Interesting that QT, who grew up without his father (an amateur actor), and who became a devoted cineaste, would create an aesthetic consumed with commemorating his cinematic forefathers. Your analysis of father issues in the watch story could be taken as reveal of Qt's filmmaking manifesto.
I knew there was something extremely significant in The Gold Watch story... it is technically a story of war in and of itself. I love your insight and inturpretation of the film.
Rob, why do you keep referring to "hillbillies" in this analysis? There is nothing in the film itself to connect it to hillbillies. I think your analysis is in general is valid. But the equivalence between male-rape and "hillbillies" is your own prejudice and not Tarantino's.
I wonder if you picked up on the parallel scene in 'Psycho,' when Butch sees the Crime Boss at the traffic lights versus the same situation between Marion and her boss at the start of Hitchcock's film. Though I'm not sure whether there is anything else to it, it could be Tarantino's homage to his own artistic heritage, his forefather's legacy as it were, drawing a parallel metaphor between himself and Butch.
One bit of information you missed; when Fabienne and Butch are talking about places they'll go after collecting the boxing match's winnings, they mention living in the South Pacific.
Vietnamese don't use samurai swords. You're mixing up WW2 and the vietnam war.
A POW escaping from a japanese prison might find one, but someone escaping from a vietcong torture dungeon will most likely not.
Quentin Tarantino is an asian movie fan, so he will most likely know the difference between vietnam in south-east asia and japan. Those are two different countries with vastly different cultures.
I think the entire ordeal with Butch was a literal repeat of his father's struggle to get the watch to his son. In the apartment, Fabienne strongly implies she is pregnant.
Hey Rob. Very good analysis. One more thing I would like to point out, and I'm surprised you missed it. In the pawn shop, the first thing Butch does when he exists the basement is to grab Zed's keys and there is a close shot of them with a big Z on the key chain. If you look closely enough,while he is searching for a weapon, on the back wall there is a text made out of neon lights which spells KILLIANS RED if I remember correctly.The only lights that are turned on are KILL ED. Amazing directing
I think the watch changing times is just a continuity error and not intentional. We don't see any breaks in the speech and it's hard to believe it lasted for hours.
Like most of your analyses, there were a few things that I would consider slightly inaccurate, but for the most part I thought it was very well done. Good job.
I just watched the movie for the first time in a long time and I noticed something. Butch's girlfriend goes on a rant about how she wants a pot-belly. I felt she was hinting that she's wants a child with Butch. That would tie in with the bloodline theme of the watch.
I enjoy watching films and studing film as A2 has helped me to see the symbolic messengers that are often hidden in film. in enjoy watching your videos, keep up the good work
@robag88 , You are good , i cant wait to hear your take on Inception and Matrix Trilogies (Forgive me if yu have already done them) , as they flirt with multiple realities and the directors have better scope of placing sublimel themes considering the dream/reality continuum... i have done some similar analysis but dint put in them on vdo like yu do... Let us kno if yu do have the analysis of those films... Cheers
M. Wallace, man of influence and the ultimate, offensive violence by a 'Johnny Reb' in the same place a watch (timed bell - savior or potential delayed doom to a boxer) is held, embraced (beyond the wrist or pocket, internalized as part of body/existence for prisoner, sentimental connection to family history) by a family member. Butch regains honor of his swindle in the ring. And, hey, wasn't the neglected watch held by a figurine of a boxing kangaroo? Jamming ideas in a limited space, sorry.
I am often told that I think too much - often true. But regarding my take upon film detail, a highly controlled art form, I know that many a director makes detailed statement. Most of your points are spot on, some happen as part of a theme; all worth anaylsis. Boy, we could chat at length.--- Butch, earning his laurels with fists chooses a weapon of art and honor to do serious work. He and Mr Wallace have deepest respect in a very, very trying moment. The anal connection is there ... (cont)
people's references to this being a conspiracy theory are ridiculous. the difference is that a film is a single object and limited in scope. it's designed. the world, however, is not designed. while the world can be manipulated, it is far too vast and complicated a place for large manipulations to successfully trick people. there's too much shit going on for conspiracy theories to be true, while a film is crafted by a god of sorts (the artist) and it's reality is tiny compared to the world.
you're doing beautiful work robag. you're a great example of a theorist who stays within the bounds of what's there. much of film theory is postmodern, derrida-influenced bullshit that is taking films as launching points for 'freeplay' - this is clearly not that. you stick to the facts and come up with plausible and enriching explanations. i want to laugh at people's hostile, silly reactions but they are deeply troubling to me. they must be the same people who thinks tony soprano didn't die.
@frankandrab Film makers can incorporate slang as part of their subtext. I've done it in my films and scripts. A frequent clue is that a specific slang term is used repeatedly in a specific context. There's the gold watch being hidden analy for years by two characters in a Hanoi camp. Then marcellus is analy raped in a "pit of hell". And three times he uses punishment in the "ass" dialogue. It's thematically consistent. Or do you think Tarantino was just expressing his repressed homosexuality?
Totally agree, man. It is difficult to be wrong in film analysis, as you can get away with a lot. But in this case, it is the consistency that supports your analysis. Good work. :D
@robag88 Regardless if it was a theme in the film, I have to agree on one point: "ass" is a slang way to refer to someone's person. Marcellus is talking about punishment to his person, not specifically his ass. At least not intentionally.
Excellent analysis, one thing i did pick up on while watching this movie is that Zeds chopper is named 'Grace' which is fitting within the whole theme of redemption.
