Pulp Fiction Screen Shot Analysis

 

 

 

This is a shot from the opening scene of the thriller film ‘Pulp Fiction’. It is a mid-shot as the female character in the foreground is visible from the waist up. The character has a very intense expression, and the mid-shot allows the viewer to see this whilst also seeing a lot of the background. The background of the shot shows a large window, which gives the idea that this is not a very well prepared robbery as the characters could easily be seen by someone outside.  The costumes are part of the mise-en-scene of a shot, and the ones here seem to also support the idea that this robbery is not very skilled and will not end well for these two people involved, because their clothing is very casual and their faces aren't hidden, as if the robbery was a spontaneous thing. Props are another part of the mise-en-scene, and in this shot they are very significant; two guns are used which convey an atmosphere of danger and violence, which are found in thriller movies. The camera is slightly low angle, as the actors appear higher up. This is because they are the superior characters in the situation; they have control of what is happening in the diner. The workers and customers there do as they say which supports the idea that they are more powerful.

This mid-shot has the two opposing characters facing each other from either end of the frame, juxtaposing both of them, and showing that they are very contrasting. The gun is again an important prop and therefore part of the mise-en-scene. It is also in the centre of the shot so is the focal point that constantly reminds us of the possible danger throughout the scene, which consequently creates a tense atmosphere.

 

This is also a very tense scene in the movie. This is one of the final shots of the sequence in this scene. Before this one there are a few close-ups and extreme close-ups from one character to another. We see them fidgeting and sweating as they wait anxiously to see if Mia (the female character on the floor) will survive. Because this is a mid-shot that is being shown after a sequence of close-ups, we are aware that this is the deciding moment that the viewer has been waiting for, making them feel on the edge and then relieved when they see how it ends. The advantage of using the mid-shot is that we can see expressions clearly enough while seeing each of the characters at the same time. The characters are all positioned closely together around Mia, which looks quite claustrophobic and restricting, making the scene very uncomfortable.

This is a long shot that shows clearly what each of the characters in the room is doing. Jules Winnfield (the man in the suit) undoubtedly has the power in the scene as the composition of the shot has him positioned in the centre, meaning that he is the focal point. His body language and acting implies that the character is not troubled when he is about to kill someone. As he comes across quite relaxed it shows that he has murdered many people before. This creates a tense mood because it is apparent that there is a very dangerous person in the room, who won’t be wary about killing another person. Another point that adds to the tension is the facial expressions of Marvin and Brett (the two characters to the right of the frame). They look noticeably frightened about Jules’ presence, and they are also leaning away from him. Once again the gun prop is important for the shot to contribute to the feeling of tension.

This is from the same scene in the apartment with Jules and Brett. It is a similar shot to the other in the sense that Jules is at a higher level than Brett making him immediately more dominant, and Brett is cowering away from Jules, again showing that he is unhappy and uncomfortable with what is going on. Once again this is a mid-shot which shows Jules’ facial expression whilst seeing where the characters are positioned clearly. The camera is positioned at a low angle quite close to Brett. This makes the viewer feel like they are in his place, as it seems Jules is getting closer to us, and we are aware that he is dangerous.