Pulp Blu-ray Review
“Pulp” is an oddity.
After the hit “Get Carter,” Michael Caine, writer/director Mike Hodges, and producer Mike Klinger re-teamed for 1972’s “Pulp.” The film revolves around a white suit sporting pulp novelist named Mickey King. After being hired to write a bio for an eccentric film star (Preston Gilbert), things begin to fall apart for Mickey. He’s being trailed, there are attempts on his life, he encounters bizarre people, and he’s trying to figure out just what exactly is going on. Basically, his life is starting to become a pulp novel itself.
I’m not going to beat around the bush, “Pulp” is a weird film and I’m not entirely sure what to make of it. It’s part noir (complete with amusing and witty narration), part comedy, part noir spoof and part mystery. Granted, it’s not uncommon to see multi-genre films, but it is uncommon to see one that plays out like this between. At times, it has a standard puzzling noir movie vibe going on, but then it goes off in weird directions with moments of slapstick humor, political backdrops, and, later, an abrupt and sudden ending. It’s an odd journey that may not entirely be successful, but it’s refreshingly different from the norm.
Where “Pulp” really works best is with the cast. Michael Caine is predictably noteworthy here as Mickey. The real star, however, is Mickey Rooney who plays Preston Gilbert. This is not your typical Rooney role here and it’s a delight to see him doing something different. Plus, he gets to chew some scenery! Anytime he is on screen, they are the best moments of the entire film.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? The film is a little on the grainy side, but it’s a decent transfer nonetheless.
Audio Track: 1.0 Mono. How does it sound? It’s a bit flat at times, but adequate enough.
Extras: “Pulp” theatrical trailer, a booklet containing credits, photos, an essay by film critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, a letter from J.G. Ballard to Mike Hodges and Mike Hodges comments, 4 photo galleries and 4 separate interviews with Mike Hodges, John Glen, Tony Klinger and Ousama Rawi.
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