The B&W imagery behind Butch in the cab....could it also be a understated homage to old film noir. Even though Butch isn't a detective he's definitely involved in a crime; and there is something vaguely 40s-like about that scene, like it's an excerpt from an old pulp writer's book.
this is a very interesting analysis, and I agree with you ! To me, this is one of the greatest movie ever made. Most people don´t analyse, they just watch and get entertained. Pulp Fiction is both a entertaining, funny, dramatic, romantic, action, mystery, violent and interesting movie. Everything about it is fantastic
This is a really great analysis of this film. I'm sure Tarantino purposely put all of these subliminal pieces in. It's definitely something I'd do, being one who likes solving and leaving mysteries. Except I like to explain them because I'm sure no one really expects me to leave mysteries! (=J
Hey man now this analysis i think is incredible. That's a real gift and pleasure to be able to philosophize a film like that. I don't even think that Tarantino and Avery are aware of half of the connections and symbolism you perceived to be honest but that's the beauty of film it becomes it's own entity apart from the filmmakers when all is said and done. Really good work man.
Great analysis as always, you really bring out some great underlying themes.
Love the fact that Butch's escaped POW story line even ends with a line like "It's a chopper" with its Vietnam echo.
Like the line from FMJ " what are you animals doing in my head ? " which I'll never think of the same way again, you really spot some great stuff. Keep it up !
This has probably been said a thousand times but in The Deer Hunter Christopher Walken is in a POW camp with Robert DeNiro and others they are forced to play russian roulette and a lot of people die. I think that the Chris Walken scene in pulp fiction is referencing that. Except for in The Deer Hunter Christopher Walken goes insane and eventually kills himself playing russian roulette. Which means he could not have given Butch the watch but whatever.
Rob, the scene takes place in a pawn shop, not a general store. There is a difference. A pawn shop is a place people take items to sell or use as collateral for loans and are generally associated with the shadier side of society. General stores, in their time, were more mainstream. I'm not sure that distinction is relevant to the movie, but I just wanted to point it out.
Watching your analysis made me love Pulp Fiction more. I consider Pulp Fiction one of my favorite films. First few times I just enjoyed watching the exploitations and humorous scenes in the film, but now I'm trying to analyze in depth about the themes and messages that's in this magnificent movie.
This made me wonder however, is Quentin Tarantino that much of a genius on having these subliminal messages and open-minded questions in Pulp Fiction, or was this all by accident?
@XxJ2XxX He didn't write Pulp Fiction alone. The gold watch story was originally a feature script by a writer friend of his (I can't recall his name) and was condensed and worked into the Pulp Fiction script. I also think Tarantino had more to say and was more artistically hungry in the early years, though I saw Inglorious Basterds recently and, despite others knocking it, I think he's back on form.
The black and white footage of a city street in the background is just there for effect. It's a postmodern film and I really do believe it fits there. It's a very artistic film, regardless if it's metaphorical.
@chessinfantry You clearly have to understand that the stylistic features are there in order to create depth and give meaning to the film. There is no over analysis, but only a mere presentation of what is observed.
@robag88 Thats cool, you kinda come off like one of those conspiracy theorist who cant see or accept the truth no matter how much evidence is presented to them. The truth is that there is no conspiracy. It is what it is and nothing more. I admit I enjoy listening to your theories in the same way that I listen to somebodys UFO story, its entertaining, but at the end of the day its just a weather balloon, nothing more, nothing less. Like Pulp Fiction is what it is, a kick ass movie. Love your work
Love it! Great job. These always blow my mind. What I appreciate most is they allow people to think about the thought and effort put into these films. And though I agree the line, "Wallace only likes to be fucked by Mrs Wallace" and the anal punishment references may've vaguely crossed Tarantino's mind, I can assure you for the most part, any time he says the word "ass" it has nothing to do with anything other than the sound of a gangster saying the word "ass." And awesome job yet again!
At 4:29, right when Butch exits the pawn shop, there is a sign that reads "Watch Batteries". Like you said rescuing Marcellus was like rescuing his father, this might also support that dual meaning, because that watch he got probably needed a battery in order to be "rescued".
What does saying ass repeatedly have to do with anal rape?
Pretty good analysis overall. However you completely omitted Jules and Vincent's segments which were incredible important. I hope you find some time to do an interpretation on those two parts of the film.
Outstanding commentary. I didn't make most of those connections that you pointed out. Not even the Tennesse licence plates behind Willis. Thanks for increasing my appreciating of a film that was already high on my list.
.I love your analysis. Paris,Texas and 81/2 need your analysis . What you could do with Maya Deren or Stan Brakhage would accomplish lots for those of us who don't pick these things up no matter how many times we have seen a film. this shows all the work that goes into making serious art and why people so often have no idea what they are seeing.But they can feel it maybe because of the correspondences which work through the levels.Perhaps.
You are absolutely amazing. I would probably pay to hear you analyze Billy Budd by Herman Melville, but someone already paid someone to do that in my junior year of high school. What is truly astounding is that I believe you are correct at every turn, except I must again chide you for stinting us on the Fabien shots man that chick is hotttt!
British alway misunderstand American slang. the use of the word "Ass" id rarely thought of in terms of sodomy, Just like the british interpretation of Mother fucker, Brits tend to think of it in terms of Incest, as do Australians,, A "Mother Fucker "is some one who fucks YOUR mom. not his own, , The English are especialy anal and incest minded to like such things. You need a basic comprehention of American idioms to understand the first layer of meaning , before trying for the 2nd
That really wasn't a very well thought out comment now was it? The anal rape theme wasn't based upon the word "ass" in itself - it was also based upon lines like "Wallace doesn't like being fucked by anyone except Mrs Wallace" and the fact that he actually does get anally raped ... or did you think Zed was pretending to ride him like a horse?
@robag88 - Well, what about the other clips you show that doesn't mention "Wallace" being anally raped? By the way, his name is Marcellus, not Wallace.
@robag88 but the idioms are rampant throughout the movie . remember jules saying to pumpkin "if you heard those words , it meant your ass " in the end scene . americans use the word ass way too much for many different situations to make it a freudian argument , although your point is still well taken . it's just a cultural thing .
I think that the black and white background is a reference to 1950's cinema rather than Butches personal past. Quentin Tarantino has said a fair bit about the gold watch segment being similar to a 1950's film in a few ways, for example he chose Bruce Willis for the part because he is the only actor that Tarantino knows that has the look of a 1950's actor
@robag88 Yes, it's actually pretty incredible how the movie takes a taboo in our society like rape and makes it into something funny without it being insulting.
