Pulp Fiction

Pulp Fiction- Opening

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Genre: Crime Thriller

Year: 1994

Distributor: Miramax

Budget: $8 million

Worldwide Gross: $214 million

The opening of Pulp Fiction consists of no sound track until the end of the sequence putting emphasis on character dialogue throughout. The shot used is primarily a 2 shot throughout allowing us to capture the persona of each character throughout as we are able to see their posture and body language throughout. The camera is also at a slightly low angle putting out 2 characters in a position of power, this enhanced with the dialogue containing talk of crime and the irrational thoughts to follow depict them very much in the same category of criminal depicted by most film openings I have looked at. Tarantino is also a very famous director world renounced for his work on crime films. The use of low-key lighting creates a  very realistic feel but also showing our protagonists in shadow creating mystery like they are hiding/ living in the shadows, creating narrative enigma. There is no establishing shot aside from the two shot which establishes they are in a  canteen which suggests to us they are in America, this opinion is further reinforced through costume choice and following score to end the sequence. The use of shot reverse shot later in the scene allows us to get a sense of their emotion and reactions as individuals these shots are also shot from a low angle. The use of a push in dolly shot in this sequence also brings us closer into the characters perspective as he decides to rob the diner. The fact the waitress is not shown in the second time the protagonists ask for coffee shows how they see her as an insignificance as she is not within their community. The opening also shows the irrational mindset of criminals which is another common signifier through the film openings I have studied showing threat of violence and a bipolar change in events and mood in the space of seconds. Also at the end of this clip to introduce the titles a freeze-frame is used similar to in Goodfellas to introduce the soundtrack and shows the protagonist as a very strong character almost like a statue, something to be looked up to with immense power. The soundtrack is punk rock which is also a key signifier of this genre and is also the type of music I would like to use in my opening.