Pulp fiction analysis

Sound

Pulp fiction is different to most openings of thriller movies. It all starts off very calm and 'normal', lulling the audience into a false sense of security with the natural sounds of the dialect, cars outside, muffles of the diner and light, calming music in the diner. This then contrasts with the action at the very end of the opening with the calm conversation becoming shouts and then the music frantically crashing in.

The music for the title sequence is fast paced and hectic sounding, giving the audience a shock and a taste for the action that is going to appear in the future of the film. Typical of a thriller as thriller opening always like to hint at what comes next.

The dialect also hints at something more sinister with talk of killing and robbing banks discussed in a very calm manner, making it appear normal. This is very chilling as killing and robbery should not be lighthearted subjects of conversation. These dark themes again are typical of thrillers and hints of them in the opening sequence is typical of a thriller opening.

Editing

The takes are very long in this, like the other real media artifacts. This again gives the appearance of calmness, leading to false security. This also then contrasts with the speedy subtitles making the audience feel uneasy and completely unaware of what may happen next.

Mis en Scene

Like the sound and the lighting mis en scene is not typical of a thriller opening as everything appears 'normal' and non-offensive. The colours are warm and inviting with the use of reds and warm woods. There are no cold or dark colours or anything visually that connotes darker things to come. This again lulls the audience into think the film is something that it isn't, which isn't as typical of a thriller opening but it makes for a great impact to not do what the audience would expect from a thriller.

Lighting

The lighting is natural and warming, again it has a similar effect to the Mis en Scene. Non-offensive, not at all foreboding as dark, not what you'd expect, but with a big impact.

Camera

The camera shots used are only wide shots and close ups, fitting the long takes. This lack of variety of shots is quite uncommon to thrillers as there are usually more to set the scene and create a mysterious impact of the surrounds and characters. Pulp fiction, again, does not choose the obvious and keeps it simple to keep the audience feeling as if they are on top of the story, when they are not. Most of the opening scene is in wide, with medium close ups to show particular reactions. Such as when the woman says she's 'not gonna kill' anyone. This is to highlight important, sinister parts in the conversation, hinting at what is to come - typical of thriller openings.