1. Opening Sequence Analysis – Pulp Fiction
The opening sequence commences with a still shot of a dictionary definition of the word ‘Pulp’,
written in the long-established font of a dictionary. It is comprehensible here that the second
definition is the one that Quentin Tarantino wants to implant into the audience using the Cultivation
Theory, in order to keep it in mind throughout the film. By using this modus operandi, the audience
can grasp more connotations from the film and link it back to the opening scene where it kickstarted the exhilaration. This makes the gangster genre much more alluring to individuals. This is a
unique and matchless approach that Tarantino has included here, and the formality of this frame
totally contradicts the traditional conventions and audience expectations. In my opinion, this is
intentionally included in order to keep the audience guessing, as Tarantino’s works typically
challenge the stereotypical ideas of a typical British gangster film. This is an example of where
postmodernism is conformed and Tarantino has used a variety of the earlier styles and conventions
of the gangster genre and has made it his own. This could possibly be embedded within the Uses and
Gratification Theory in the education section, as the viewers can observe these modern techniques
and identify the significance it has to the film as a whole.
The scene then cuts into an establishing mid-shot that introduces the two main characters of the
opening scene. The mise-en-scene is set in side a coffee shop, and this style of scenery connotes a
sense of security where peace is expected. Furthermore, the director messes around with the typical
characteristics of the genre here because this isn’t what you would expect in an American gangster

2. movie. Tarantino usually defies the natural conventions of the gangster genre by presenting his
characters as average and informally dressed (in contrast to the expensive and classy black-suits).
However, the male in this scene is laid back and looks completely stress-free, and his liberal use of
swearing represents glimpses of him being a law-rebelling individual despite the choice of clothing
and mise-en-scene. Stemming from this, it is only when you start listening to their hazardous
conversation that you realise that they are no ordinary citizens, but criminals. Another element of
the mise-en-scene which is significant here is the high-key lighting from the large windows behind
them which may connote a blissful environment. Also, there is only diegetic sound being exposed
and this concludes that there is no suspense being generated in this frame.
Similarly to the previous frames, this frame isn’t following the familiar gangster genre conventions
here either. The unchanged two characters are acting like a couple to each other, whilst talking
about illegal operations such as robbery of banks. This ties in with the Levi-Strauss – Binary
Oppositions as there are two conflicting elements to this scene (Good vs. Bad) and this contains
significance as the audience ponder what is going to occur subsequently. As the male continues to
explain his atypical intentions, the female becomes increasingly captivated by what he has to say.
Furthermore, the lighting and sound are sustained throughout this part of the scene and it continues
to advocate an affable and cooling atmosphere. At this stage, the audience is mirroring this bizarre
concept of a gangster movie, and they continue to speculate whether anything of dramatic value will
soon occur. Deep into the current conversation, the male disrupts the secure and calm atmosphere
by administering the idea of robbing the cafe they are situated in (Todorov’s Equilibrium). This
instigates the physical movement of the camera as it slowly pans around whilst zooming into the
characters at the same time. This is to ultimately build some tension in this scene, and the female’s
friendly approach to the situation has taken a fold; she is now ready and committed. As a result, we
get to see a portrayal of stereotypical gangster behaviour and the audience is now led on to expect
more things to happen due to the apparent tension and exhilaration.

3. At this point in the opening sequence, all the pre-notions of the female held by the audience are
now dismissed as she shoots up from her sitting position to wildly wave a gun around in her hands.
She then moves towards the camera and swiftly replaces the dominance which the male started off
with. The low angle of the camera is significant in order to show the control that these two have in
this current situation. This is indisputably unexpected from the audience, considering the male
instructing the female to have ‘crowd control’ in this action-packed frame. The sequence then ends
with a freeze-frame of the female pointing the gun and she has a threatening expression on her face.
This is then the cue for the credits which begin to come into view at the bottom of the screen with
the iconic font colour of orange; this colour is used plenty of times in Pulp Fiction.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jomr9SAjcyw