PULP FICTION: TITLE SEQUENCE ANALYSIS
The film opens with a mid-shot of two characters having breakfast together. The protagonists are introduced in a casual setting, the mise en scene including that of a typical diner. The man lies casually back into the chair whilst lighting a cigarette, while the woman sits comfortably talking to the man. The film opens with dialogue, and this along with the familiar and orthodox setting establishes a somewhat calm and casual tone. The colour scheme establishes the setting as an American Diner, with soft pastels, complimented by the ambient sound of cutlery, people nearby and general chatter. The audience are then set up to infer from the food on the table, the setting and location, and calm nature of the characters that the opening scene is slow-paced. They also understand it is morning time, perhaps on a Sunday, or quiet day of the week due to the casual mise en scene, clothing, and time of day (with lots of people still about, suggesting it's not a normal work day). This is deliberate and effective as the shock factor is greatly increased when the scene then suddenly becomes dramatic and exciting. The man's colloquial mannerisms and explicit language portray him as a rebellious and care-free character, yet the audience are still shocked by the sudden turn of events that lead to the two jumping up and shouting 'This is a robbery!'. Quickly after this, the film spirals into the title sequence and credits.
This quick, fast paced opening sets the tone of the entire film. The fact that the scene turns out so different to what could be interpreted from the opening minute or so establishes the enthralling, exciting and fast paced nature of 'Pulp Fiction'. The non-diegetic sound, 'Misirlou' introduces the credits, which helps the fluidity of the film as it continues the extremely fast pace from the first scene, while allowing the credits to be shown.
The colour scheme, yellow and orange, are iconic in the way they embody the exact nature of the film, comedy mixed with drama and violence.
The title 'Pulp Fiction' then begins to shrink, and the credits begin to roll on screen. The bold, unorthodox design of the film title font predicts the iconic film 'Pulp Fiction' was to become. It also connotes creativity, boldness and non-conformity which highlights the type of film Pulp Fiction is.
1. Mirimax Films - A trustworthy institution
2. A Band Apart - Adds a personal touch to the credits, Tarantino fans will recognise this and be more inclined to watch the film.
3. Jersey Films - Another institution
4. Quentin Tarantino - Tarantino comes before the actors or other members of crew in the credits due to his highly influential role in the films production
5. PULP FICTION - Separates the main creators and distributors from a more lengthy list of credits, including actors/actresses and production crew.
6. John Travolta - A major actor who will be recognised by name by the audience, also a main character
7. Samuel L. Jackson - Another big name who adds star quality to the film, another main protagonist.
8. Uma Thurman - A famous actress, and main character
9. Harvey Keitul - A famous actor, who plays a less significant but iconic character
10. Tim Roth - Well known actor, less prominent in the film but imperative to the story-line
11. Amanda Plummer- Actress, less prominent in the film but imperative to the story-line
12. Maria De Medeiros - Another character who is a large part of the overall story-line
13. Ving Rhames - A character imperative to the story, a part of a major plot-line
14. Eric Stoltz - a less major character, who appears frequently
15. Rosanna Arquette - A well known name, a quirky memorable character who appears a little
16. Christopher Walken - A well known actor, who appears for a short while
17. Bruce Willis - A main protagonist and well known actor
18. Casting - Ronnie Yeskel and Gary M. Zuckerbrod
19. Costume Design - Betsy Heimann
20. Production Designer - David Wasco
21. Editor - Sally Menke
22. Dir. Of Photography - Andrzej Sekula
23. Co-Executive Producers - Bob Weinstein, Richard Gladstein, Harvey Weinstein
24. Executive Producers - Danny Devito, Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher
25. Stories By- Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary
26. Produced by Lawrence Bender
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