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Pulp Fiction Analysis

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Tarantino’s Depiction of Violence
Quentin Tarantino is well known and often criticized for his depiction of violence in his films. Although at times graphic, Tarantino’s violence holds a purpose. This paper will look at two films, Jackie Brown and Pulp Fiction, and their depiction of violence and the aesthetics used. It will also look at classic film conventions and ultraviolence aesthetics used by Tarantino. Finally, the paper will determine what aesthetics Tarantino carries over in each film.
Quentin Tarantino’s depiction of violence in Pulp Fiction becomes bloodier and more graphic as the film continues. Early in the film, Martellus shoots two people, neither of which show any blood or even a gunshot wound. Tarantino uses a classic film convention where the victim of the gunshot clutches the spot where they were shot, covering what in real life would be a gunshot wound. He employs another classic film convention later when Mia is stabbed in the heart with the adrenaline shot. Instead of showing the violent act, Tarantino shows Mia’s reaction to being stabbed in the heart. In the next segment of the film, Butch shoots Vincent with a small machine gun. It riddles Vincent’s body with bullet holes and is the first time the clutch technique isn’t used. Vincent’s body is shown covered in blood around the abdomen in a very bloody bathroom. This marks the transition in Pulp Fiction from a more classical style of violence to contemporary ultraviolence.
From now on in the film,

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