That single element of this movie is always what puts people off about this film (the rape scene). And although I am still mortified by it, you've done a service to Tarantino and revealed the services provided by him with this wonderfully nuanced story.
Wow, thanks robag88. I think really think you are an observational genius. Quentin Tarantino is pure and simply the greatest storyteller of all time and his work should be remembered for many generations to come just like Nietsche is remembered today.
Hey Rob, I'm unfamiliar with any other parts of Pulp Fiction thematically. I was wondering if you've been able to find anything in other parts of the story and if so, they're all different according to which story you're on. I'm thinking about trying my hand at a full on analysis myself.
Also, a Helicopter Chopper would have been Butch's father's primary means of rescue if he had indeed escaped his Vietnam "Pit of Hell" like his son does.
please read the manga version of akira its alot more satisfying i loved the manga so much i had to rent the movie and only found the biggest disappointment ive ever seen. The anime is absolutely nothing like the original manga version the manga is alot better and were the anime only shows akira as a brain the manga shows the revelation of akira as a child with lots of power which tetsuo uses to further control and rule a post apocalyptic tokyo
@robag88 Would love to see a vid bout the other part, watched all your vids already and i dun remember any vids bout tha, I may be wrong... I personally really enjoyed the The Shining analysis
Yes, the word "ass" does get used in slang a lot, of course I'm aware of that. But that doesn't prove it hasn't been used thematically in the film relating to Wallace's anal rape.
Your interpretation of what Mr.Wallace meant when he used the word "ass" is not only incorrect but kinda of embarrassing. Everything else you pointed out was pretty damn brilliant. I'm going to see more of your Pulp Fiction videos to see if you caught some of the "Easter eggs" that I have found.
at the time i wrote that, i was under the impression that you thought the slang "ass" meant that Marcellus was referring to the anus. IMHO, to connect Marcellus using the word "ass" to him being eventually raped is incorrect, HOWEVER connecting the line "... except Mrs. Wallace" is a great foreshadow. That line can be interpreted in two ways
1) Literally with Mia wearing a strap-on or
2) Slang meaning just regular sex with the wife
I always have and always will interpreted it as the second one
Very insightful review. I thought I've seen this movie enough to know everything about it, but I was wrong, there are still more and more hiding down there...
what an incredibly conclusive and intelligent analysis. i am truly impressed. having watched this movie over and over i still missed the connections you have come up with in your presentation. the same goes for your clockwork orange analysis. it is wholly remarkable how tarantino manages to have so much hidden detail in his movie, yet with an enormous amount of cohesion at the same time. thank you for pointing some of it out. well done!
Interesting. I think that in a way this analysis of the film makes it much sadder when looking at Butch. The reality is that Butch WILL NOT carry on the torch in the same way as his forefathers, and that his attempt to see himself as a soldier is both comically and tragically ironic.
Really the suprise encounter with Marsellus isn't quite that suprising. If you notice when marsellus is walking across the street with coffee and donuts, he's holding two cups--one for him and one for vincent
Yeah he was out fetching grub, but it was still a very unlucky encounter for him to cross the road while Butch was parked at the lights ... and both of them did look surprised. There's folks in my neighbourhood who I only bump into about once a month.
Rachel's implanted memory of a mother spider's egg hatching and then baby spiders running out and eating their pown mother for survival reflects interestingly with Tyrell's distribution of his 'children,' the replicants he makes and Batty's return to his 'father' for more life, which corresponds with the baby spiders getting the source of life, nutrition/longevity from the parent/maker.
Butch's grandfather fought the Japanese in the Pacific Theatre, WW2. The katana is very likely a reference to that, although Tarantino's love of samurai films is, by now, well known.
Looks like I got it mixed up with Dao swords from vietnam, which bare similarity. Tarantino may not have known the difference either and it could still serve as a general eastern reference like Marcellus talking about "Indochina".
I ve read somewhere that the whole time when he is choosing a weapon is Tarantino giving tribute to other films, films he was inspired by. The samurai sword of course being a used in many of the asian sub culture films tarantino loved-such as Shogun Assassin, referenced and drawn upon in Kill Bill
I might add though, that, Tarantino probably sat next to Avery and dictated what themes he wanted in the screenplay, what kind of dialogue, what can symbolise what. As with what Rob spotted, id suggest that Avery, with his screenwriting ability, expertly weaved them themes and symbolisms into the script.
Of which obviously Tarantino visually implied the themes and connections in the shots with his brilliant direction.
Wow, Butch's story in Pulp Fiction was always my least favorite part, mostly because I didn't really understand his motivations for going back and saving Marsellus, and a few other reasons.
But after seeing your analysis, I think so much more highly of it. You helped me understand what was motivating him, and all the other little details that I never noticed. First-class work!
the code to open the mystery briefcase is 6-6-6 but gives off a golden light. and i've also heard that the bandaid on Marcelas' neck has that same number. but ive only heard....
Rob, are you going to go more in depth with this analysis? I'm curious about what you think about the briefcase, Marcellus' band-aid on the back of his neck, and Jules and Vince. I've heard theories that the briefcase contains Marcellus' soul which was sold to the devili and extracted through the back of his neck hence the band-aid. Also, Jules and Vincent are angels on a mission to return the soul. Looking forward to a response. Take care..
If i find any other major themes that aren't covered in other reviews I might. I don't believe the Marcellus' soul theory of the briefcase, but haven't come up with any revelations about it myself.
also when butch kills vincent he is also overcoming the over-the-hill comments and critizems people have with his pride if you will
tylermc11795 5 hours ago
Interesting that QT, who grew up without his father (an amateur actor), and who became a devoted cineaste, would create an aesthetic consumed with commemorating his cinematic forefathers. Your analysis of father issues in the watch story could be taken as reveal of Qt's filmmaking manifesto.
billaround 5 days ago
You're very perceptive, even recognizing indistinct music on the film's soundtrack wouldn't even be noticed by many people; let alone interpreted.
