Bushra Griffith
The Royale with Cheese scene from Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film Pulp Fiction is one of the most famous scenes in cinematic history. In it, hitmen Vince (John Travolta) and Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) discuss trivial topics like fast food and foot massages, humanising the characters and adding a layer of humour to the film. The banter between the two colleagues serves as a stark contrast to the violence that follows, making it a memorable and well-loved scene by audiences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Humanises the characters | The scene establishes that the characters have lives outside of being hitmen |
| Establishes the characters' relationship | The scene shows that Jules and Vincent are co-workers and friends |
| Foreshadows the climax of the next scene | The triviality of the exchange underscores the violence that follows |
| Provides a contrast | The tone of the scene is entirely different from the one that follows, in which the characters go to collect the briefcase |
| Introduces the characters | The scene establishes Jules and Vincent as the film's protagonists |
| Provides a cultural insight | The scene highlights cultural differences between the US and Europe |
| Provides a sense of ordinariness | The characters' conversation about fast food and travel presents them as relatable and ordinary |
| Provides humour | The scene is both disturbing and funny, with Jules threatening someone's life while asking questions about fast food |
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What You'll Learn
It's well-written, performed and shot
The "Royale with Cheese" scene from the 1994 film Pulp Fiction is well-written, performed, and shot. The scene is written by Quentin Tarantino, who is known for his distinctive style of dialogue and his use of food as a theme in his movies. The scene is well-written because it serves multiple functions within the narrative. Firstly, it humanizes the characters of Jules and Vincent, making them seem like "regular people" with lives outside of their work as hitmen. This is achieved through their casual and comedic conversation about fast food and travel, which is juxtaposed with the violence of their "ordinary workday". The dialogue also establishes the characters' relationship as co-workers and friends, with Vincent sharing anecdotes from his recent trip to Amsterdam and Jules asking questions, showing his interest in Vincent's life and experiences.
The scene is also well-written because it introduces and engages the audience in the film's unique tone and style. The triviality of the characters' exchange and the humourous dialogue create a sense of absurdity and foreshadow the climax of the next scene. The scene also builds tension and sets the stage for the following scene, in which Jules and Vincent confront their target, Brett. Additionally, the scene showcases Tarantino's signature use of pop culture references, colourful language, and dark humour.
In terms of performance, the scene is brought to life by the talented actors John Travolta (as Vincent Vega) and Samuel L. Jackson (as Jules Winnfield). Their delivery of the dialogue is natural and engaging, with Jackson's casual delivery of the "Royale with Cheese" line being particularly memorable. The actors' chemistry and comedic timing elevate the scene and make it enjoyable to watch.
The scene is also well-shot, with the camera work and editing enhancing the impact of the dialogue and performances. The use of close-ups and medium shots allows the audience to focus on the characters' facial expressions and body language, adding depth to their conversation. The shot composition and framing create a sense of intimacy and draw the audience into the scene. Additionally, the editing is tight and rhythmic, matching the pace and flow of the dialogue. The combination of well-written dialogue, strong performances, and skilled cinematography makes the "Royale with Cheese" scene a standout moment in the film.
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It builds intrigue and tension
The "Royale with Cheese" scene in Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film Pulp Fiction is renowned for its intriguing and tension-building dialogue. The scene features hitmen Vince (John Travolta) and Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) engaging in a seemingly trivial conversation about fast food and Vince's recent trip to Europe. This exchange sets the tone for the film, indicating that their violent actions are part of their mundane workday routine.
The dialogue effectively builds intrigue by presenting a stark contrast between the mundane topic of fast food and the characters' impending act of violence. The audience is left wondering about the impending job, creating a sense of anticipation and curiosity. Additionally, the conversation reveals character dynamics and their relationships with their work. The hitmen are portrayed as ordinary people with lives outside of their profession, adding depth to their characters.
The scene also hints at cultural differences and the metric system, showcasing Vince's experience in Europe. This builds tension as the audience anticipates how these cultural differences will play out in the upcoming job. The dialogue also serves as a setup for Jules' climactic decision to "walk the earth," as he asks questions and shows interest in life elsewhere, creating a sense of intrigue and foreshadowing.
Furthermore, the "Royale with Cheese" scene stands out due to its unconventional structure. Unlike typical movie scenes that focus on plot advancement, this scene deviates by delving into the characters' casual conversation. This break from the expected narrative path adds to the intrigue and tension, leaving the audience wondering about the purpose and significance of the dialogue.
The tension is heightened by the juxtaposition of the humorous discussion about food and the impending violence. The audience is aware that the hitmen are on their way to commit ultraviolence, yet they engage in lighthearted banter, creating a sense of uneasy anticipation. This combination of humour and impending danger masterfully builds tension and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
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It's quotable and memorable
The "Royale with Cheese" scene from Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film Pulp Fiction is widely considered quotable and memorable. The scene features two hitmen, Vince (John Travolta) and Jules (Samuel L. Jackson), discussing trivial matters such as fast food and Vince's recent trip to Europe, including his experience with hash bars in Amsterdam. The dialogue is filled with memorable quotes, including the line "Royale with Cheese," which refers to the French name for a Quarter Pounder with Cheese due to their use of the metric system. The scene also mentions "Le Big Mac" and the practice of drowning French fries in mayonnaise in Holland.
