Pulp Fiction has always been my “okayest good movie”. It is supposed to be iconic and noteworthy for resurrecting John Travolta’s career, cementing Samuel L. Jackson into the persona he often portrays today, and utilizing a “name brand” cast in unique roles. Dialogue-heavy scenes build to cathartic moments that either shock or amuse. Quentin Tarantino has a directorial style that easily allows his films to stand out, and that style really shines in Pulp Fiction.

This movie was my Tarantino baptism, and while not my favorite (favorite – Kill Bill Vol. 1, most quoted – Inglourious Basterds), I will now give his movies at least one watch. I appreciate the verbal tapestries Tarantino’s scripts weave and the way the actors and actresses vigorously absorb their characters with the intent to spew colorful portrayals out of the screen. His movies can exist as fiercely gripping cinematic moments surrounded by so much flotsam the overall product is diminished. That is the burden each Tarantino movie must overcome, because that is the way he makes movies. Some are able to accomplish this while others wither to relative obscurity.

Pulp Fiction will always be Quentin Tarantino’s magnum opus. It is energetic, clever, stylish, and leaves the viewer wanting more of the story from both before and after its depicted moment in time. None of the movies on AFI’s Top 100 list thus far have been perfect, and Pulp Fiction continues that trend. It does have enough impactful positive qualities, however, to inspire subsequent films. Here is what I think makes Pulp Fiction shine brightly.

• Soundtrack. I will love a crappy movie if it has an amazing soundtrack. If a soundtrack gives me goosebumps not just because of technical composition but in how it enhances the visuals, I will watch and re-watch until I no longer have the ability to do so. Give me a bad-ass character slowly walking toward the camera through smoke or haze and accompanied by a bass-heavy, crunchy riff – my heart is yours. Pulp Fiction does not have this, but its forceful use of funk and fringe-rock-pop tunes fits so well that, after watching, you cannot help but think of the movie when hearing one of the soundtrack songs. The connection is forever seared into your brain. For me, the soundtrack is the best part of Pulp Fiction. It makes certain scenes pop and gives the movie a theme song even if it does not officially have one.

• Characters. Quentin Tarantino’s movies always focus on colorful characters that have the potential to significantly alter the story. They never feel wasted. Viewers have to pay attention to each line and interaction, because one never knows where the next plot propellant may come from. Pulp Fiction contains a litany of recognizable names in iconic roles. Sure, Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta, and Uma Thurman are the most recognizable, but Ving Rhames, Bruce Willis, Christopher Walken, and Harvey Keitel among others, all have memorable contributions to the movie’s interconnected stories. These are not simple cameo appearances but actual meaty roles that vary in length but not in importance to the experience. Again, this is an aspect of Tarantino’s style in how he wastes little of what he puts on camera, and Pulp Fiction probably best embodies this practice.

Only two? There are only two things that make Pulp Fiction noteworthy?! Maybe, these are the two components of the movie I always think of. Yes, it has an intriguing story, but that should be the point of any movie. Pulp Fiction is not a unicorn in that regard. The soundtrack and characters are utilized so well that the movie can stand out on those two pillars alone. I will never list Pulp Fiction in my top ten as there are certain parts about which I am indifferent, but when asked, I will always recommend it and use the opportunity to highlight my favorite Tarantino movies. I guess you could say Pulp Fiction created a legacy beyond its own, and that is something not many films can boast.

#93 is The French Connection.

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