As a movie buff with over three decades of film-watching under my belt, I can confidently say that few actors have had as impactful and diverse a career as Samuel L. Jackson. The man is a true cinematic titan, gracing us with unforgettable performances in iconic films like Jurassic Park, Star Wars, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
When it comes to discussing his most memorable roles, it’s a daunting task, as Jackson has delivered so many standout moments that it feels almost criminal to leave any off the list. Yet, when he speaks about the differences between Die Hard with a Vengeance and Pulp Fiction, I find myself nodding in agreement – not just because of his insights, but because of my own experiences as a film enthusiast.
I remember watching Die Hard with a Vengeance in 1995 and being blown away by Jackson’s portrayal of Zeus. The character was larger than life, brimming with charisma, and left an indelible mark on my mind. It seemed as though crowds everywhere were shouting “Die Hard” quotes at Jackson when they saw him out in public.
This experience pales in comparison to the impact Pulp Fiction had on me, but I can understand why Jackson felt differently. After all, his performance as Jules Winnfield earned him an Oscar nomination and made Ezekiel 25:17 a phrase that would be repeated for generations to come.
In many ways, it feels like Zeus paved the way for Mace Windu – giving Jackson the clout needed to secure roles in massive blockbusters like Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It makes me wonder if Zeus was simply a warm-up act for Mace Windu, getting him ready for the big leagues.
As for a joke to lighten the mood, I’ll leave you with this: I sometimes think that if Jackson had appeared in Die Hard with a Vengeance just a few years earlier, it might have been called “Die Hard with a Fistful of Dollars” instead!
Samuel L. Jackson has had an exceptional career in Hollywood, one that’s hard to summarize without mentioning some of the most iconic film series ever made. Jackson appeared in Steven Spielberg’s original Jurassic Park, played Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and was a Jedi master in Star Wars. In truth, any list of the top 10 Samuel L. Jackson movies is likely to overlook several undisputed classics. Therefore, when Sam shares his thoughts on the distinct effects Die Hard with a Vengeance and Pulp Fiction had on his career, it’s wise to pay attention and accept his perspective.
The reason this conversation even comes up is because Sam Jackson appeared in both of these movies with Bruce Willis, and released them around the same time: Pulp Fiction in 1994, and the third Die Hard movie, Die Hard with a Vengeance, in 1995. Speaking with Masterclass, Jackson shared stories of Willis – a Die Hard veteran – explaining to the Coming to America co-star that involvement in With a Vengeance was going to change his life. Here, listen to Sam tell it:
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It could be that people have grown so accustomed to the passage of time that they may have forgotten just how monumental the Die Hard series was, especially in its first three installments. I’ve written a book focused on Bruce Willis which aims to encapsulate the profound effect this film franchise had on his career trajectory and the movie industry as a whole. However, it is Samuel L. Jackson who truly drives home the point with eloquence. For Jackson, Pulp Fiction was an extraordinary cinematic achievement. It garnered him an Oscar nomination, and the monologue he delivered based on Ezekiel 25:17 became a cultural phenomenon that left an indelible mark on us all.
Although that movie was quite impactful, it paled in comparison to Die Hard with a Vengeance. As Jackson put it, his grumpy character Zeus resonated strongly with audiences. People would yell Die Hard quotes at him when they spotted him on the street. What’s more significant is that the film industry began to see Jackson as a leading man capable of headlining a blockbuster. He reminisced about this moment:
After a shift, the negotiation landscape transformed, making it vastly different compared to before. In other words, that’s when things took a turn. As for entertainment, while pulp was enjoyable, Die Hard stood out as superior.
Following his role in “Die Hard with a Vengeance,” Samuel L. Jackson significantly increased his film appearances. He went on to star in high-profile productions like “Eve’s Bayou” and collaborated with Quentin Tarantino for “Jackie Brown.” However, you could also find him in more substantial projects such as “The Long Kiss Goodnight,” “Sphere,” “The Negotiator,” and in 1999, “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.” This makes one ponder if the stride of Zeus paved the way for Mace Windu’s speedy strides.
It’s unfortunate not to expect more collaborations between Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson, given that the former announced his retirement in 2022 due to aphasia. However, we can cherish their remarkable performances in films like “Pulp Fiction,” “Die Hard with a Vengeance,” and several movies directed by M. Night Shyamalan such as “Unbreakable” and “Glass,” which showcase the electrifying chemistry they shared on screen.
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2025-01-01 19:07