# The iconic 1970s movie that inspired Samuel L Jackson’s ‘Pulp Fiction’ speech: “I always wanted to do that”

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-iconic-1970s-movie-that-inspired-samuel-l-jacksons-pulp-fiction-speech-i-always-wanted-to-do-that/
- Published: 2026-10-25T05:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-25T05:07:51+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-iconic-1970s-movie-that-inspired-samuel-l-jacksons-pulp-fiction-speech-i-always-wanted-to-do-that/
- Topics: Entertainment, Film

## Key points

- Robert Shaw’s Jaws speech inspired Jackson to want to perform a monologue.
- Jackson’s Pulp Fiction speech uses a very different, more theatrical delivery.
- He says monologues can feel daunting because one actor carries the scene.

## