25 Secrets About Pulp Fiction Revealed
Grab a royale with cheese and prepare to discover what you never knew about Quentin Tarantino's 1994 classic. The film shook the industry when it replaced stars before its release.
Now, grab your "royale with cheese" and vibe to Chuck Berry's "You Can Never Tell" as you explore these surprising Pulp Fiction facts.
Michael Madsen was Tarantino's first choice for Vincent. However, he declined to star in Wyatt Earp. Reflecting on his decision, he said it led to "three hours of nausea." Tarantino, hurt by Madsen's choice, didn’t speak to him for years until reuniting in Kill Bill Vol. 2.
Producers initially pressured Tarantino to cast a high-profile star like Bruce Willis. At the time, Travolta was "as cold as they get," noted his agent Mike Simpson. Nevertheless, Tarantino, after meeting Travolta, insisted on casting him.
Willis did join the cast as Butch, a role Matt Dillon was initially offered. Tarantino later commented, "Bruce Willis made us legit," attributing much of the heightened anticipation to Willis's involvement after Reservoir Dogs’ success.
Winston Rolfe was specially crafted for Harvey Keitel, who Tarantino admired since age 16. Tim Roth, also from Reservoir Dogs, was Tarantino’s sole choice for the character Pumpkin.
Though Samuel L. Jackson believed he had the part of Jules, he was asked to audition against Paul Calderon. Jackson recounted at the audition feeling frustrated, stopping for fast food beforehand. This moment created tension during his reading.
An added irritation for Jackson came when he was mistakenly referred to as "Mr. Fishburne," despite his significant acclaim. He later admitted he was done caring at that moment.
Michelle Pfeiffer, Meg Ryan, Holly Hunter, and Rosanna Arquette were all contenders for Mia Wallace. Ultimately, Tarantino decided on Uma Thurman immediately after their introductory meeting.
Yet, a hesitant Thurman noted her uncertainty due to the film’s frightening script while grappling with her qualifying experience.
Jackson revealed that the role of Marsellus Wallace was offered to Max Julien, who opted out, citing discomfort with the script's content about an anal rape scene.
Ving Rhames, on the other hand, welcomed it, asserting he rarely gets roles showcasing vulnerability. Tarantino remarked Rhames displayed "sheer masculinity" in doing so.
With a dance background, Travolta took charge of the famed dance sequence and even won an MTV Movie Award as a result. His innovative ideas expanded the film sidebar, ensuring a memorable performance.
Ironically, Thurman felt most anxious about this particular scene. She found herself caught off guard and even nervous during its execution.
Remarkably, every actor received a uniform salary of $20,000 per week. Each one later shared a percentage of the film's impressive box office earnings.
Vincent's car, a 1964 Chevy Malibu, belonged to Tarantino and was stolen after filming ended. After many years, the vehicle resurfaced in Oakland, California, in 2013.
Mia's nail polish in the film, Chanel's Rouge Noir, gained immense popularity, leading to a rapid sell-out shortly after its release due to Pulp Fiction's acclaim.
Both Vincent and Jules showcased tailored looks in black suits as influenced by Tarantino. For Travolta, this included adding hair extensions for style enhancement.
Appearing in an early wardrobe shift, Jackson grew mutton chops for Jules; however, projections for an afro resulted from misleading procurement by producers trying to replicate the perfect look.
During Mia's overdose, Thurman revealed Camel’s soup simulated the spittle effect. Yet her authenticity in acting delivered the necessary panic without the use of artifice.
The film's wrap party took place in Jack Rabbit Slims. Here, Travolta dazzled alongside Christopher Walken, stirring widespread anticipation for musical pairing, later actualized in Hairspray.
Notably, Tarantino occupied Travolta's original Los Angeles apartment during their early collaboration, fostering a rare camaraderie leading into Pulp Fiction.
Vick Vega, played by Michael Madsen in Reservoir Dogs, is Travolta's character's brother. Tarantino envisioned a potential spinoff connecting these stories as The Vega Brothers.
With a budget outlined at $8 million, creating the Jack Rabbit Slim's Diner set quickly became the biggest expense. The costs for the set totaled $150,000 while Travolta collected $140,000.
When Tarantino and Avary won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, the awards presentation accidentally signaling a black-out cut as part of Avary's elaborate prank on his long-time friend.
For the Gimp scene, Tarantino initially intended to use "My Sharona" by The Knack, until rights issues disrupted it. Ultimately satisfied with his choice of "Comanche," he felt the track fit Pulp Fiction much better.
More than 20 years later, a leaked casting wish list surfaced, highlighting contemplated actors. Debated possibilities for key characters ranged from Gary Oldman to Christian Slater.
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