfellas. The long walk through the restaurant/nightclub.

[@Purlypurlington]

others help me understand movies i dont understand, you help me understand movies i do understand

[@lancelloti.]

thank you

[@johnjohnson1556]

This was a very good breakdown of the scene, but it fails to reference what ,in my humble opinion, is the most captivating moment. The piercing death stare Jules gives Brett while polishing off his Sprite. Chilling.

[@jkunz27]

How the F did you leave out the most diabolical shot in that whole scene??? The tight-shot where Jules drinks the Sprite while staring coldly and unflinchingly at Brad/Brett!

[@thelayoffshow]

That is the most memorable scene for me 😮

[@ibrahim-sj2cr]

yeah finishing the whole sprite

[@nikoswans7657]

It burns to drink that much sprite that fast haha

[@radonspace2098]

That hit the spot.

[@jonathanswink2682]

I saw this movie in the theater on my 13th birthday with my dad. We had no idea what we were getting into. But we left mind blown. It was a masterpiece

[@paulajaneabel5205]

Exactly. One of the very few films that just left me sitting in the theater, mind blown, knowing that I'd just seen something special. Same with All That Jazz.

[@Dobie_ByTor]

There were a LOT of great scenes in ‘No Country for Old Men’. Chiguhr at the gas station “call it” scene for one. Brilliant.

[@SmoMo_]

After Jule’s big speech the gun shots from him and Vincent are like an audience applauding the performance.

[@rossrreyes]

He FINISHES the guys soda

[@KutWrite]

Yes. He "drinks his milkshake!"

[@jameshowland7393]

@@KutWrite It was Sprite.

[@jameshowland7393]

He drains the soda while giving Brett that "you ain't getting out of this shitstorm" look.

[@KutWrite]

@@jameshowland7393 That was a reference to a famous "There will be Blood" scene.

[@jnnx]

@@KutWriteWe know, we aren’t film PHILISTINES ‘round dez parts, SON. . .

[@johnrowland3105]

Wonderful writing; acting and directing. And the fact we're still talking about it 30 years on....

[@thethrillofpattaya8404]

"Wonderful" writing? Probably in the top 10 (maybe top 5) of Best Screenplays EVER written!

[@wforrest001]

One thing missed: when Jules and Vincent first reach the apartment door, Jules stops and turns away because its too early in the morning to knock, so they wait a few more minutes. Clever direction because it raises the tension and makes us wonder what this is all about.

[@hershelnienstedt1092]

I thought Marvin let them in at a predetermined time.

[@JerryGreuel]

Jules overtly told Brett that there was no hope when he slurped the last bit of Sprite while looking him in the eyes, indicating he wasn’t going to be needing it. That really said it all.

[@emanuelmota7217]

Those were Satan's eyes looking through Jules. Come to collect another lost soul.

[@2000jago]

19:35 - Notice how Jules fires his gun until it's empty (assuming Vincent does the same). Yet they still manage to shoot the Jerry Seinfeld lookalike guy from the bathroom without reloading... Also notice how when Jules tells Marvin to "I'd knock that shit off if I was you", the bullet holes Jerry Lookalike guy fired into wall are already there even though he's still hiding in the bathroom at that point.

[@idkwhodidthis2990]

That guy was Alex Arquette of the Hollywood family and guess starred on FRIENDS after his transition to a woman. He was Courtney Cox Arquette brother/sister in law through his brother David Arquette

[@jameshowland7393]

The bullet holes are a major dialog point immediately following this scene. They notice the holes and start discussing about whether it was a miracle that neither of them were shot, or just a fluke coincidence. If you've never seen the movie then I'll leave it up to you to determine who took which stance on the issue! It's a rather long dialog that carries for some time through the film. Very interesting.

[@leslierao2772]

I thought it WAS him when i saw the first time!

[@mustlovedogs8179]

I guess the tenants on the other side of that shot up wall were really, somehow in a deep sleep.

[@jamesleonard2870]

@@mustlovedogs8179i think about that in every movie with gun shots. I get stressed about getting out of there ASAP. Then I get kinda out of film because there’s no reproductions from cops or neighbors. I remember thinking that when I saw it originally

[@wilson2455]

thanks for mentioning Sally Menke's superb editing skills. QT adored her. She edited all of his movies until her untimely death. QT, " just by reading the script she knew exactly what I wanted from each film.. ".

