Perspectives - Pulp Fiction (1994)

Pulp Fiction & Postmodernism 

Does Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction (1994) display aspects of postmodernism?

Frederic Jameson is one of the key sources for the definition of postmodernism and he said in his book Postmodernism, or, the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism (1992) “I believe that the emergence of postmodernism is closely related to the emergence of this new moment of late, consumer or multinational capitalism. I believe also that its formal features in many ways express the deeper logic of that particular social system“. 

That links to Jameson term of "pastiche". It is a characteristic of postmodern films that include inter-textual reference to other, older films, as well as  pop culture references and brand recognition. Pastiche is especially present in the restaurant scene in Pulp Fiction. “To the tune of Ricky Nelson’s “Waitin’ in School,” sung by a Ricky Nelson impersonator, we see what Vincent sees: waiters and waitresses dressed as ’50s icons—Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Donna Reed—the walls covered with posters of era-specific B-movies—Attack of the 50-ft Woman, High School Confidential, Rock All Night“ (Murthi, 2014). Based on these references, Pulp Fiction shows a breakage with the past, which therefore makes it postmodern. 

The character Vincent even rightfully states “It’s like a wax museum with a pulse” in reference to the restaurant. That shows us that even the characters of the film are aware of these inter-textual references and therefore the postmodernism aspect itself. It almost feels like the characters know they are in a film. That can especially be seen in the scene where Mia draws a square in the car, to remind us - the audience - that we are still watching a film. That can be described as convert control as the characters are aware that they are being watched. That links in with the postmodern idea that there is no absolute truth. 

The unexpected aspect of the postproduction makes you realize that Pulp Fiction isn’t a conventional film. But most importantly the unique plot-line of Pulp Fiction shows that this film isn’t a conventional film. The non chronological order makes the film more exiting and keeps the audience on the brink of confusion. Postmodern films are often referring to its unconventional narrative structure and narrative is a central concept in postmodern art. However because of the non chronological order, Pulp Fiction is not easy to follow. It causes the audience to connect all the different story lines in order for the film to make sense. But until you understand this plot structure, the film has an unrealistic undertone. “This plot concept can be compared to post modernistic architecture, instead of having just your average building that provides the strict utility it’s made for, it does that but also provides a refreshing aesthetic.“ (O’Brien, 2014)

So summing up it can be said that Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction shows different aspects of postmodernism and links to Jameson’s postmodern characteristics in its visual aesthetic, as well as its worldview.

Bibliography 

Duignan, B. (2019). Postmodernism - Postmodernism and relativism. [online] Encyclopedia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/postmodernism-philosophy/Postmodernism-and-relativism [Accessed 8 Oct. 2019].

Jameson, F. (1992). POSTMODERNISM. [Place of publication not identified]: VERSO Books.

Murthi, V. (2014). The Eyes Behind the Mask: "Pulp Fiction" and Postmodernity 20 Years Later. [online] Movie Mezzanine. Available at: http://moviemezzanine.com/the-eyes-behind-the-mask-pulp-fiction-and-postmodernity-20-years-later/ [Accessed 8 Oct. 2019].

O'Brien, L. (2015). Post #3: Postmodern Analysis of Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction (1994). [online] Contemporary <br />Civilization Blog<br /> <br />By:Lindsey <br />Rae O'Brien. Available at: https://contempcivobrien.weebly.com/untitled/february-11th-2015 [Accessed 8 Oct. 2019].

Tate. (2019). Postmodernism – Art Term | Tate. [online] Available at: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/p/postmodernism [Accessed 8 Oct. 2019].