UsernameDostoevsky 2 weeks ago
I knew there was something extremely significant in The Gold Watch story... it is technically a story of war in and of itself. I love your insight and inturpretation of the film.
OldEarthChaos 3 weeks ago
Rob, why do you keep referring to "hillbillies" in this analysis? There is nothing in the film itself to connect it to hillbillies. I think your analysis is in general is valid. But the equivalence between male-rape and "hillbillies" is your own prejudice and not Tarantino's.
tpellman 1 month ago
@tpellman Marcellus actually says hillbilly after Butch asks him "now what"
Vildanden111 1 month ago
@Vildanden111 Good call. And a thanks to Rob for posting. The analyses really are excellent.
tpellman 4 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I wonder if you picked up on the parallel scene in 'Psycho,' when Butch sees the Crime Boss at the traffic lights versus the same situation between Marion and her boss at the start of Hitchcock's film. Though I'm not sure whether there is anything else to it, it could be Tarantino's homage to his own artistic heritage, his forefather's legacy as it were, drawing a parallel metaphor between himself and Butch.
davidmuful 1 month ago
One bit of information you missed; when Fabienne and Butch are talking about places they'll go after collecting the boxing match's winnings, they mention living in the South Pacific.
sedeyus 3 months ago
Comment removed
baroh2413 3 months ago
Wonderful analysis. It just made me realize even more how great this movie is!
IsolationInstigation 4 months ago
very interesting, I have never looked at Pulp Fiction this way. Thank you for this interpretation, kind sir.
sirVhailor 4 months ago
Vietnamese don't use samurai swords. You're mixing up WW2 and the vietnam war.
A POW escaping from a japanese prison might find one, but someone escaping from a vietcong torture dungeon will most likely not.
Quentin Tarantino is an asian movie fan, so he will most likely know the difference between vietnam in south-east asia and japan. Those are two different countries with vastly different cultures.
DrMuganda 4 months ago
I think the entire ordeal with Butch was a literal repeat of his father's struggle to get the watch to his son. In the apartment, Fabienne strongly implies she is pregnant.
kickodude 5 months ago
Someone has WAY too much time on their hands to sit around and think of shit. Oh, no! Was that another 'ass' reference?
TomKaren1994 5 months ago
Vincent Vega is the main character... I always want the Bad guys to win........
ILoveKimPearson 5 months ago
Awesome analysis, Rob. You have amazing analytical skills. Have you considered breaking down Inglourious Basterds?
glenndar 5 months ago
Hey Rob. Very good analysis. One more thing I would like to point out, and I'm surprised you missed it. In the pawn shop, the first thing Butch does when he exists the basement is to grab Zed's keys and there is a close shot of them with a big Z on the key chain. If you look closely enough,while he is searching for a weapon, on the back wall there is a text made out of neon lights which spells KILLIANS RED if I remember correctly.The only lights that are turned on are KILL ED. Amazing directing
potasiu2 5 months ago
You hit the nail right on the head!
MrTpt86 5 months ago
Do you think the conversation Willis has with the cab driver has any significance?
FatherTime89 5 months ago
Great analysis, thanks.
CatMan221 5 months ago
The whole dream of saving his father doesn't seem like it's supported by the film and seems like it's based on very little.
FatherTime89 5 months ago
I think the watch changing times is just a continuity error and not intentional. We don't see any breaks in the speech and it's hard to believe it lasted for hours.
FatherTime89 5 months ago
@FatherTime89 By breaks I mean it doesn't suddenly jump into another part of the speech it just seems to be continuous.
FatherTime89 5 months ago
Comment removed
FatherTime89 5 months ago
you should try analyzing the movie "hard candy"
Entropy11223344 5 months ago
Like most of your analyses, there were a few things that I would consider slightly inaccurate, but for the most part I thought it was very well done. Good job.
kmanfitz 5 months ago
I just watched the movie for the first time in a long time and I noticed something. Butch's girlfriend goes on a rant about how she wants a pot-belly. I felt she was hinting that she's wants a child with Butch. That would tie in with the bloodline theme of the watch.
wollclark 6 months ago
I enjoy watching films and studing film as A2 has helped me to see the symbolic messengers that are often hidden in film. in enjoy watching your videos, keep up the good work
TheHeadbanger1100 6 months ago
@robag88 , You are good , i cant wait to hear your take on Inception and Matrix Trilogies (Forgive me if yu have already done them) , as they flirt with multiple realities and the directors have better scope of placing sublimel themes considering the dream/reality continuum... i have done some similar analysis but dint put in them on vdo like yu do... Let us kno if yu do have the analysis of those films... Cheers
neoparthan 6 months ago
I had also found that the samurai sword was a connection to QT's fascination with sword fighting a la Kill Bill
SHiTJuFro743 6 months ago
M. Wallace, man of influence and the ultimate, offensive violence by a 'Johnny Reb' in the same place a watch (timed bell - savior or potential delayed doom to a boxer) is held, embraced (beyond the wrist or pocket, internalized as part of body/existence for prisoner, sentimental connection to family history) by a family member. Butch regains honor of his swindle in the ring. And, hey, wasn't the neglected watch held by a figurine of a boxing kangaroo? Jamming ideas in a limited space, sorry.