[@danielcluley870]

The expression on Travolta's face after the last shot was a classic moment for me. Like, he didn't want to do that and doesn't really want to do any of it, this is just the life he fell into. Like he's just some dopey guy who wants to be really good at something and it happens that he ends up being a hitman. He is under-rated as an actor. In this movie he had "lines" that were not lines, but just expressions that made the movie so funny and poignant.

[@Tartiv]

17:40 The famous Ezekiel 25:17 speech Jules delivers in Pulp Fiction (1993) is not actually a biblical verse. Only the final line is inspired by the biblical passage, the bulk of the speech is lifted directly from the opening of the 1976 Sonny Chiba Kung Fu film - The Bodyguard.

[@jamiemcnally4063]

Is that what Clarence was watching in true romance 😂

[@bobwho2454]

Yesireee

[@bobwho2454]

@@jamiemcnally4063 extra credit

[@cyphi474]

Thats on purpose i guess. Jules isnt really religious, its just his "signature speech" he says without knowing where it came from. Its like favorite quote.

[@skat1140]

@@cyphi474 its just "some shit he said before he was about to pop a cap in some guy's ass."

[@michelewilliams4702]

The scene that includes: “Royal with cheese”, “Oh man I shot Marvin in the face” and “hey the car ain’t hit no mf bump” is the most iconic one for me.

[@trevorduncan9580]

Early Tarantino was just so incredible. I'll never forget the first time I saw Pulp Fiction. I was WAAYY too young ( I was 10 when it released and saw it at age 12 when my parents rented the tape) and it has such a profound impact on me. It got me HOOKED on movies. From that point on I had to watch everything he'd made (not much at that point). It was so different from anything I'd ever seen. I didn't get much of the references, but I knew it was amazing. reservoir dogs became my favorite movie as a teen. I watched it CONSTANTLY. Jackie brown and Kill Bill followed but Pulp Fiction always held a special place for me. I got older and started to truly appreciate the complexity of the film. I still watch it once or twice a year over 20 years later and STILL find new things to appreciate every time I watch it. To me, it is one of the greatest films ever made. Part of me wishes there was a "prequel" of sorts to further expand these incredible characters... but the other part of me is glad they didn't... It likely wouldn't have lived up to the lofty expectations.

[@johnbernacki6155]

True romance?

[@ArtLike]

Similiar story. Without a doubt my favorite film of all time. And it also had a profound effect on me when I saw it in a packed theater. It made me realize that I wanted to make movies for a living, or at least die trying. RIP Sally Menke. What an incredible talent she had editing QT's films. She was to Tarantino what Thelma Schookmaker still is to Scorsese.

[@timothysmudski1058]

He wrote true romance as well as natural Born killers. Did not direct them but I feel like those two movies reek of Tarantino too an awesome degree. I think of them as more classic Tarantino than anything he actually directed from kill bill onward (with the exception of Death Proof)

[@ArtLike]

@@timothysmudski1058 I’d recommend you read through QT’s NBK script. It’s vastly different as the main character is Wayne Gayle and the focus is more on the media than the killers. It’s a decent script that shows how all the ideas were already in place, but from a different perspective.

[@trevorduncan9580]

@@timothysmudski1058 yeah NBK and True romance I'd consider "Tarantino classic" as well. Killers I watched a few times when I was younger but true romance never appealed to me till later in life. Great films though. I dunno about nothing post kill bill [or death proof] tho. Inglorious basterds and Django gave me the same vibes as his classics. Hateful 8 had some moments but yeah I wasn't a huge fan of once upon a time

[@EuphoricSavage81]

They use commonly trained interrogation tactics. Keeping their targets off balance, maintaining a level of familiarity. I also noticed that Travolta never loses sight of anyone until Jackson has showed his gun and capability of violence and aggression.

[@apexgecko]

The railroad crossing scene from close encounters is definitely up there. It perfectly sets the stage for the rest of the movie and the decline of Roy.

[@THEDOPEGAME]

I have watched this movie more than 50 times and it always baffles me how a gunshot, table flipping, yelling and multiple gun shots ring off from 3 large caliber guns inside an apartment building at 7:30 in the morning and there is no consequential police activity 🍔

[@bobwho2454]

That's the real Los Angeles, for sure.

[@Justone372]

😂😂😂

[@Mirrorgirl492]

Magic, Movie Magic.

