The Institutional Context of Pulp Fiction
Questions in the exam could focus specifically on the way that institutional contexts influence the style and structure of Pulp Fiction. Answers to questions on institutional contexts are likely to be dominated by discussion of Pulp Fiction as a low-budget Independent film, an 'experimental' postmodern film or a film made by an auteur.
Remember, questions on institutional context will require you to discuss, in detail, certain scenes from Pulp Fiction - so make sure you have at least two scenes that you can recall in detail. In reality (time permitting) it would be a good idea to also mention at least one other scene; remember, that you are writing a Film Studies essay and, therefore, examiners will expect you to support your points at all times with discussion of examples from the film.
Opening and closing scenes are always useful to know in detail - though remember that this is slightly complicated by the fact that much of Pulp Fiction is told out of chronological order (so, you may consider Captain Coons' Gold Watch monologue to be the opening moment of the story - looking at the film this way foregrounds the narrative significance of the gold watch - whilst the diner scene with Honey Bunny and Pumpkin is the opening scene as presented in the plot). Try, also, to memorise at least one other key scene - and make sure that you are able to make brief passing references to a number of other moments in Pulp Fiction.
Much of the information you will need to answer a question on the influence of institutional or production context has already been covered in previous posts - so it is crucial that you revise these areas carefully. Look specifically at the post on Pulp Fiction and postmodernism and the post on Tarantino as an auteur as it is valid to argue that the institutional context of the film is linked to these areas.
Pulp Fiction was produced by Miramax (founded by brothers Bob and Harvey Weinstein), a low-budget, Independent production and distribution company with a reputation for making 'indie' films that crossed over to the mainstream. Miramax, certainly in the early days, had a reputation for giving directors a degree of freedom that was often lacking within mainstream Hollywood, alongside a reputation for marketing their movies aggressively (in a similar way to the way that Hollywood movies are marketed). As a result of the commercial success of low-budget Independent films such as Tarantino's directorial debut, Reservoir Dogs, many of the larger multimedia conglomerates (whose film companies dominated Hollywood) looked to set up their own Independent production companies (such as 20th Century Fox's indie arm Fox Searchlight or Paramount's sister company Paramount Vantage) or purchased existing Independent film companies so that they could produce indie-style films alongside the big blockbusters that dominated cinemas (but were incredibly expensive to make). Miramax was bought by Disney for $60 million in 1993 and whilst the Weinstein brothers continued to have a high level of creative freedom they eventually severed ties with Disney and Miramax (after creative differences) and set up a new company The Weinstein Company (which continued to produced Tarantino's films). Pulp Fiction was the first film to get greenlit by Miramax after its acquisition by Disney.
Despite Disney's ownership, Miramax had complete control over Tarantino's movie and ceded that control to the director himself. It is worth considering, then, whether or not the 'experimental' nature of Pulp Fiction is, at least in part, as a result of the freedom afforded Tarantino by Miramax; a company keen on pushing cinematic boundaries in order to continue to build its reputation. It is certainly possible to argue that Tarantino was able to continue to develop his auteur status as a result of working outside of mainstream Hollywood; a system that is often accused of stifling creativity and artistic freedom. Any essay on the film's institutional context should begin with an introduction discussing Miramax before moving onto a paragraphs on Pulp Fiction as an experimental film and Tarantino as an auteur. It is certainly possible to discuss the film's aesthetic and aspects of film language (such as the use of close ups, the lack of establishing shots, the use of long takes and the emphasis on dialogue) in the context of the film being produced by Miramax.
Typical questions related to the influence of institutional context can be found below. It is important that you attempt them, combining the notes above (and those found in the posts on experimental film, postmodernism and Tarantino as an auteur) with your own analysis of key scenes. When practicing essays it will help with your revision if you re-watch moments from the films and pick appropriate scenes to analyse.
One important point to remember is that exam questions may use the term production context rather than institutional context - don't worry, it means exactly the same thing!
1. Discuss how far your chosen film or reflects institutional contexts associated with a particular film movement. Make detailed reference to particular sequences in your answer.
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3. 'Knowing more about a film's institutional context can enhance your appreciation and understanding of that film.' How far is this true in the film option you have studied? Make reference to key sequences from the film you have watched.
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4. 'Films are always shaped by their production contexts.' With detailed reference to key sequences, discuss your chosen film option in relation to this statement.
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