MrDarwinsDog 6 months ago
I am often told that I think too much - often true. But regarding my take upon film detail, a highly controlled art form, I know that many a director makes detailed statement. Most of your points are spot on, some happen as part of a theme; all worth anaylsis. Boy, we could chat at length.--- Butch, earning his laurels with fists chooses a weapon of art and honor to do serious work. He and Mr Wallace have deepest respect in a very, very trying moment. The anal connection is there ... (cont)
MrDarwinsDog 6 months ago
I believe the part where the captain goes in a trance was the actor actually reading his lines while filming. That's Christopher for you =P
fabian9907 7 months ago
people's references to this being a conspiracy theory are ridiculous. the difference is that a film is a single object and limited in scope. it's designed. the world, however, is not designed. while the world can be manipulated, it is far too vast and complicated a place for large manipulations to successfully trick people. there's too much shit going on for conspiracy theories to be true, while a film is crafted by a god of sorts (the artist) and it's reality is tiny compared to the world.
memoryburn7 7 months ago
you're doing beautiful work robag. you're a great example of a theorist who stays within the bounds of what's there. much of film theory is postmodern, derrida-influenced bullshit that is taking films as launching points for 'freeplay' - this is clearly not that. you stick to the facts and come up with plausible and enriching explanations. i want to laugh at people's hostile, silly reactions but they are deeply troubling to me. they must be the same people who thinks tony soprano didn't die.
memoryburn7 7 months ago
when vince vega is at his dealers house trying to save the woman's life with the needle the games "operation" and "Life are prominently shown
blah64924 7 months ago
your rong about the ass thing... thts just slang. good ANALysis....
frankandrab 7 months ago
@frankandrab Film makers can incorporate slang as part of their subtext. I've done it in my films and scripts. A frequent clue is that a specific slang term is used repeatedly in a specific context. There's the gold watch being hidden analy for years by two characters in a Hanoi camp. Then marcellus is analy raped in a "pit of hell". And three times he uses punishment in the "ass" dialogue. It's thematically consistent. Or do you think Tarantino was just expressing his repressed homosexuality?
robag88 7 months ago 14
@robag88
Totally agree, man. It is difficult to be wrong in film analysis, as you can get away with a lot. But in this case, it is the consistency that supports your analysis. Good work. :D
DisingenuousMalady 6 months ago
@robag88 Regardless if it was a theme in the film, I have to agree on one point: "ass" is a slang way to refer to someone's person. Marcellus is talking about punishment to his person, not specifically his ass. At least not intentionally.
Really enjoyed these vids, btw.
mbmhs 5 months ago
@frankandrab lol...
wickedOPS 5 months ago
So much for Tarantino being all style and no content! Great analysis, made me love the movie more
MHarryMiller 7 months ago
I just read a review on Netflix saying the Gold Watch story was unnecessary and had no point to it. I really want to refer him to this video
uncensored008 8 months ago
This could all be coincidence, but if not, wow!
bigmoney749 8 months ago
Robag88, your analysis is amazing! Could you do more for the rest of PF's scenes?
Joelomite 8 months ago
90% Conjecture
blindreefer 8 months ago
@blindreefer Welcome to the world of Film studies..
MHarryMiller 7 months ago
@MHarryMiller thats a let down
blindreefer 7 months ago
Right or wrong, this is a compelling analysis. Thank you.
anapanasati1970 8 months ago
Fascinating analysis.
dannydontgoin237 8 months ago
good job! great analysis! mada movie more interesting
picazo57 8 months ago
Excellent analysis, one thing i did pick up on while watching this movie is that Zeds chopper is named 'Grace' which is fitting within the whole theme of redemption.
Brokenfingertips 8 months ago
i enjoyed that!
JeffClancy1966 9 months ago
great analysis of a great part of a great movie
NoizyWun 9 months ago
Awesome work, Ager.
The B&W imagery behind Butch in the cab....could it also be a understated homage to old film noir. Even though Butch isn't a detective he's definitely involved in a crime; and there is something vaguely 40s-like about that scene, like it's an excerpt from an old pulp writer's book.
sabellnocdrain 10 months ago
Ager you are the man you need to hurry up and make another review!
TheWCWite 10 months ago
Brilliant again!
yassau 10 months ago
this is a very interesting analysis, and I agree with you ! To me, this is one of the greatest movie ever made. Most people don´t analyse, they just watch and get entertained. Pulp Fiction is both a entertaining, funny, dramatic, romantic, action, mystery, violent and interesting movie. Everything about it is fantastic
Larsbagerlund 11 months ago
This is a really great analysis of this film. I'm sure Tarantino purposely put all of these subliminal pieces in. It's definitely something I'd do, being one who likes solving and leaving mysteries. Except I like to explain them because I'm sure no one really expects me to leave mysteries! (=J
CDP110 11 months ago
Hey man now this analysis i think is incredible. That's a real gift and pleasure to be able to philosophize a film like that. I don't even think that Tarantino and Avery are aware of half of the connections and symbolism you perceived to be honest but that's the beauty of film it becomes it's own entity apart from the filmmakers when all is said and done. Really good work man.
theomen84 11 months ago
very interesting!!!
robscragga 11 months ago
Great analysis as always, you really bring out some great underlying themes.
Love the fact that Butch's escaped POW story line even ends with a line like "It's a chopper" with its Vietnam echo.
Like the line from FMJ " what are you animals doing in my head ? " which I'll never think of the same way again, you really spot some great stuff. Keep it up !
fliptopfilms 11 months ago
This has probably been said a thousand times but in The Deer Hunter Christopher Walken is in a POW camp with Robert DeNiro and others they are forced to play russian roulette and a lot of people die. I think that the Chris Walken scene in pulp fiction is referencing that. Except for in The Deer Hunter Christopher Walken goes insane and eventually kills himself playing russian roulette. Which means he could not have given Butch the watch but whatever.
colonelmcscurvey 1 year ago
brilliantly done.
guitaraccountful 1 year ago
Rob, the scene takes place in a pawn shop, not a general store. There is a difference. A pawn shop is a place people take items to sell or use as collateral for loans and are generally associated with the shadier side of society. General stores, in their time, were more mainstream. I'm not sure that distinction is relevant to the movie, but I just wanted to point it out.
jonathan1stewart 1 year ago 5
@jonathan1stewart Thanks. I think that actually supports the analysis .... if I remember correctly a pawn shop was mentioned by Walken's character.
robag88 1 year ago 3
speaking of black man rape, i wonder if tarantino ever saw 'ricochet'
TheJabberwock 1 year ago
damnnnn you're too intelligent man!
keep it up! you must analyze the whole movie PRONTO! :D
Robin4ever1970 1 year ago
Watching your analysis made me love Pulp Fiction more. I consider Pulp Fiction one of my favorite films. First few times I just enjoyed watching the exploitations and humorous scenes in the film, but now I'm trying to analyze in depth about the themes and messages that's in this magnificent movie.
This made me wonder however, is Quentin Tarantino that much of a genius on having these subliminal messages and open-minded questions in Pulp Fiction, or was this all by accident?
XxJ2XxX 1 year ago 4
@XxJ2XxX He didn't write Pulp Fiction alone. The gold watch story was originally a feature script by a writer friend of his (I can't recall his name) and was condensed and worked into the Pulp Fiction script. I also think Tarantino had more to say and was more artistically hungry in the early years, though I saw Inglorious Basterds recently and, despite others knocking it, I think he's back on form.
robag88 1 year ago 6
@robag88 i was thinking while watching this i'd love to see you review Basterds. Glad to hear you liked it
qtzlctl2012 6 months ago
The black and white footage of a city street in the background is just there for effect. It's a postmodern film and I really do believe it fits there. It's a very artistic film, regardless if it's metaphorical.
Transformers2themax 3 months ago
Comment removed
thisisjoshman 1 year ago
I think you are over analyzing this movie.
chessinfantry 1 year ago
@chessinfantry You clearly have to understand that the stylistic features are there in order to create depth and give meaning to the film. There is no over analysis, but only a mere presentation of what is observed.
nanalawa 1 year ago
@chessinfantry Respectfully I disagree, but thanks for saying that without resorting to childish insults as some do.
robag88 1 year ago 12
@robag88 Thats cool, you kinda come off like one of those conspiracy theorist who cant see or accept the truth no matter how much evidence is presented to them. The truth is that there is no conspiracy. It is what it is and nothing more. I admit I enjoy listening to your theories in the same way that I listen to somebodys UFO story, its entertaining, but at the end of the day its just a weather balloon, nothing more, nothing less. Like Pulp Fiction is what it is, a kick ass movie. Love your work
chessinfantry 1 year ago
Love it! Great job. These always blow my mind. What I appreciate most is they allow people to think about the thought and effort put into these films. And though I agree the line, "Wallace only likes to be fucked by Mrs Wallace" and the anal punishment references may've vaguely crossed Tarantino's mind, I can assure you for the most part, any time he says the word "ass" it has nothing to do with anything other than the sound of a gangster saying the word "ass." And awesome job yet again!
heyman29323 1 year ago
@heyman29323 Thanks. I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree on Wallace use of the word "ass" in this context :)
robag88 1 year ago
Great analysis, as always...
jazerazo 1 year ago
I love how Rob pronounces "Samyrei"
shadowofomen 1 year ago
@shadowofomen I love how you spell it :)
robag88 1 year ago 2
Robag88, you are great at what you do. I really enjoy your videos.
blastingcaps 1 year ago
Very great analysis!
Bieji 1 year ago
wow excellent analysis. never realized that pulp fiction was so deep. tarantino is a genius.
ArcticSledgeTank 1 year ago
At 4:29, right when Butch exits the pawn shop, there is a sign that reads "Watch Batteries". Like you said rescuing Marcellus was like rescuing his father, this might also support that dual meaning, because that watch he got probably needed a battery in order to be "rescued".
Russ0257821 1 year ago
What does saying ass repeatedly have to do with anal rape?
Pretty good analysis overall. However you completely omitted Jules and Vincent's segments which were incredible important. I hope you find some time to do an interpretation on those two parts of the film.
jivetome 1 year ago
@jivetome I ommited pretty much all of the film outside of the Gold Watch Story. One day I'll come back and do an expanded video for the whole movie.
robag88 1 year ago
@robag88 I sincerely hope you do!
lpfader 1 year ago
Brilliant analysis.
hazardous1990 1 year ago
Outstanding commentary. I didn't make most of those connections that you pointed out. Not even the Tennesse licence plates behind Willis. Thanks for increasing my appreciating of a film that was already high on my list.
PaulKyriazi 1 year ago
.I love your analysis. Paris,Texas and 81/2 need your analysis . What you could do with Maya Deren or Stan Brakhage would accomplish lots for those of us who don't pick these things up no matter how many times we have seen a film. this shows all the work that goes into making serious art and why people so often have no idea what they are seeing.But they can feel it maybe because of the correspondences which work through the levels.Perhaps.
lovesGenet 1 year ago
at least you understand what fore-fathers means
andy18401 1 year ago
Fine work!
GildaLee27 1 year ago
You are absolutely amazing. I would probably pay to hear you analyze Billy Budd by Herman Melville, but someone already paid someone to do that in my junior year of high school. What is truly astounding is that I believe you are correct at every turn, except I must again chide you for stinting us on the Fabien shots man that chick is hotttt!
lebarosky 1 year ago
British alway misunderstand American slang. the use of the word "Ass" id rarely thought of in terms of sodomy, Just like the british interpretation of Mother fucker, Brits tend to think of it in terms of Incest, as do Australians,, A "Mother Fucker "is some one who fucks YOUR mom. not his own, , The English are especialy anal and incest minded to like such things. You need a basic comprehention of American idioms to understand the first layer of meaning , before trying for the 2nd
DetroiterInAustralia 1 year ago
@DetroiterInAustralia First and second meaning of the word ass.. Wich one is the donkey?
Fistwagon 1 year ago
@DetroiterInAustralia
That really wasn't a very well thought out comment now was it? The anal rape theme wasn't based upon the word "ass" in itself - it was also based upon lines like "Wallace doesn't like being fucked by anyone except Mrs Wallace" and the fact that he actually does get anally raped ... or did you think Zed was pretending to ride him like a horse?
robag88 1 year ago 19
@robag88 - Well, what about the other clips you show that doesn't mention "Wallace" being anally raped? By the way, his name is Marcellus, not Wallace.
aronmustang69 1 year ago
@aronmustang69 wallace is his last name, which most soldiers go by during their service in war.
crash1984 1 year ago
@crash1984 Ah, ok. I didn't here his last name a lot, only Marcellus.
aronmustang69 1 year ago
@robag88 but the idioms are rampant throughout the movie . remember jules saying to pumpkin "if you heard those words , it meant your ass " in the end scene . americans use the word ass way too much for many different situations to make it a freudian argument , although your point is still well taken . it's just a cultural thing .
kurt11110 1 year ago
Wow, thanks for putting this up. I never caught any of this
nelsonmc93 1 year ago
I think that the black and white background is a reference to 1950's cinema rather than Butches personal past. Quentin Tarantino has said a fair bit about the gold watch segment being similar to a 1950's film in a few ways, for example he chose Bruce Willis for the part because he is the only actor that Tarantino knows that has the look of a 1950's actor
Krypto282 1 year ago
Shit...!! All that was in there.....I knew there was more to it....good eye...!!
FYRFOX198 1 year ago
That was amazing.
djpetenice 1 year ago
fascinating. thanks for posting.
sparkyinbath 1 year ago
Great in-depth analysis I really enjoyed watching it. I wonder why you took down the Mad Max II analysis it's another favorite of mine.
balistik94 1 year ago
@balistik94 @treefrog2108
I can't afford to put all my vids out for free so MM2 and several other reviews are only avaiable on my DVD sets now :)
robag88 1 year ago
Personally i've always thought the rape scene was kind of funny :D
ComfortablyNumb849 1 year ago
@ComfortablyNumb849 Although the review is pretty serious and analytical, I still find the whole film hilarious, including the rape scene.
robag88 1 year ago
@robag88 Yes, it's actually pretty incredible how the movie takes a taboo in our society like rape and makes it into something funny without it being insulting.
ComfortablyNumb849 1 year ago
Damn, man. You're good.
JoyandAnger 1 year ago
That single element of this movie is always what puts people off about this film (the rape scene). And although I am still mortified by it, you've done a service to Tarantino and revealed the services provided by him with this wonderfully nuanced story.
The man should thank you.
BunnyMan456 1 year ago
Wow, thanks robag88. I think really think you are an observational genius. Quentin Tarantino is pure and simply the greatest storyteller of all time and his work should be remembered for many generations to come just like Nietsche is remembered today.
porkchopenvy 1 year ago
That was an extremely impressive analysis. Fantastic!
1987wasoverrated 1 year ago
Hey Rob, I'm unfamiliar with any other parts of Pulp Fiction thematically. I was wondering if you've been able to find anything in other parts of the story and if so, they're all different according to which story you're on. I'm thinking about trying my hand at a full on analysis myself.
Ilikelimpbizkit 1 year ago
@Ilikelimpbizkit i haven't really studied the rest of the film i detail, but there are certainly other themes besides the ones in this vid.
robag88 1 year ago
Also, a Helicopter Chopper would have been Butch's father's primary means of rescue if he had indeed escaped his Vietnam "Pit of Hell" like his son does.
Anything2DoWithFilm 1 year ago 2
Loving your work, Robster!
sarahaprilwallace 1 year ago
The whole "Gold Watch" story could be summarized with one word: redemption.
markvz 1 year ago
This is brilliant....as are your tips on film-making.
Loving them & getting inspired by them!
Thanks
JCMcGee 1 year ago
wow that was awesome sweet thanks
briannloo 1 year ago
hillbilly. such a sophisticated word
Jesse8501 2 years ago
Thats what the script says
IndieMovieChannel 2 years ago
Amazing. Truly wonderful analysis.
frontensemble077 2 years ago 2
Maybe an analysis of Akira would good. I'd love to see the analysis of that epic anime.
TillThenPlease 2 years ago
please read the manga version of akira its alot more satisfying i loved the manga so much i had to rent the movie and only found the biggest disappointment ive ever seen. The anime is absolutely nothing like the original manga version the manga is alot better and were the anime only shows akira as a brain the manga shows the revelation of akira as a child with lots of power which tetsuo uses to further control and rule a post apocalyptic tokyo
peKadoDeDioZ 2 years ago
Cool! Interesting stuff
TillThenPlease 2 years ago
@peKadoDeDioZ We're talking about film?
Ilikelimpbizkit 1 year ago
@Ilikelimpbizkit o yeah i know its just that some dude brought up the anime topic and i just replied
peKadoDeDioZ 1 year ago
What are your ideas about the suitcase that glows when opened ?
underDAhood95 2 years ago
That's a different part of the film. This vid's about the gold watch story :)
robag88 1 year ago
@robag88 Would love to see a vid bout the other part, watched all your vids already and i dun remember any vids bout tha, I may be wrong... I personally really enjoyed the The Shining analysis
MaMastoast 1 year ago
How about a review of ALIEN, George
Pal's The Time Machine and Silent Running.
BUDDY6414724297 2 years ago
There's a review of Alien on my website :)
robag88 2 years ago
Fabianne also looks like Butch's mother!
SirGnork 2 years ago
Marcellus isn't referencing anal rape when he says "ass" repeatedly... it's simply a play on words... a colloquial connotation.
kedrick06 2 years ago
Yes, the word "ass" does get used in slang a lot, of course I'm aware of that. But that doesn't prove it hasn't been used thematically in the film relating to Wallace's anal rape.
robag88 2 years ago
Your interpretation of what Mr.Wallace meant when he used the word "ass" is not only incorrect but kinda of embarrassing. Everything else you pointed out was pretty damn brilliant. I'm going to see more of your Pulp Fiction videos to see if you caught some of the "Easter eggs" that I have found.
majinshenmue 2 years ago
Embarrassing in what way?
robag88 2 years ago
at the time i wrote that, i was under the impression that you thought the slang "ass" meant that Marcellus was referring to the anus. IMHO, to connect Marcellus using the word "ass" to him being eventually raped is incorrect, HOWEVER connecting the line "... except Mrs. Wallace" is a great foreshadow. That line can be interpreted in two ways
1) Literally with Mia wearing a strap-on or
2) Slang meaning just regular sex with the wife
I always have and always will interpreted it as the second one
majinshenmue 2 years ago
Very insightful review. I thought I've seen this movie enough to know everything about it, but I was wrong, there are still more and more hiding down there...
moccagriselda 2 years ago
oh, by the way - i love your accent. are you from liverpool?