[@jamesleonard2870]

Same. I always think about that and it kinda bums me out. Directors must do it for a specific reason I guess

[@whocares4464]

Hollywood

[@emanuelmota7217]

The shot that most gets me in this amazing scene is where Jules takes a drink through the straw of Brett's soda. Jules' eyes are black, lifeless, soulless. It's as if he's allowed Satan to occupy his body for the final act.

[@ibrahim-sj2cr]

its as if he sucked up brets entire soul through that straw

[@Otzchieem]

It’s not random conversation it is seemingly random because we are without context of their relationship but after a few minutes we realize this is their routine aka relationship which is also why the conversation is a masterpiece

[@skat1140]

Plus, a lot of the conversation that seems like filler is backstory, relevant to the future action: ie, Mia's foot massage, Marsellus' violent reputation.

[@mwitters1]

This movie changed my life. I saw it 9 times in theaters and took every friend and family member I could.

[@mattyoufat1000]

Same

[@dielaughing73]

21:05 did they really have to kill Jerry Seinfeld though?

[@terryeaster1]

That's what I always thought

[@w.neuman]

ShouLda' Stayed In The °Bathroom ! 😮

[@kdbublitz88]

🤣👍

[@stereo999]

What's the deeeal?

[@robertzeitz3924]

That's a shame...

[@PaulyDownUnder]

Tarantino is a motherf@ck'n genius, his movies sh&t all over the crap Hollywood is churning out these days.

[@THEBATZZ]

Robert Rodriguez said that this speech was actually written in the move from Dusk Till Dawn. Quentin asked him to direct it. When he got the script again , Robert noticed that Quentin had removed tuns of dialogue from it and used it in pulp fiction. This speech was one of them.

[@jamesstaggs4160]

Reminds me of being in highschool going to the 99 cent theater to see this. We'd go two or three times every week while it was there and it was there for a long time. I sure do wish we still had such a thing as 99 cent theaters. Sure you can stream whatever you want now but seeing things on a gigantic screen with those theater sound systems trumps watching a movie at home 100 percent of the time.

[@Valeriazane]

one of the greatest elements about this scene that has always memorized me is that, all this gunfire going on, without silencers, in an apartment, and the cops never show up. Brilliant. :)

[@cyphi474]

Vincent goes to the kitchen at very beginning, because its strategic position. He can watch all three guys at once, without having to worry about his back. Jules is in the midle where he cant watch them all, but he knows Vincent has him covered. Early during "friendly phase" Vincent is just messing around, rolling his cigarette, but after brifcase is found, he stands closer and is more vigilant, knowing things get serious from now on. What they didnt know is 4th guy in the bathroom, that could be considered mistake on Vincent's part, because he was one who was doing recon(checking behind kitchen counter) and didnt check toilet....foreshadowing.

[@ChrisMisMYhandle]

The details in their conversations about the foot massaging and the burgers is so great. Not obly does it lay the foubdations for their characters but also serves as a junp off for conversations later in the movie. Brilliant film making. It also helps that it's hilarious.

[@alexanderlegget3756]

Can’t believe you called Marvin, Marley 7:26

[@lancelloti.]

😔

[@Mikeoxsmal1987]

Its an intimidation tactic 👍👍

[@jacobleetaylor]

Can confirm, it’s a power flex like when he spells mystery with an I

[@lancelloti.]

@@jacobleetaylor english isn't my first language, and for some reason every time I write titles I go full dyslexic mode 😬

[@jacobleetaylor]

@@lancelloti. English has gotta be a bitch of a language if it ain’t ya first, it’s confusing enough and I’m a native speaker 😂 (although British English is far from dictionary English 😂)

[@ArtLike]

Sally Menke, you were a brilliant editor. And you are missed. RIP

[@JayBigDadyCy]

It's kind of baffling to me that more writers haven't tried to emulate QT more often. Instead we've got a ton of trite and incredibly predictable movies. QT doesn't just subvert expectations, you absolutely have nfc what to expect at all. You end up with zero expei, but a ton of excitement because the dialogue and acting and writing are all so marvelously done.

[@ImYourOverlord]

Expei?

[@alansteel]

They tried for about 10 years. Thankfully, they finally gave up.

[@majorindependent]

Oh, they tried. Writers often keyed in on the most superficial aspects, like non-liner storytelling (Memento) or interconnected narrative (Magnolia), to name a couple that actually worked out relatively well… However the subtle nuances that make Tarantino a genius, some of which are identified in this video, are much more difficult to identify and replicate.

