So What Exactly Was In Pulp Fiction’s Briefcase?
"It's whatever you want it to be."
Pulp Fiction, Quentin Tarantino 's iconic masterpiece, is known for its unique storytelling, memorable characters, and star-studded cast. One of the enduring secrets of the film is the contents of the mysterious Marsellus Wallace briefcase carried by Jules and Vincent everywhere they go throughout the film.
When asked about the symbolic significance of the light inside the briefcase, Quentin Tarantino responded with a simple statement: "It's whatever you want it to be." If so, why not take a look at some of the more interesting speculation on the subject?
Marsellus Wallace's Soul Theory
The theory that the briefcase contained nothing more than Marsellus Wallace's soul is one of the most intriguing and widely discussed. According to this speculation, Wallace had made a Faustian bargain by trading his soul for the success and power that he clearly has in the movie.
The mysterious bandage on his neck (which was actually an accident before filming) is believed to be the site of the soul extraction, and the combination to open his briefcase, 666, is slightly reminiscent of someone who rules Hell.
The Diamonds Theory
Actually, this is more of a fact than a theory. The briefcase was originally supposed to contain diamonds from another Tarantino film, Reservoir Dogs, but Quentin and Roger Avary, the film's collaborators, decided to leave its contents unseen.
They believed that the audience's imagination could create something more intriguing than any prop could provide. Well, we guess they were right or we wouldn't be here.
The Award Statuette Theory
While Tarantino's trophy case was empty when Pulp Fiction was released, he later went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for his second movie. So maybe the director had a premonition that the film would win him his first Oscar, and the golden glow in the film could be a symbol of the characters' awe and reverence for the prestigious award that was about to come their way?
Elvis Presley’s Golden Suit Theory
One of the newcomers to the Pulp Fiction briefcase theory club is the speculation that it may have contained the gold suit worn by Elvis Presley's ghost in True Romance. This theory may sound crazy, but it is supported by several facts, including Elvis symbolism in the movie and a line about Wallace’s dirty laundry in the briefcase mentioned by Jules.