PMetheney84 2 years ago
Yep :)
robag88 2 years ago
what an incredibly conclusive and intelligent analysis. i am truly impressed. having watched this movie over and over i still missed the connections you have come up with in your presentation. the same goes for your clockwork orange analysis. it is wholly remarkable how tarantino manages to have so much hidden detail in his movie, yet with an enormous amount of cohesion at the same time. thank you for pointing some of it out. well done!
PMetheney84 2 years ago
great video that you made...very interesting, and a video that i will discuss with my friends...keep up the good work, i am already a fan of you !!!!
faethon85 2 years ago
Wow. You`ve given me a whole new perspective on the film.
DickensianDreams 2 years ago
Interesting. I think that in a way this analysis of the film makes it much sadder when looking at Butch. The reality is that Butch WILL NOT carry on the torch in the same way as his forefathers, and that his attempt to see himself as a soldier is both comically and tragically ironic.
HappyMayonnaise123 2 years ago
favorit
ereignisfelder 2 years ago
very good as the previous.
well done
5*
Kean
keanghiero 2 years ago
Really the suprise encounter with Marsellus isn't quite that suprising. If you notice when marsellus is walking across the street with coffee and donuts, he's holding two cups--one for him and one for vincent
Darkit2099 2 years ago
Yeah he was out fetching grub, but it was still a very unlucky encounter for him to cross the road while Butch was parked at the lights ... and both of them did look surprised. There's folks in my neighbourhood who I only bump into about once a month.
robag88 2 years ago
ROB
*********************
Regarding your Bladerunner analysis:
Rachel's implanted memory of a mother spider's egg hatching and then baby spiders running out and eating their pown mother for survival reflects interestingly with Tyrell's distribution of his 'children,' the replicants he makes and Batty's return to his 'father' for more life, which corresponds with the baby spiders getting the source of life, nutrition/longevity from the parent/maker.
Anything2DoWithFilm 2 years ago
Cool. At some point i need to get a video version of thast analysis on here. Just been too busy.
robag88 2 years ago
Excellent! Makes me want to watch the film.
Blink316E 2 years ago
Brilliant analysis, Am in film school and I have learned more about cinema and hidden meanings than any class by one of my ahem "teachers"
MuguduTV 2 years ago 20
Hehe. thanks
robag88 2 years ago
Butch's grandfather fought the Japanese in the Pacific Theatre, WW2. The katana is very likely a reference to that, although Tarantino's love of samurai films is, by now, well known.
ravecrab 2 years ago 2
awesome work, rob!
zebra64 2 years ago
You wouldn't find a Samurai sword in a Viet Cong POW camp. The Samurai are Japanese!
HighwaySlut 2 years ago 3
Looks like I got it mixed up with Dao swords from vietnam, which bare similarity. Tarantino may not have known the difference either and it could still serve as a general eastern reference like Marcellus talking about "Indochina".
robag88 2 years ago
I ve read somewhere that the whole time when he is choosing a weapon is Tarantino giving tribute to other films, films he was inspired by. The samurai sword of course being a used in many of the asian sub culture films tarantino loved-such as Shogun Assassin, referenced and drawn upon in Kill Bill
zombiiination 2 years ago
No wonder Pulp Fiction won best screenplay lol.
I might add though, that, Tarantino probably sat next to Avery and dictated what themes he wanted in the screenplay, what kind of dialogue, what can symbolise what. As with what Rob spotted, id suggest that Avery, with his screenwriting ability, expertly weaved them themes and symbolisms into the script.
Of which obviously Tarantino visually implied the themes and connections in the shots with his brilliant direction.
riazomonero 2 years ago 13
bravo...........
DARKnDODGY 2 years ago
Wow, Butch's story in Pulp Fiction was always my least favorite part, mostly because I didn't really understand his motivations for going back and saving Marsellus, and a few other reasons.
But after seeing your analysis, I think so much more highly of it. You helped me understand what was motivating him, and all the other little details that I never noticed. First-class work!
Ecotic 2 years ago
Always a pleasure to put on some of Rob's analysis. Keep them coming.
deadvideokid 2 years ago 3
cant wait for u to review A.I.
wolfgar45 2 years ago 3
the code to open the mystery briefcase is 6-6-6 but gives off a golden light. and i've also heard that the bandaid on Marcelas' neck has that same number. but ive only heard....
LeM0njui3c3 2 years ago
I never noticed it before, but when Marcellus pays Butch, the envelope is clearly displaying a similar golden glow.
D808366 2 years ago
Rob, are you going to go more in depth with this analysis? I'm curious about what you think about the briefcase, Marcellus' band-aid on the back of his neck, and Jules and Vince. I've heard theories that the briefcase contains Marcellus' soul which was sold to the devili and extracted through the back of his neck hence the band-aid. Also, Jules and Vincent are angels on a mission to return the soul. Looking forward to a response. Take care..
billoose 2 years ago
If i find any other major themes that aren't covered in other reviews I might. I don't believe the Marcellus' soul theory of the briefcase, but haven't come up with any revelations about it myself.
robag88 2 years ago
Comment removed
D808366 2 years ago
brilliant
ELECTRONICTORTELLINI 2 years ago
LOL I never thought about the lyrics until you brought them into the light....looking forward to way more analysis on way more films
sumdumfoo1 2 years ago
sorry about that last comment, I never saw that conection. good work.
spasemonkey05 2 years ago
I enjoy this.
I have watched your review of 2001: A Space Odyssey as well this evening. I have seen Pulp Fiction, but not Kubrick's classic film.
It seems that your logic cuts straight to the heart of the films, right to the art.