What is Pulp Fiction?
Pulp fiction is a cultural phenomenon, an iconic film genre, and an all around classic movie. This unique genre of storytelling has become an inspiration for filmmakers, writers, and audiences alike all over the world. In this article, we’ll look at what exactly is Pulp Fiction, its impact on the film industry, and its legacy.
History of Pulp Fiction
Pulp fiction was popularized in the 1930s by cheaply-printed and widely distributed magazines. These magazines, characterized by their crude, sensationalistic style, were frequently filled with stories of crime, horror, science fiction, and adventure. As the popularity of pulp fiction grew, its stories and characters continued to develop, eventually becoming the themes and motifs that define pulp fiction films today.
The films that emerged out of this genre were wild, unpredictable tales of criminal underworlds, violence and death, thrilling heists, and improbable coincidences that enabled their protagonists to escape death at the last second. Pulp fiction films were often characterized by dark humor and over-the-top dialogue that served to both appeal to the demographic targeted by the films- primarily young adults and teenagers- as well as to define the genre itself.
Notable Films in the Genre
Due to its wild and unpredictable nature, pulp fiction films have generated a wide variety of stories, characters, and styles over the years. As the genre continues to evolve, some films have become iconic and representative of the genre itself. Here are some of the most influential films in the genre.
•Reservoir Dogs: Arguably the most influential film in the genre, Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs revolutionized the film world in 1992. Featuring an all-star cast playing criminals seeking to reverse track a heist gone wrong, Tarantino used non-linear storytelling and intricately interwoven story arcs to keep viewers on their toes in the face of a ticking clock.
•Pulp Fiction: The movie that brought the pulp fiction genre to the mainstream, Tarantino’s 1994 classic starred John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson as two wise-talking hit-men charged with a collection of strange and uncomfortable errands.
•Sin City: An adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic novel of the same name, Sin City is an archetypal example of neo-noir. Featuring fantastic visuals and extreme violence, Sin City is set against a backdrop of morally grey characters seeking fortunes and revenge in a gloomy world driven by power and corruption.
•Kill Bill: Another effort from Quentin Tarantino, this film follows “The Bride” (Uma Thurman) as she goes on a bloody mission of vengeance against the other members of her former hit-man team.
•The Boondock Saints: An independent crime flick with a cult following, The Boondock Saints told the story of two Irish brothers determined to rid the city of Boston of crime with divine help. Though rebellious, the brothers strive to satisfy their moral code in their efforts to help the citizens of their city.
The Impact of Pulp Fiction
Pulp fiction has influenced the film industry and become a globally-recognized genre in its own right. Even outside of filmmaking, the design style and iconography of the genre have become part of our collective culture. Here are some ways in which pulp fiction has made an impact.
•Inspiring Future Projects: Perhaps one of the most visible impacts of pulp fiction on culture is the way its stories and characters have been used as the basis for future projects across many different mediums. The influence of the genre can be seen in other films and television shows, such as the NBC show Hannibal and its 2013 film adaptation of the same name. It has also been adapted into comic books, such as Frank Miller’s Sin City and its 2007 movie adaptation, and in video games like Grand Theft Auto, which have incorporated similar tones and motifs from the genre.
•Caricature of Popular Culture: Pulp fiction’s exaggerated, fast-paced style has served to caricature popular culture, creating highly stylized presentation and intentional redundancy. This has been done not just in the mediums discussed above, but also in pieces of music, advertisements, and parodies of popular culture.
•Deepening of Social Cultural Understandings: Despite its flashy style, pulp fiction has often featured gritty stories that focus on issues facing society. These stories can often provide audiences and readers with a greater understanding of the social and cultural issues facing our world, such as violence, criminal underworlds, racism, exploitation, and power struggles.
The Legacy of Pulp Fiction
Pulp fiction has left a legacy that has endured for decades, serving as a cultural cornerstone and an inspiration for filmmakers and storytellers of all kinds. It has become an iconic genre of its own, setting the style and themes for the films of our age. Here are some of the lasting effects it has had.
•Mass Appeal: Pulp fiction’s mass appeal has been crucial in its enduring legacy. It has resonated with people of all different ages, genders, and backgrounds, creating a diverse global fanbase.
•WideRange of Filmmakers and Storytellers: The genre has also been immensely influential in giving birth and providing opportunities to a variety of filmmakers and storytellers who have created their own stories influenced by pulp fiction. In addition to Tarantino, filmmakers such as Robert Rodriguez, Guillermo Del Toro, and Edgar Wright have created their own pulp fiction-inspired projects.
•A Fusion of Genres: Pulp fiction has also become an exemplar for a fusion of styles and genres. Over the years, it has blended traditional genres such as comedy, drama, action, and horror, creating a new breed of film that appeals to a wide audience.
All in all, Pulp Fiction has been one of the most influential film genres of all time. It has created a diverse range of stories and characters, while also inspiring filmmakers and storytellers all over the world. From Reservoir Dogs’ iconic heists to Sin City’s visually striking noir world, pulp fiction has left its mark on cinema and popular culture, and is sure to continue doing so for years to come.
