In this section of our Colossus Movie Guide for Pulp Fiction, we answer questions you have about the movie. If you’re curious about plot explanations, meanings, themes, lessons, motifs, symbols, or just confused by something, ask and we’ll do our best to answer.
Cast
- John Travolta – Vincent Vega
- Samuel L. Jackson – Jules Winnfield
- Uma Thurman – Mia Wallace
- Bruce Willis – Butch Coolidge
- Ving Rhames – Marsellus Wallace
- Harvey Keitel – Winston Wolfe
- Tim Roth – Ringo
- Amanda Plummer – Yolanda
- Eric Stoltz – Lance
- Rosanna Arquette – Jody
- Christopher Walken – Captain Koons
Pulp Fiction | Questions and Answers
What was in the briefcase?
The contents of the briefcase in Pulp Fiction are never revealed, turning it into a tantalizing mystery. This narrative decision to keep the contents ambiguous serves multiple purposes within the film’s thematic structure.
The briefcase and its unknown contents become a powerful symbol, embodying several themes prevalent throughout the movie. For instance, it can be seen as a metaphor for the unknown and unpredictable nature of life, a theme that’s reiterated in the film’s non-linear narrative structure and its characters’ unpredictable experiences.
Moreover, the characters’ reactions to the contents—awe, greed, fascination—offer a commentary on human desire and ambition. Everyone who looks into the briefcase seems captivated, highlighting the irresistible allure of the unknown. This ties into the film’s exploration of desire, as many characters in the movie are driven by their individual wants and ambitions, which often lead them into dangerous situations.
Additionally, the glowing briefcase can symbolize power and influence, with characters going to great lengths to possess it, reflecting the often destructive pursuit of power. This aligns with the film’s exploration of violence and control, with characters navigating power dynamics in their volatile criminal world.
The briefcase, thus, is a crucial thematic device in Pulp Fiction. Its mystery stimulates speculation, allows various interpretations, and subtly resonates with the movie’s thematic explorations. The absence of a clear answer regarding its contents is not an oversight but a deliberate narrative choice that amplifies the film’s thematic depth. It serves as a mirror for viewers, reflecting their own ideas, interpretations, and experiences back at them, truly embodying the essence of “pulp fiction.”
What is the significance of the “Royale with cheese” conversation?
The conversation between Jules and Vincent about the “Royale with Cheese” is a significant moment in Pulp Fiction. On the surface, it might seem like a casual chat about differences in cultural context, but it serves a crucial role in establishing the film’s unique style and thematic depth.
Firstly, it introduces us to the characters of Jules and Vincent, establishing their personalities and their rapport. It also sets up the narrative tone of the movie: a mix of mundane conversation and high-stakes circumstances, emphasizing the film’s theme of the intertwining of the ordinary and the extraordinary.
Moreover, this dialogue subtly introduces the concept of cultural relativism, the idea that elements of culture, such as language, can change based on location and context. This idea is reflected throughout the film as it explores how situations, actions, and choices are influenced by context. Thus, while the “Royale with Cheese” conversation might seem casual, it carries significant thematic weight in the film.
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