Pulp Fiction: I Shot Marvin in the Face

Summary

In this scene, Jules Winnfield (played by Samuel L. Jackson) and Vincent Vega (played by John Travolta) are two hitmen working for mob boss Marsellus Wallace. They are driving in a car with a third person named Marvin.

The conversation begins with Jules and Vincent discussing a recent incident involving a police officer who fired multiple shots at a suspect without hitting him, highlighting the unpredictability of violence. The conversation turns tense when Jules announces that he's planning to retire from his life of crime, leading to a heated exchange between him and Vincent.

Amidst the tension, Vincent's gun accidentally discharges, shooting Marvin in the face and killing him instantly. This sudden turn of events shocks everyone in the car, leading to panic and confusion. Jules and Vincent quickly realize the severity of the situation and scramble to figure out what to do next, fearing the repercussions of driving around with a dead body.

The scene is characterized by its dark humor, rapid dialogue, and escalating tension, typical of Tarantino's style. It showcases the unpredictability and violence inherent in the world of organized crime depicted in the film.

Key Words, Phrases, and Jokes Explained

• "You ever seen this show 'Cops'?" (0:02): Vincent asks Jules if he's seen the TV show "Cops," setting up a conversation about a police incident.

• "Look if you wanna play blind man go walk with the shepherd, but me, my eyes are wide fucking open." (0:19): Jules implies that he's aware of the risks and consequences, unlike Vincent, who seems oblivious.

• "Don't blasphemy. God damn it." (0:30):Jules scolds Vincent for taking the Lord's name in vain, showing his religious sensitivity.

• "Marvin, what do you make with all this?" (0:49): Jules asks Marvin for his opinion on the situation, highlighting the tension and uncertainty.

• "Oh man, I shot Marvin in the face..." (1:00): Vincent accidentally shoots Marvin, leading to panic and chaos in the car.

• "You know cops tend to notice shit like you driving a car drenched in fucking blood!" (1:19): Jules emphasizes the urgency of the situation, fearing the attention it will attract from law enforcement.

• "If Jimmy’s ass ain’t home I don’t know what the fuck we gonna do man cuz I ain’t got any other partners in 818." (1:46): Vincent calls Jimmy for help, revealing their desperation and lack of alternatives.

Transcript

Jules: You ever seen this show “Cops”?

Vincent: I was watching it one time and there was this, this cop on who was talking about this gun fight that he had in a hallway with this guy, alright, and he just unloaded on this guy and nothing happened. He didn’t hit nothing. Okay, it was just him and this guy. I mean, you know... it's freaky but it happens.

Jules: Look, if you wanna play blind man, go walk with the shepherd, but me, my eyes are wide fucking open.

Vincent: What the fuck does that mean?

Jules: It means that’s it for me. From here on in you can consider my ass retired.

Vincent: Jesus Christ...

Jules: Don't blasphemy. God damn it. I said don't do that!

Vincent: Hey, you know why the fuck are you freaking out on us!?

Jules: Look, I’m telling Marcellus today – I’m through.

Vincent: Well then why don’t you tell him at the same time why?

Jules: Don’t worry I will. Yeah, I bet you $10,000 he’d laugh his ass off.

Vincent: I don’t give a damn if he does!

Jules: Marvin, what do you make with all this?

Marvin: Man, I don’t even have an opinion.

Jules: Well, you gotta have an opinion! I mean, do you think that God came down from heaven and stopped...

Vincent: Oh! What the fuck’s happening... Oh shit, man!

Jules: Oh man, I shot Marvin in the face...

Vincent: Why the fuck would you do that!?

Jules: I didn't mean to do it! It was an accident!

Vincent: Oh man, I saw some crazy ass shit in my time, but this... Chill out man, I told you it's an accident. I mean you probably went over a bump or something.

Jules: Hey, the car hit no motherfucking bump!

Vincent: Hey look man, I didn’t mean to shoot the son of a bitch, the gun went off I didn't know why!

Jules: Well look at this fucking mess man! We’re on the city streets in broad daylight here!

Vincent: I can’t believe it man...

Jules: Well believe it now motherfucker! We gotta get this car off the road! You know cops tend to notice shit like you driving a car drenched in fucking blood!

Vincent: Just take it to a friendly place that’s all!

Jules: This is the valley, Vincent! Marcellus ain’t got no friendly places in the valley!

Vincent: Well Jules this ain’t my fucking town man! Shit!

Jules: What are you doing?

Vincent: I’m calling my partner in Toluca Lake.

Jules: Where’s Toluca Lake?

Vincent: It’s just over the hill right over Burbank Studios. If Jimmy’s ass ain’t home I don’t know what the fuck we gonna do man cuz I ain’t got any other partners in 818.

Vincent: Jimmy! Yo! How you doing man? It’s Jules! Just listen up man, me and my homeboy’s in some serious fucking shit man we're in a car and we need to get off the road, pronto. I need to use your garage for a couple hours.