Violence in Film

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that to some members of the modern audience, the film 'Pulp Fiction' represents the worst aspects of modern culture and that the critical acclaim it received for its unabashed embrace of violence has led to an increasing amount of violence in films, up to and including the modern horror porn. The writer points out that others argue that the violence in 'Pulp Fiction', while disturbingly real, absolutely excessive, and not representative of daily life, serves a very important purpose. The writer maintains that rather than detracting from the plot, the violence in 'Pulp Fiction' is an essential part of the plot; without which, the movie simply would not exist. The writer concludes that by humanizing the character Marcellus, Tarantino makes a cogent argument for the fact that, as a society, Americans have dehumanized and marginalized a huge segment of people, simply because of their criminal behavior, and that this dehumanization is morally wrong.

From the Paper:

"Like the other characters in the story, Butch's livelihood depends on violence. However, while Butch's life may have been violent, which is a prerequisite for a professional fighter, the film makes it clear that Butch has not previously been engaged in the type of criminal activity as the story's other leading characters. Therefore, when the audience is introduced to Butch, they see a washed-up has been who is willing to take a dive for money, but who is not entirely comfortable with having made that decision. What the audience does not know is that Butch has not actually decided to throw the fight, but is actually making his own plans to score big on the fight and escape with the money. Somehow knowing that Butch intends to cheat Marcellus, a crime boss, makes Butch seem virtuous in comparison. In addition, there is something underneath Butch's complacent and dopey exterior, and Tarantino uses violence to show the real Butch, who is actually a proud man with a lot of honor, even if his views of what is honorable do not coincide with society's views."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Scorsese, Martin. Taxi Driver. Los Angeles: Bill/Phillips, 1976.
• Scott, Ridley. Thelma & Louise. Los Angeles: Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer, 1991.
• Tarantino, Quentin. Pulp Fiction. Los Angeles: A Band Apart, 1994.
• Winner, Michael. Deathwish. Universal City, CA: Dino De Laurentiis Company, 1974.

More papers on Violence in Film:

• Comparison Essay # 64593 : "Violence in Film"
• Comparison Essay # 111197 : "Crime and Violence in Film"
• Analytical Essay # 146285 : "Alienation and Entrapment in Film"

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