[@skat1140]

Perhaps because even QT cannot emulate QT more often. Inglorious Basterds was uneven. Hateful Eight was uneven. Jackie Brown was uneven. Django was better, but uneven. Death Proof was just idleness. Kill Bill was, to me, just self-indulgence. It's difficult to make a classic!

[@jamesmccallum6770]

Excellent breakdown. For me, the moment Jules bites into the burger is when he and Brett understand how this is going to end. Jules is telling Brett, "You won't be needing this anymore." He underscores this by finishing his drink, every last drop.

[@robertembury6094]

This missed my favorite part of the whole scene .Jules taking a drink of Brett's soda and looking at Brett like he is less than a bug. Jackson's gaze is pure malevolence and indicates that Brett will not be alive much longer. I've seen Jackson do a lot of scenes in many movies but this is my favorite moment.

[@b.a.lineman7582]

First time ever .. looking bad ass whilst drinking through a straw

[@jameshowland7393]

That was an EXCELLENT scene! His look towards Brett was chilling. If Brett had thought that he would live through this then that stare crushed all hopes.

[@rodgerhughes]

The sip as he drains the cup says it all

[@jeffdennis4185]

We should also take note of how Jules asks for some Sprite to "wash down this tasty burger" but drains the entire thing while locking his unflinching gaze on Brett . . . foreshadowing the menace to come

[@jwr6796]

That was a whole burger when he picked it up, but half a burger when he took a bite...

[@jakejoseph5534]

That’s a reference to the shining, when Danny is eating a pb and j, he takes a small bite, then after a cut away from Wendy during conversation, the sandwich has a huge bite taken out of it.

[@jwr6796]

@@jakejoseph5534 Oh interesting! I had never noticed it before, and assumed it was a mistake.

[@blacjackdaniels200]

@@jakejoseph5534WOW! Good catch

[@user-zc4yd9ss7h]

Watched this last night for the first time in 20 years. Genius.

[@matttcoburn]

The burger is taken, just like the trust these boys took from Marcellus

[@TheCheftoffer]

Actually, Jules asks if he can have a bite. Brad says yes and/or nods his head.

[@TheCheftoffer]

The still doesn't mean that Jules couldn't take it, and Brad knew that.

[@standupforgood7810]

You completely missed Jewels drinking Brets sprite to gone, knowing Bret won't need itn̈ further adding to Brets despair.

[@PeterMayer]

He, Samuel, should have got an award for this speech.

[@keppela1]

Great breakdown, but you surprisingly glossed over one of the most potent shots in the whole scene -- Jules finishing off Brett's drink. That was the ultimate power move.

[@genericgoon5179]

I've never put a lot of thought into why a scene could be so impressive. The subtle plays made on your mind by a director. It's really interesting

[@nancymcmonarch]

Thank you, me too! These kinds of analyses make me appreciate my favorite films all the more. I know jack-all about directing a movie or editing film, and went years without even thinking about the amazing artistic contributions made by a good, or innovative director or editor. Have a whole new appreciation for these people working behind the scenes, or after filming's been completed.

[@lukelocks9083]

The casting for this film was just superb!

[@jwchell]

I have watched several breakdowns of Pulp Fiction, and 6 mins in this is the best. Liked/subscribed. Thanks!!

[@Professor__S]

Got to admit.. this would make a fantastic burger advertisement.🍔🍟 😂

[@MasDouc]

3:18 you spelled mystery wrong

[@CharlesMichaelSidwell]

I was just about to point this out

[@lclfav2]

Samuel sold every scene he was in in this movie.

[@thirdhandlv4231]

Everyone did, even Tarantino lol

[@kurtislawler]

I love when he takes a drink (all of it) of his soda too. That little whip of the straw back in his face is like the cherry on top.

[@mrojas99]

Great analysis but you skipped the pursing of the lips while drinking and finishing the Sprite.

[@jameshowland7393]

And the "aaahhhhh" after he took his last sip!

[@skat1140]

@@jameshowland7393 Power move after power move after power move.

[@jaythomas3224]

Tarantino is a master of random talk. The tipping rant in Reservoir Dogs

[@RickWillisWV]

It's artistry of a higher magnitude - like a rock band you can recognize from their sound alone. Tarantino films always have a certain cadence & specific keywords you never hear in other directors films, especially in scenes heavy with script. He uses his own particular dialect.

