Postmodernism - Why is "Pulp Fiction" Postmodern?

Postmodernism - Why is "Pulp Fiction" Postmodern?

Pulp Fiction is considered one of, if not, the best example of Postmodernism because of the numerous pop culture references and references to films that were released earlier than this film's release date in 1994 (it "looks back").

When the film "looks back", it has nothing new to say. For example:

• When Vincent Vega (played by John Travolta) gazes inside a glowing case - reference to "Kiss Me Deadly" (1955)

• When Jules Winnfield (played by Samuel L. Jackson) recites Ezekiel 25:17 from the Bible

• Vincent Vega and Mia Wallace go to a retro restaurant called Jack Rabbit Slim's

The references are also inter-textual. For example:

• When Vincent dances with Mia Wallace (played by Uma Thurman) at Jack Rabbit Slim's - reference to Jean-Luc Godard's "Bande à part" (1964) - originally thought to be a reference to John Travolta's dance scene in "Saturday Night Fever" (1977)

• The waiters and waitresses at Jack Rabbit Slim's are dressed as Buddy Holly and Marilyn Monroe, the latter wearing a white dress as a reference to "The Seven Year Itch" (1955)

Postmodern films such as this also lack meta-narratives (a big overall story/opinion that applies to everyone in society). For example, the two gangsters, Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield, talk about killing in a similar way to when they discuss hamburgers and the latter quotes the Bible at the most inappropriate of times. Therefore, a lack of meta-narratives in postmodern films also leads to a lack of morality in these kinds of films.

Postmodern films are also "playful", meaning they can sometimes get away with breaking the realism. When Vincent Vega and Mia Wallace first arrive at Jack Rabbit Slim's, she tells him not to a square and then actually "draws" a square on the screen, complete with an outline. They do this to remind the audience that this is in no way a real event but a film.

The film also references music videos. For example, Butch's partner says she wants a pot belly like Madonna in her music video for "Lucky Star".

Postmodern films do not use elements from either only high or low culture. In these films, these cultures are equal and are used at the same time.