The quotable nature of the scene can be attributed to its unique and humorous content. The hitmen's casual conversation about fast food and European culture is unexpected and odd, given that they are on their way to commit violence. This juxtaposition creates a sense of absurdity and dark humour that is characteristic of Tarantino's films. The scene also serves to humanize the characters, portraying them as ordinary people with interests and experiences beyond their violent profession.
The "Royale with Cheese" scene has become a pop culture reference, with parodies in media such as The Simpsons and merchandise like T-shirts. The scene's quotable lines and memorable content have contributed to its enduring popularity and impact on popular culture. It is often remembered fondly, triggering a sense of nostalgia for the 1990s and the unique brand of humour that Tarantino introduced in his early films.
Additionally, the scene showcases Tarantino's ability to use dialogue to develop characters and build tension. Through their conversation, the audience learns about the characters' personalities, relationships, and experiences. The casual banter between the hitmen also serves to build anticipation for the impending violence, creating a sense of unease and dark humour.
Overall, the "Royale with Cheese" scene is memorable and quotable due to its unique dialogue, dark humour, character development, and tension-building techniques. It has left a lasting impact on popular culture and is often remembered as a highlight of the film Pulp Fiction.
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It humanises Jules and Vincent
The "Royale with Cheese" scene in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction is a conversation between hitmen Jules and Vincent, played by Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta, respectively. The two are on their way to a job and discuss Vincent's recent trip to Europe, including his experience with the metric system and smoking hash in Amsterdam.
The scene humanises Jules and Vincent by presenting them as relatable, ordinary people with interests and experiences outside of their work as hitmen. They discuss food, travel, and cultural differences, engaging in the kind of casual "get to know you" conversation that many people have with colleagues or acquaintances. This humanisation is enhanced by the triviality of their exchange, which stands in stark contrast to the violence of their profession.
The scene also reveals the characters' personalities and dynamics. For example, Vincent's willingness to travel across an ocean to visit McDonald's in Europe portrays him as the kind of person who values familiarity and consistency, even in new places. Jules, on the other hand, is eager to learn about life in other places, showing curiosity about Vincent's time in Amsterdam and the differences between American and European cultures. This dynamic is reversed later in the scene when Vincent chastises Jules for wanting to "walk the earth", despite having just spent three years living abroad himself.
The "Royale with Cheese" scene also serves as a set-up for Jules' climactic decision to leave his life of crime and "walk the earth", as he is shown to be intrigued by Vincent's stories of life in other places. This scene, therefore, adds depth to Jules and Vincent, making them more relatable and engaging to the audience.
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It's a magic trick
The "Royale with Cheese" scene from Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film Pulp Fiction is a favourite among viewers. It is a magic trick of a scene, and here's why:
Firstly, the scene is a masterful example of character development and humanization. Through their banter about fast food and Vincent's (John Travolta) recent trip to Europe, the hitmen, Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) and Vincent, are shown to have lives and interests outside of their violent profession. This "get-to-know-you" conversation makes them seem like regular people, which is both humorous and disturbing given the context of their upcoming "job".
Secondly, the scene is a clever device to engage and introduce the audience to the characters. By having Jules ask questions and eagerly listen to Vincent's stories about life in Amsterdam, the scene draws the viewer into the conversation, making them feel like they are getting to know the characters alongside Jules. This creates a sense of investment and connection with the characters, which is crucial for the rest of the film.
Additionally, the scene serves as a contrast and a setup for the following scenes. The triviality and humour of the conversation about food and travel stand in stark contrast to the ultraviolence and tension of the subsequent scenes. This contrast enhances the impact of the film's climax, as the hitmen's nonchalant discussion of burgers and hash bars is followed by a brutal and sudden shift in tone.
Finally, the "Royale with Cheese" scene is a subtle form of foreshadowing. The discussion of food, specifically burgers, foreshadows the famous scene where Jules takes a bite out of his target's hamburger before delivering his menacing lines. This connection between the two scenes, linked by the mention of food, creates a cohesive narrative arc that rewards attentive viewers.
In conclusion, the "Royale with Cheese" scene is a magic trick indeed. Through character development, audience engagement, contrast, and subtle foreshadowing, the scene sets the tone and establishes the unique and crazy world of Pulp Fiction, all while delivering a healthy dose of humour and tension.
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Frequently asked questions
The scene is memorable because it is both disturbing and funny. It is odd and entertaining to see two hitmen having a casual conversation about fast food and European culture while on their way to commit violence.
The scene humanises Jules and Vincent, making them seem like regular people with lives outside of being hitmen. It also establishes their relationship as co-workers and friends.
The scene serves as a break from the action and introduces viewers to the characters. It also sets the tone for the rest of the film, letting viewers know they are in for a crazy ride.
Some notable quotes from the scene include:
- "Royale with Cheese."
- "They call it Le Big Mac."
- "I seen 'em do it, man, they fuckin' drown 'em in it."
