Pop Culture References in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Pulp Fiction’
Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 masterpiece ‘Pulp Fiction’ is a cinematic tapestry woven with a rich array of pop culture references, paying homage to various genres, eras and art forms. With its iconic characters, snappy dialogue and non-linear narrative, the film seamlessly integrates these references, creating a unique and captivating viewing experience that has left an indelible mark on pop culture itself.
Dancing with the Past: The Twist Contest- The film opens with a dance contest at Jack Rabbit Slim’s, a 1950s-themed restaurant. Mia Wallace and Vincent Vega’s twist dance is a direct nod to the dance sequence performed by John Travolta (Vincent Vega) and Uma Thurman (Mia Wallace) in ‘Saturday Night Fever,’ connecting the characters to the pop culture of their respective eras.
Biblical Pulp: The Briefcase’s Mystery-The glowing contents of the briefcase, never explicitly revealed, are widely interpreted as a homage to the mysterious glowing briefcase in the 1955 film ‘Kiss Me Deadly’. This allusion adds a layer of enigma and intrigue to the story, inviting audiences to speculate on its significance.
Bullet Ballet: Bonnie Situation and ‘Kiss Me Deadly’- The term ‘Bonnie situation’ used in the film refers to an allusion to the 1958 film ‘Touch of Evil’ and its iconic opening scene. This subtle reference contributes to the film’s interconnected narrative and showcases Tarantino’s keen eye for cinematic history.
Ezekiel 25:17: A New Spin on Bible Verses- Jules Winnfield’s (Samuel L. Jackson) recitation of Ezekiel 25:17 before executing his victims is an exaggerated version of the Bible verse. This distortion not only establishes Jules as a menacing character but also illustrates Tarantino’s penchant for subverting and re-contextualizing familiar elements.
‘Like a Virgin’ and Tarantino’s Irony-The memorable dialogue between Vincent Vega and Mia Wallace centers around Madonna’s ‘Like a Virgin’. This juxtaposition of innocent pop music with the gritty criminal world highlights Tarantino’s use of irony and serves as a commentary on the characters’ lives.
Zed’s Chopper: A ‘Easy Rider’ Tribute- The motorcycle chopper ridden by Zed in the film’s intense climax is reminiscent of the iconic bikes from the 1969 film ‘Easy Rider’. This homage adds a layer of symbolism, suggesting a counter-culture clash in the midst of chaos.
Elvis Has Left the Building: Tarantino’s Homage to ‘True Romance’- While not a direct pop culture reference within ‘Pulp Fiction’ itself, the character of Clarence is a link to Tarantino’s earlier screenplay, ‘True Romance’. Clarence’s admiration for Elvis Presley is mirrored in the character of Mia Wallace, showcasing Tarantino’s interconnected universe.
‘Pulp Fiction’ stands as a masterclass in weaving pop culture references into a compelling narrative. Tarantino’s skillful integration of these nods and winks adds depth, humour and layers of meaning to the film, creating an experience that rewards attentive viewers. As the years go by, the film’s homage-laden tapestry continues to captivate and inspire audiences, solidifying its status as a timeless piece of cinematic art.
—Silviya.Y