[@bullcrap9409]

These sort of scene breakdowns are like the videos of body language analysis. Whatever is going on can be used to support any thesis.

[@ohmyba6661]

One crucial action you did not mention is Jules finishing Brad’s Sprite. In essence, Brad wasn’t going to need it anymore. I think this was the gesture in your act 1 that communicates how it’s about to get for Brad.

[@BarretKruse]

When i was a kid, I heard somebody talking about the comic Beetle Bailey, and whenever somebody swore it was #$@&?$&_$#@#! And that Mort Walker said something to the effect "whatever your kid put in place of those punctuations was way worse then what the character said". I think like Mort, Hitchcock, and others, those things that are violent like the gunshots, the slashing of the sword, and the slicing off of the ear in Reservoir Dogs, you would swear that you saw it, and it was horrible. Because the violence you can make up in your mind is way worse than what really happened.

[@skat1140]

For some reason, so many directors d o n o t u n d e r s t a n d t h i s! Less is more, always.

[@squigglyline2813]

Maybe I'm just hungry but that burger looks really good.

[@parkrdaws]

Your analyses are fab mate, cinema is the ultimate combination of mediums all telling the story together. What a mesmerising thing to unpack - one could even say it’s beautiful!

[@lancelloti.]

thanks!

[@marsh3133]

That was some serious quality breakdown. *chef's kiss*

[@greenman7yyy]

This isn't a movie about criminals, it is the eye sight of the director, his artful, distorted skew on life.

[@bigkahunaburger5185]

It is amazing that this type of thought goes into film production and I truly believe it does. The layman does not even realize what is going on. One of my favorite movies of course. Thanks for posting.

[@d_ruggs]

I always found something slightly violating being hinted at with the burger. It was a power move but something about violating someones food, it feels more personal & revolting. To have this person who is harassing and threatening you to come up and grab the burger your eating, start eating it. yuck. the cooties.

[@plumb24u]

You completely left out the part when Jules drank the last of his Brett's soda, ice cold moment

[@shlumpusmostr]

the goat post again🔥🔥 please dont stop making videos this is fife

[@SwabJockeyJim]

The chatter between Jules and Vincent was my favorite part of the movie. The thought processes of all of the characters was good, but different.

[@danfinger]

WTF? You skip the part where he drains the sprite with the 'gurgle' and close up of Jules' eyes at the end? As if to say 'you won't be needing this'...

[@PhilSzomszor]

Not only a masterpiece of a movie, but a masterclass in breaking down some important moments in a film. I need to watch this again now. Amazing job Lancelloti 👏👏👏

[@michaelzientz3211]

no discussion of how Jules dismisses Brett by calling him Brad. He knew his name was Brett but calls him Brad here.

[@skat1140]

Power move piled upon power move piled upon power move. Just Jules motioning to the guy on the couch (dont get up, relax, put your feet up!) -- amazing. Tarantino (or rather Roger Avary, his co-writer) has similar scene in _True Romance_ where the protagonist Christian Slater is visiting villain Gary Oldman in his lair -- and they "trade" power moves based on Oldman inviting Slater to eat with him. Slater declines. And Oldman shows his cards, calling Slater weak/scared, because if Slater had just sat right down, made himself comfortable and started eating (in this very tense, uncomfortable situation), Oldman wouldve seen Slater as mysterious and dangerous. But Slater turns this on its head, by himself showing he recognized all the possible angles, knew what the 'correct' power move would have been (to eat the Chinese food), except for one thing: he's not hungry. Turning his own action into his own power move.

[@alchemyphoenix2374]

I love how in this world you can just fire off a bunch of gunshots in what is clearly an apartment complex and no one calls 911 and no cops show up and start chasing you with blaring sirens.

[@marcblanchet678]

uh, theres no "i" in MYSTERY 3:18. really broke my concentration.

[@NikFowler]

Made me come look for this comment

[@a.v.emusic6518]

When Jules flips the table and Brett keeps stuttering “What?” 😂 Funniest shit ever.

[@eeriened3525]

I’ve always maintained that Jules turns hostile because Brett knew the answer to the quarter pounder question. It was bad enough that Vincent knew it, and now this kid kind of shows him up also. I think that is what gets Brett shot, that’s why we hear that conversation.

