What Was in the Case in “Pulp Fiction”? (Reddit)

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. After decades of speculation and rampant online theorizing, the definitive answer to the age-old question – What was in the briefcase in Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction?” – is this: There is no definitive answer. Tarantino intentionally left it ambiguous. The contents of the briefcase are a MacGuffin, a plot device designed to drive the story forward without needing a specific explanation. It’s a narrative hook, not a puzzle to be solved. The mystery is the point.

The Allure of the Unknown

Tarantino is a master of implication. He uses suggestion, symbolism, and visual cues to craft a world rich in detail, but crucially, he knows when to hold back. The briefcase is a prime example. We see the awe and fear in the eyes of Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) and Vincent Vega (John Travolta) when they look inside. We hear Marcellus Wallace’s (Ving Rhames) reverence for it. But we never truly know what it is.

This ambiguity is what fuels the endless speculation, the late-night Reddit threads, and the passionate debates that have raged since the film’s release in 1994. People want to know. They crave closure. But Tarantino intentionally denies them that satisfaction. The briefcase becomes a mirror, reflecting the viewer’s own imagination and preconceptions.

Examining the Evidence (Or Lack Thereof)

While there’s no official answer, we can analyze the clues Tarantino gives us:

• The Glow: The most significant clue is the golden glow emanating from the briefcase when opened. This suggests something valuable, precious, and possibly even otherworldly.
• Marcellus Wallace’s Soul Theory: The most popular theory, spurred by internet speculation, posits that the case contains Marcellus Wallace’s soul. This theory is rooted in the band-aid on the back of Wallace’s neck, which some interpret as a sign that his soul was extracted. The devil needs souls to bargain with, and the code on the briefcase is “666”. The other popular interpretations are that the bandaid is from where the devil took Marcellus’s soul.
• The Absence of a Specific Object: The fact that Tarantino never shows the contents explicitly suggests they are less important than the idea of them. What we see isn’t as crucial as what we think we see.
• The Emotional Reactions: Jules and Vincent’s reactions are key. They are both hardened criminals, yet they are visibly moved by what they see. This points to something deeply significant, something that transcends mere monetary value.
• Tarantino’s Intentions: Interviews with Tarantino reveal that he consciously avoided providing a definitive answer. He wanted the audience to engage with the film actively and create their own interpretations.

Debunking the Popular Theories

While fun to entertain, many of the most popular theories fall apart under scrutiny:

• Diamonds: Too mundane. “Pulp Fiction” thrives on the unexpected, and diamonds, while valuable, wouldn’t elicit the kind of awe displayed in the film.
• Gold: Similar to diamonds, gold lacks the mystical quality suggested by the glow.
• Drugs: Again, too ordinary. Jules and Vincent are already involved in the drug trade, so a stash of drugs wouldn’t be particularly surprising or impressive.
• The Maltese Falcon: A playful nod to classic film noir, but ultimately unlikely. It’s too literal and self-referential, even for Tarantino.

Ultimately, the “correct” answer is the one that resonates most with the individual viewer.

The Case as a Symbol

More than any specific object, the briefcase represents:

• Power: It’s a symbol of Marcellus Wallace’s influence and control.
• Desire: It represents the characters’ pursuit of wealth, status, and redemption.
• The Unknowable: It embodies the mysteries of life, the things we can never fully understand.
• Moral Ambiguity: It highlights the grey areas in the characters’ moral compasses.

The briefcase serves as a blank canvas onto which we project our own desires, fears, and interpretations. It’s a testament to Tarantino’s skill as a storyteller, his ability to create lasting mysteries that continue to captivate audiences decades later.

What Was in the Case in “Pulp Fiction”? An Open Invitation

So, instead of searching for a definitive answer, embrace the ambiguity. Appreciate the artistry. Let your imagination run wild. What do you think was in the briefcase? That’s the question Tarantino ultimately wants you to answer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the infamous briefcase, addressing some of the most common queries and theories circulating online.

FAQ 1: Did Tarantino ever reveal the contents of the briefcase in an interview?

No. While Tarantino has discussed the briefcase extensively, he has always maintained that the contents are intentionally ambiguous. He has explicitly stated that there is no “right” answer and that the mystery is part of the film’s appeal.

FAQ 2: What is the significance of the combination lock on the briefcase (666)?

The combination “666” is often associated with the devil, leading to the “Marcellus Wallace’s soul” theory. However, it’s more likely a stylistic choice by Tarantino to add a layer of intrigue and dark humor to the film. It’s a visual cue, not a literal explanation.

FAQ 3: Is the glowing effect from the briefcase real, or just a visual trick?

The glowing effect was achieved using a hidden orange light bulb inside the briefcase. It’s a practical effect, but its symbolism is open to interpretation. The golden light can represent purity, value, or even something divine.

FAQ 4: Does the type of briefcase offer any clues?

The briefcase itself is fairly generic, offering little in the way of specific clues. It’s a simple, unassuming container that contrasts with the potentially extraordinary contents.

FAQ 5: Is there any connection between the briefcase and other Tarantino films?

While Tarantino’s films often contain interconnected characters and themes, there’s no direct connection between the “Pulp Fiction” briefcase and elements from other movies. It remains unique to the world of “Pulp Fiction.”

FAQ 6: Could the briefcase contain a plot device from another movie, like the briefcase in “Kiss Me Deadly”?

While Tarantino is known for referencing other films, it’s unlikely the briefcase contains an explicit reference to another movie’s MacGuffin. That would be too on-the-nose, even for him.

FAQ 7: What if the contents of the briefcase are different each time someone watches the film?

This is a metaphorical interpretation, suggesting that the briefcase reflects the viewer’s own imagination and perspective. It’s not meant to be taken literally, but it highlights the subjective nature of the film.

FAQ 8: Why is the briefcase so important to Marcellus Wallace?

Marcellus Wallace’s importance is more about the power and influence associated with the contents, whatever they may be. It could be leverage, a valuable asset, or something deeply personal.

FAQ 9: Did the actors know what was supposed to be in the briefcase while filming?

Reports vary, but some actors have stated that they were not given a definitive answer regarding the contents. This allowed them to react authentically to the mystery and ambiguity of the situation.

FAQ 10: Is it possible that Tarantino himself doesn’t know what was in the briefcase?

This is unlikely. While he may not have a concrete, detailed object in mind, he almost certainly had a general idea of the type of thing that would elicit the reactions seen in the film. He knew it had to be something significant and impactful.

FAQ 11: What if the briefcase is a metaphor for the meaninglessness of material possessions?

This is a valid interpretation. The focus on the idea of value, rather than the actual object, could be a commentary on the superficiality of wealth and the emptiness of pursuing material goods.

FAQ 12: Will we ever truly know what was in the briefcase?

Almost certainly not. Tarantino has consistently resisted providing a definitive answer, and it’s unlikely he will ever reveal the “truth.” The mystery is an integral part of the film’s legacy. The beauty of the ambiguous contents of the briefcase in “Pulp Fiction” lies in its symbolism, leaving each viewer to fill the void and interpret the meaning, making it a memorable symbol of the film.