Pulp Fiction Hamburger Scene Analysis

Close Up (0:42 mins)

In this scene of the Thriller Pulp Fiction Quentin Tarantino uses a close up shot on Joules. Through this shot it conveys the emotion that the character is feeling, in this particular scene we can tell that he is extremely angry possibly even slightly surprised at what is going on. From this shot it gives the viewer a sense of build up in tension and anger, as the first time you get to know the character it sets the tone for his ways later on (early expectations). You could suggest that the use of light on one side of Joules' face foreshadows his change in emotion/ direction later on in the movie (when he retires). There is no background sound (no dieagetic nor non-dieagetic) in this scene overall as this makes it more naturalistic (as though you are there) as well as creating a 'silence' tension when no one is talking, gives an ambient background; the only audio from this particular clip is dialogue. Joules and Vincent are the dominant (alpha male) characters in the scene, this is typical of movies for the 'villains' to be dressed smart... although in this film these aren't the generic characters. These characters represent the disequilibrium in the particular scene. 'Villian' characters Joules and Vincent in this scene are seen wearing smart black suits. The colour black is associated with power, fear, mystery, strength, authority as well as death; this likewise relates to Joules referring himself later on in the film as "the reaper".

Low angle shot (4:14 mins)

The use of this low angle shot is used to make us feel vulnerable (as though we are at the same level as the victim). It is clear that from this shot the character Joules is in control of the situation he is the one the angle shot is looking up to, giving giving him the authority. With the use of light shining on him combined with his stance and the camera shot it gives him a 'god like' appearance (possibly relating to his bible speech later on in the scene). With the distorted angle of the low angle shot it shows the imbalance of order in the movie at their particular scene, it also could also show that something is wrong with the scene (things maybe don't add up at this point in the movie). We can additionally look at the use of weaponry in this clip, there is a clear association between the hit-men (Joules and Vincent) who have the guns and those who are the 'victims' in the flat; they are quite obviously out matched. You can notice that the pictures with weaponry in this movie overall is as is typical for most movies (not just thrillers) for those to be very masculine scenes. The use of weapons sparks interest and action into a scene, in some genres it would be unusual for the characters to carry guns however in thriller movies it is considered typical and conventional for most characters to have these props.

View the full clip here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=PE9Qm8mShik