By: Tyler Garling

1994. Clinton was president. OJ Simpson took part in the world’s slowest police chase. A movie ticket cost about $4 bucks. Thankfully for moviegoers back then, Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece Pulp Fiction hit theaters on October 14th of that year.
Not only was Pulp Fiction written and directed by one of the greatest filmmakers of our generation, Tarantino, but also had one of the greatest casts of our generation. Samuel L. Jackson (Jules), John Travolta (Vincent), Bruce Willis (Bruce), Uma Thurman (Mia Wallace), Tim Roth , and the always incredible and stunning Christopher Walken are just some of the names that grace the movie’s poster.
Pulp Fiction doesn’t have a linear storyline in typical Tarantino style. It might be confusing at first, but, rest assured, everything adds up before the credits roll. The movie opens in a diner where a couple, Pumpkin (Roth) and Honey Bunny (Amanda Plummer), are enjoying breakfast. During their conversation, they decide to rob the place. After Pumpkin spews a barrage of threats to the diner’s customers, Dick Dale’s surf rock classic “Misirlou” plays while the opening credits roll. Not only is the movie incredible, but the soundtrack is so awesome it even got on the Billboard charts.
If you think that having a nonlinear plot with multiple stories is a bad thing, think again. Every story in this movie is enjoyable and entertaining. It’s almost as if each story is an iceberg. They start off relatively simple but, as they go on, they become increasingly intense and interesting. I would cite examples, but that would spoil the fun.
The non-linear storyline adds up in the end. If you’ve ever seen a Tarantino film, like Reservoir Dogs, you shouldn’t be surprised. Pulp Fiction can be watched over and over again and you’ll still discover something new every time. Their films are littered with homages to other movies, and you’ll find new references with every viewing, especially if you’re a film trivia nut.
Pulp Fiction is still discussed, most debates about what’s in the briefcase. Some say it’s the diamonds from Reservoir Dogs; others say it’s Marsellus Wallace’s soul. Not even Quentin Tarantino knows what’s in the briefcase! I like to joke that it’s the script to Battlefield Earth, a movie that John Travolta will always remember, but that’s just me.
Pulp Fiction continues to heavily influence films and many, including me, regard it as one of the greatest films of all time. It perfectly balances humor and violence. Pulp Fiction was nominated for seven Oscars, including Best Director and Best Picture, (it lost to Forrest Gump) and won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. If you are interested in great films, Pulp Fiction needs to be your number one choice. So, slump down in the sofa with a Royale with Cheese and a Sprite, and prepare yourself for Pulp Fiction.