Pulp Fiction Opening Scene Analysis

Camera Work

-          The first shot used is a two shot of the two central characters in the scene sitting at a diner booth

-          This then cuts to a close up shot reverse shot when the waiter asks if either of them want more coffee

-          The camera returns to its initial position but focuses more on the male character

-          The shots that follow all focus on the male character these are a mixture of over the shoulders from the perspective of the female character or close ups of the male. These are occasionally switched out for the same two shot that was seen at the beginning of the scene but because of the way the characters are sitting we see far more of the male than the female and as he is usually the one talking our focus is on him

-          A notable change comes about one the line “garson coffee” the camera switches a sustained use of a shot reverse shot technique of the two characters in full conversation

-          The extreme close up of the two kissing is very uncomfortable the audience

-          Finally the way in which the actors turn out to face the viewer involves the viewer in the action as it is as if the actors on screen are threatening the audience

-          Overall the camerawork helps to isolate the action of stage from the rest of the diner making us focus on the two characters in hand and also implying that they live outside of regular society as no other characters (other than the waiters) are shown

Sound

-          No soundtrack is present except for the faint sounds of a jukebox and the sound of the diner this means that the sole focus of the audience is on the two characters on screen and makes the eventual sudden shift to violence more suprising.

Lighting

-          Nothing special .natural throughout showing that it is daytime

Editing

-          Same as the lighting just cuts between various shots of the same pairing

Mise  En Scene

-          Costume – fairly cheap looking and dishevelled indicates that they don’t care about their appearance and they don’t have too much money

-          Action on screen – both American and setting is typically American so the setting is apparent immediately. the fact that the characters are talking about illegal activities so normally intrigues  the viewer and indicates these people aren’t normal