When “Pulp Fiction” hit theaters in May of 1994 it was a hard-boiled revelation. A testament to the history of movies, an homage to pulp novels and hardboiled fiction of yesteryear, and a downright entertaining picture, the film was an instant success, catapulting its many actors to stardom and cementing director Quentin Tarantino’s reputation as an imminent auteur and filmmaker. There are many facts about “Pulp Fiction,” however, you may not know.
Not only was the film made on a shoestring budget, but numerous Easter eggs and film references populate the rich and varied picture. A huge fan of the history of filmmaking and visually symbolic expression, “Pulp Fiction” contains a wealth of references to other movies, other people, and other Tarantino films. In this article, we will explore 25 facts you may not know about “Pulp Fiction.” Some are strange, others are surprising, but all of them are a testament to the detail Quentin Tarantino injects into his films.
To compile a list of 25 facts you may not know about “Pulp Fiction,” 24/7 Tempo consulted a range of movie, entertainment, and lifestyle sources. These include IMDb and Rolling Stone Magazine. Next, we selected facts that would spark interest or give further insight into the movie’s creation. After that, we confirmed aspects of the facts using sites like Vanity Fair Magazine. (If you’re looking for trivia about other classic movies, discover 25 facts you may not know about “Titanic.”)
Pulp Fiction Technically Exists in a Shared Universe with Other Tarantino Films
One of the facts you may not know about “Pulp Fiction” is how much it shares with other Tarantino films. Always a fan of his created worlds, Tarantino stuck in numerous references to his other films. For one, the character Vincent Vega is the brother of Vic Vega, aka Mr. Blonde, from ‘Reservoir Dogs.” What’s more, Mia Wallace references a fictional TV show called “Fox Force Five.” This was later incorporated into one of Tarantino’s later movies, ‘Kill Bill.’
Tarantino Wrote Roles with Specific Actors in Mind
Nearly all of the parts Tarantino wrote for “Pulp Fiction” were for specific actors he had in mind. The character of Winston “The Wolf” Wolfe was specifically written for Harvey Keitel. In addition, the part of Jules was specifically written with Samuel L. Jackson in mind.
It Was Filmed on a Shoestring Budget
Another one of the facts you may not know about “Pulp Fiction” is that it was made for next to nothing by Hollywood standards. It only cost $8 million to make, which was reportedly lower until burgeoning movie star Bruce Willis signed on to the film. Moreover, the largest chunk of the budget, $150,000 went towards creating the Jack Rabbit Slim’s restaurant set. It worked out, however, as ‘Pulp Fiction’ grossed over $100 million at the Box Office, and much more upon its video release.
Tarantino Did Not Direct the Entire Movie
While it’s considered one of Quentin Tarantino’s best movies, he did not direct every shot of the movie. Some of the scenes featuring Tarantino playing Jimmie Dimmick were directed by fellow director and friend of Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez.
The Movie Insinuates that Fabienne is Pregnant with Butch’s Child
Though it’s not explicitly stated, numerous lines of dialogue and camera shots imply that Fabienne is pregnant with boxer Butch’s kid. For one, one shot shows her looking in the mirror and wondering how good she will look with a potbelly. Furthermore, she talks about having a big and unusual breakfast, suggesting pregnancy cravings for her petite frame.
It Features the Only Oscar-nominated performances of Two Actors
Another one of the facts you may not know about “Pulp Fiction” concerns two of its well-known actors. While both Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson have gone on to have well-known and well-regarded acting careers, the film features the respective actors only Oscar-nominated performances.
The Movie Contains Product Placements for Two Real Products
Though Tarantino is a fan of using made-up products for his films, such as Red Apple Cigarettes, “Pulp Fiction” contains placements for two very real products. In the scene where Esmerelda is waiting for Butch, the bottom of the cup she is drinking from features the word THERMOS. Furthermore, a package of Drum Tobacco is visible in the scene where Mia is rolling a cigarette at home.
It Features Numerous References to Tennessee
Another one of the facts you may not know about “Pulp Fiction” is the multiple references to the state of Tennessee. For one, Butch’s watch he inherited from his great grandfather was bought in Tennessee. Second, Butch says on a phone call, “Next time I see you will be on Tennessee time.” Finally, when Butch enters the pawn shop, a Tennessee license plate reading “CAC-308” is visible.
Pulp Fiction Features Countless References to Other Films
Raised by the cinema and heavily indebted to various movies, it’s no surprise that Tarantino references his favorite films in “Pulp Fiction.” Besides the movie “The Losers” being visible on a television set, there are countless stylistic references to other films. These include “The Samurai,” “Sweet Jesus, Preacherman,” “Air Force,” “Three Days of the Condor,” and “Dirty Harry,” to name a few.
The Pawn Shop is a Real Location
The pawn shop where Butch and Marcellus Wallace end their spectacular fight is a real-life location. Part of the Crown Pawn Shop franchise, it sits at 20933 Roscoe Blvd and is still open and operating. What’s more, the owner has signed pictures of Bruce Willis on the wall and welcomes fans to take pictures of the location.
Stand-up Comedians Play Some of the Extras
One of the facts you may not know about “Pulp Fiction” is how many stand-up comedians make appearances. Though only briefly on screen, Julia Sweeney plays the Wolf’s girlfriend and Phil LaMarr plays Marvin. Beyond that, Kathy Griffin and Karen Maruyama are featured among the onlookers watching Marcellus after he is hit by a car. What’s more, all of them are alumni of the Groundlings improv school.
“Pulp Fiction” Predicted the Future
In one scene, Vincent Vega mentions that, unlike American cinemas, European cinemas often serve alcohol like beer or wine. While this was true at the time, nowadays it’s common to find alcoholic offerings at American movie theaters.
An Incredible Amount of Actors Were Considered for the Film
Another one of the facts you may not know about “Pulp Fiction” is just how many actors were considered for the various roles. Though Tarantino wrote some parts with specific people in mind, many, many others were considered. For the role of Winston Wolf alone, nearly a dozen actors were contemplated. These included Warren Beatty, Al Pacino, Danny Devito, Alec Baldwin, Michael Keaton, and Michael Parks, to name a few.
The Film Features Two Low-Key Cameos
Though well-known actor Steve Buscemi refused the part of Jimmie due to scheduling conflicts, he appears as the Buddy Holly-styled waiter in the Jack Rabbit Slim’s scene. Furthermore, the film’s producer Lawrence Bender makes a cameo as one of the “long-haired yuppie scums” at the coffee shop.
Every time Vincent Vega Goes to the Bathroom, Something Bad Happens
Another one of the facts you may not know about “Pulp Fiction” involves the foreshadowing of Vincent Vega’s trips to the bathroom. On each separate visit some kind of tragedy strikes. The first time, he comes out to find Mia overdosing. After that, he exits the bathroom in the restaurant to find Pumpkin and Honey Bunny robbing the place. Finally and fatally, he exits the bathroom in the apartment and Butch shoots and kills him.
(For other memorable characters from the era, discover the most likable movie characters of the 1990s.)
What’s in the Golden Briefcase Remains a Mystery
One of the most famous items in the movie is the oft-mentioned briefcase containing a shining, though hidden, golden object. Since the film’s release, speculation has abounded over its contents. Due to the briefcase’s lock combination being 666, it’s suggested that the box contains Marcellus Wallace’s soul. Others say it’s Elvis’ gold suit, as mentioned in the Tarantino-supported film “True Romance.”
Tarantino later dispelled the rumors in an interview with Howard Stern in 2003. During the talk, he tells a caller that the briefcase contains “whatever the viewer wants it to be.”
The Infamous Rape Scene was Supposed to Feature a Different Song
Another one of the facts you may not know about “Pulp Fiction” concerns the music choice for the shocking rape scene in the basement of the pawn shop. While Tarantino originally intended for “My Sharona” by the Knack to play, it was already licensed for the film “Reality Bites.”
Furthermore, one of the band members was a born-again Christian and did not want the song to be associated with a sexually violent scene. Instead, Tarantino ended up using “Comanche” by the Revels. Either way, the scene became a controversial classic.
Butch Kills the Most People in the Movie
Another one of the facts you may not know about “Pulp Fiction” is that Bruce Willis’ character Butch kills the most people in the movie. In an ironic twist, however, he may have the highest body count of any character but he’s also the only one who isn’t a professional criminal or murderer.
Mia and Vincent May Have Stolen the Dancing Trophy
After heading to Jack Rabbit Slim’s for dinner, Mia and Vincent enter into the restaurant’s impromptu dance competition. After that, they are seen celebrating with the trophy they ostensibly won for the twist contest. Later in the film, however, when Butch is driving to his apartment, a report of a dance trophy being stolen can be heard over the radio.
“Pulp Fiction” Contains Several References to Feet
Another one of the facts you may not know about “Pulp Fiction” is the numerous references to feet. It perhaps should come as no surprise, however, as Quentin Tarantino is a public foot fetishist. Besides the brief reference in Jules and Vincent’s foot massage debate, Uma Thurman’s character is barefoot for most of the movie.
Nearly Every Actor Was Paid the Same Amount
Though the film features some of the biggest names in Hollywood, nearly everyone was paid the same wage for acting in the movie. Indeed, all agreed to work for $20,000 a week. Beyond that, however, said actors shared a percentage of the movie’s box office earnings.
Mia’s Nail Polish Became a Hit
Another one of the facts you may not know about “Pulp Fiction” is how iconic it became upon release. Take Mia Wallace’s nail polish, the dark-red Rouge Noir by Chanel. Due to the success of the film, it instantly sold out once it hit the shelves in 1995.
Vincent Vega’s Car Was Owned by Quentin Tarantino
Another one of the facts you may not know about “Pulp Fiction” concerns the car driven by Vincent Vega throughout the film. The cherry red 1964 Chevy Malibu was actually owned by Quentin Tarantino and used for the film. The car, however, was stolen not long after shooting wrapped. Nearly 20 years later, however, the stolen car was recovered hundreds of miles away in Oakland, California.
Mia’s Overdose and Mushroom Soup
One of the most famous moments in “Pulp Fiction” and perhaps in all of modern cinema is Mia’s heroin overdose. To portray the spittle dripping from her mouth, the crew used Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup. As for her wild reaction to her heart being kickstarted, however, it was all acting.
The Ezekiel Bible Quote is Mostly Made Up
Another one of the facts you may not know about “Pulp Fiction” is that the famous Bible verses quoted by Jules are mostly made up. While the part of the monologue containing “And you will know My name is the Lord when I lay My vengeance upon thee,” was directly lifted from Ezekiel 25:17, the rest is editorialized. All the references to righteous men and the tyranny of evil were made up by Tarantino and Samuel L. Jackson.
(For other great movie quotes, discover the most legendary “Star Wars” quotes.)