BT1886

Pulp

My second Mike Hodges film, following Croupier (which I wasn’t a fan of), Pulp tells the story of a sleazy pulp novelist who gets hired to write a biography on a reclusive, mysterious ex-actor. Shot entirely on the island of Malta, the film boasts some stunning backdrops, which work in stark contrast to the deliberately grimy story—an element, I feel, elevates the comedic aspects of the film. Michael Caine plays Mickey King, a writer with a sardonic wit, delivering a performance that relies heavily on his stiff physicality and sleep inducing narration. There’s something about British humor I simply do not connect with. While it often thrives on detachment and deadpan deliveries, I found King himself to be wholly unengaging—aloof, yes, but not particularly interesting. Kind of a drag, really. Funnily enough, it was the American characters that got the biggest laughs out of me. Mickey Rooney as Preston Gilbert—clearly meant as a contrast to King—tries to present himself as larger than life, despite the 5’2” stature, delivering constant rapid-fire speeches and painfully cringey slapstick. All that being said, the film is still quite a bore to sit through, despite its relatively short runtime. Caine’s monotone narration only adds to that sluggish pacing—it honestly reminded me of Harrison Ford’s infamous voiceover performance from Blade Runner’s theatrical cut. Pulp has an undeniable style and wit to it, but it simply wasn’t enough to keep me engaged. Still interested in Get Carter, however. • Watched in 2025 — Ranked (https://boxd.it/C7Jq6) • 1970s — Ranked (https://boxd.it/C6MdW) • Collab Film Club — Ranked (https://boxd.it/ggvO4)