[@skat1140]

What? No. Any response given to Jules was always going to be taken and belittled. Jules and Vincent were there to: recover the briefcase; kill the briefcase thieves. Any provocative conversation or consuming of their food was just toying with them prior. Brett is getting killed any way this plays out.

[@terencevangaalen4127]

"and fuuuurious anger" Epic scene, even within a movie loaded with epic scenes.

[@skat1140]

Im surprised this video didnt cover the way Jackson turns. He shows his back to Brett (another power move, he can turn his back because Brett is no threat to him). And then that iconic closeup of Jules as he turns back around, finishing the Bible quote.

[@blaircox1589]

Gosh...so many! But I fear there will be no more. Hollywood is no longer allowed to be, Hollywood. And now with streaming and the loss of physical media, our cultural history is in real jeopardy.

[@devinthorn8182]

Hollywood may be in a weird place but movies as a medium sre fine, amazing movies come out every year. A LOT of shitty movies have been made since movies first started getting made dating back to silent films through the golden age and up till the present. I wish more people would be cognizant if their recency bias and nostalgia and realize that the reason they look back so fondly on old music and movies is because they don’t remember the shit sandwiches because they were irrelevant. People are going to be saying exactly what you’re saying now in 40 years about this decade

[@andrewbeckett4001]

The Apartment Act and the Diner Act are explicit (even ‘indicative’) reflections- ie Brett eating versus Jules eating, the trinity of players, bookmarks of before any experience (eden before the fall) and after too much (after the fall), and you can figure out more I’m certain. This is a brilliant move to A B bookmark from peaceful speaking with violent intent to violent speaking with more peaceful intent- more than a lesson on what Jules went through or how he changed I think we are meant to see criminals now with a different eye. 1) The Diner Act is the ending act where the Room Act is the starting act. They are explicit bookends of a character arc- interestingly for the character whose character we knew the least of and therefore learn the least from) 2) Both have a trinity focus of: the Hammer/Shepherd, the Controlled and the Predicable (or in Classical Scene Dynamics: Primum Mobile (Jules), Chaos (honeybunny) and Order (Ringo)) 3) Casual speech with violent intention versus violent speech with casual intentions.

[@skat1140]

And its so beautiful how Tarantino put the scenes out of order. These *very* dangerous gangsters are wearing such hokie t-shirts (from the Bonnie Situation) into the diner (last scene), but on rewatch, we see them wearing these clothes in the Butch and Marsellus' first scene. (Go, Santa Cruz Banana Slugs, go!)

[@Digitalhunny]

The, "table on the boat conversation," scene from 'Jaws'. Oh _or_ the, "don't eat the beautiful food starving little girl; aka the monster" scenes from 'Pans Labyrinth'.😮

[@skat1140]

Yes - the ritual showing of scars to each other, followed by Quint's _USS Indianapolis_ soliloquy, which ties it all back to sharks. Looked at from a distance, its a static set piece as if from a play. But it works so well, you never see it as such. Just: amazing writing, acting, editing. And, not least, set design: its not lit at all well. Imagine if (as was current in '90s and '00s), there was complete illumination of the characters: it would lose -all- menace. But, with bad lighting, tight shots, and Shaw reeling off a speech for the ages, the entire audience is cooped up in this cramped boat, at night, with a monster prowling nearby.

[@macswanton9622]

This is also what separates good and bad journalism, and what made David Sedaris world famous. He said, "I wish I put down what was happening around me at the time, more than what emotions I was feeling" [sic] to describe his earliest diary entries.

[@vampyrebal]

Great breakdown but always remember Bret/Brad is not some poor young guy… he knowingly was trying to rip-off a mobster, he was a two-bit criminal, it was about “consequences” Marvin was a shock in the car because it was random/accidental but it was a marker for the Criminal Underworld where all the characters lived… mistakes and accidents can be lethal. In Pulp Fiction the world was Dangerous & Random…

[@lastvestiges]

I've always thought that Marvin getting shot was a consequence of not having an opinion or insight into the situation. Like the shot came from the same place of divination from the apartment that Jules points to. You must have a thought or input into the matter at hand otherwise why are you even here?

[@skat1140]

Great point, shmendrik. And lets also remember the Second Amendment. Jules and Vincent have the legal right to carry those firearms. .

[@dwhite6213]

I like the way Vincent casually rolls a cigarette in the background