Jules Winnfield: Existentialist Hitman

I was going through some old writings and here's a short blurb I wrote that was printed in the Tampa Tribune back in April of 2002 that I thought would be worth revisiting (WARNING SPOILERS FOR PULP FICTION):

Would you describe Pulp Fiction's Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) as having embrassed existentialism at the end of the movie? His interpretation of Ezekiel sounds to be very much from an existentialist's stand-point. Pointing out that he is along in an evil world, and that he has found that his meaning is to go about on his own and no longer hurt, but to help. As a hitman, Jackson was following a course similar to that of predestination -- This may be why the death of Vincent was included. Had Jules not quit working for Marsellus, he too may have been placed inside that apartment where Vincent was killed.

Jules is a man of moral code. He won't eat a dog because it has personality. Yet, while employeed by Marsellus, Jules had no second thoughts about blasting a man with whom he shared stories about hawaiian burgers. It wasn't until Jules broke free from the deity that is his boss (and note that all action in the movie revovles around Marsellus), that he was able to be true to himself. His actions are very much that of an existentialist.

Finally, this brings up what is in the briefcase -- The object which Jules has worked towards -- No one knows what it is. Just as no one can "see" God, no one can see what is in the briefcase. Jules does not beleive that his life should be determined over something which we do not have a full understanding of.

Mood: Bored

Me, Wife (with kid in the oven, our son, and Ernie "Winston" Hudson

QUENTIN at 11:05 PM Nov 08

Your kid's gonna be the coolest schmoe ever.

Jack The Narrator at 02:46 AM Nov 09

That is righteous. I met Ernie Hudson myself about 5 years ago. I damn nice man.

RustyRazor at 10:21 AM Nov 09

...tell me you asked him who he was gonna call? You coolness status would rise to "Gods of Olympus" status...

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BubbaStrangelove at 02:50 PM Nov 08

If you can't make it out, it reads, "Philip, You're really special, Ernie Hudson 'Winston'"

Ocelot_Snake at 03:17 PM Nov 08

sweet*

FrancoYesca at 06:01 PM Nov 08

Nice. Sounds like Ernie Hudson is the man (of course).

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