Iconic Cast of 'Pulp Fiction' Celebrates 30th Anniversary in Reunion Event

Pulp Fiction Stars Reunite at TCM Classic Film Festival

Harvey Keitel, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman and John Travolta Abaca Press/INSTARimages

Thirty years later, the cast and crew of Pulp Fiction can reflect on how the film transformed their careers and the course of cinema itself.

John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, and other members of the Quentin Tarantino hit came together at the TCM Classic Film Festival on April 18 in Hollywood. They celebrated the special anniversary with a screening and Q&A session, reminiscing about one of the most legendary films of the '90s.

Thurman, 53, expressed how impactful Pulp Fiction was on cinema, stating that it is still hard to fully grasp. She feels like she has had a lifelong relationship with the film, seeing it evolve and grow beautifully. According to her, Pulp Fiction not only changed cinema but also influenced every filmmaker she has met.

Harvey Keitel, on the other hand, credited Tarantino, 61, for turning the film into the cult hit that it eventually became.

"Quentin is a talented individual who has made a significant impact on the environment we work in with his immense talent," he said. "His unique style has the power to influence and inspire others, and that's why we are all gathered here tonight - to honor and appreciate both the art and the artist."

Pulp Fiction Stars Reunite at TCM Classic Film Festival

In 1994, Pulp Fiction premiered and was a big hit, making $213.9 million with a budget of less than $9 million. It was praised by the American Film Institute, ranking as the 95th-best film of all time and landing at No. 53 on the list of the 100 most thrilling movies ever.

Travolta, who was 70 years old, was already a well-known star when the movie was released. Hits like Grease and Saturday Night Fever had already made him famous. However, he acknowledged that Pulp Fiction further boosted his fame.

Pulp Fiction Stars Reunite at TCM Classic Film Festival

Samuel L Jackson, John Travolta, and Harvey Keitel are featured on the cover images of the movie "Pulp Fiction."

"I had a fantastic start, but I was really hoping for another exciting chapter," he thought back. "Then, it was incredible how many amazing opportunities came my way. As an actor, you can only dream of what happened next for me. It was truly a game-changer."

Travolta mentioned in a People interview that the movie's success was all thanks to the audiences. It wasn't an overnight success, but rather a year-long journey. Back then, movies would stay in theaters for a whole year. By the end of that year, it had become a global phenomenon.

Jackson, who is 75 years old, summed it up perfectly in his own unique way. He said that this role completely changed his life. Suddenly, everyone thought he was the coolest person on the planet.

Bruce Willis, who is currently dealing with frontotemporal dementia, was unable to attend the event. However, his wife Emma Heming Willis and daughter Tallulah Willis graciously accepted the warm applause from the audience on his behalf.

Editor's P/S:

The impact of "Pulp Fiction" on both the film industry and the careers of its cast members cannot be overstated. Thirty years after its release, the film continues to be lauded as a cinematic masterpiece, praised for its groundbreaking storytelling, iconic characters, and Tarantino's signature style. The cast's reunion at the TCM Classic Film Festival serves as a testament to the film's enduring legacy and the deep bonds forged on set.

The film's success propelled the careers of its stars, with Travolta, Thurman, and Jackson becoming household names and solidifying their status as Hollywood icons. Thurman credits the film with changing her life and shaping her career, while Travolta acknowledges its transformative impact on his fame and the opportunities it brought his way. Jackson, known for his portrayal of the iconic hitman Jules Winnfield, sums up the film's impact succinctly, stating that it made him "the coolest person on the planet." The absence of Bruce Willis, who is currently battling frontotemporal dementia, was a poignant reminder of the film's profound influence on its cast and the enduring power of its legacy.