Did you enjoy PULP FICTION?

Question

I have a question about the briefcase. What was in it?

Elsewhere, I have read interesting theories. Of course, a couple of ideas are not extraordinary ones. I was told that there was money in the case. Another theory was that it was gold.

But an interesting one was the idea that it was Marsellus Wallace's soul inside the briefcase. There is an intriguing story that goes along with it...something about Marsellus had sold his soul to the devil, but then wanted it back...which explains why his 'avenging angels' (Samuel L. and Travolta) went to slay the imps in that apartment, who were trying to keep Marsellus' soul from being reacquired.

What do you think?

Answer 1

Ooh, I like that one about Marsellus Wallace's soul. Great analogy with the angels, too.

I have to admit, I don't think I analyzed it on a philosophical level (which is highly unusual for me as I analyze everything!) I saw the glow coming out of the briefcase, and the amazement in everyone's eyes, and figured it was something on a biological level.

Cool flick. :)

Answer 2

I always just thought it was gold because of the glow that it gave off when the briefcase was open. That it was his soul is an interesting theory, but it seems kind of out of place within the context of the movie - the rest of the movie didn't really have a supernatural vibe to it. Then again, that movie kept me guessing all the way through, so I wouldn't rule out any possibility.

ETA: Wow, in the time it took me to write that, baseballfan made the exact same points I was making. This is my first day using Yahoo Answers - pretty fast moving community, isn't it?

Answer 3

When Jules opens the briefcase to show it to Ringo, there's a golden glow from the contents. That's why people think the briefcase was full of gold.

However, if it was full of gold, Jules would have had a much harder time carrying it around. Gold is HEAVY.

I'm willing to bet that at some point, Tarantino revisits the briefcase and its contents in another movie.

Answer 4

I don't think the explanation needed to be that complicated for the scene and the story to make sense.

I believe the golden "glow" emanating from the briefcase was just a cinematic representation of one HUGE amount of money. (wealth) Gold has always been the traditional, literary measure of wealth, more than jewelry or any other precious substance.

Are we confusing with the devil's imps in that other movie, "Dogma?"

Answer 5

I always thought it was his soul.

I can't remember, damn, but the band-aid at the base of his skull has something to do with the briefcase.

Just checked on Wikipedia there is a ton of info about the briefcase and the movie in general: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulp_Fiction

Answer 6

Quentin Tarantino has gone on record as saying that he will NEVER divulge what was in the case.

If it IS his soul, it does not really fit with the nature of the rest of the movie. There is no other point of "supernatural-ness" within the film. BUT... Tarantino is the kind of guy that may have gone in the "soul" direction.

I think he'll tell us on an ultra-super-special-ultimate DVD release.

Answer 7

another crazy theory was that it was elvis's gold jumpsuit. That would explain why in the diner jules says he has his bosses dirty laundry and why when tim roth looks in the case he recognizes it whereas if it was a soul..how would you recognize a soul

Answer 8

Well that is a very good theorie.I would like to think it was Some kind of really expensive drug.But your theorie works to.

Answer 9

I really, really liked that movie. It's deep and awesome to watch Samuel L. Jackson kick *** with his words. Anyways....I never remembered what's in the briefcase...either cause they didn't show it, or I just can't remember right now. lol

Answer 10

yeah i liked the movie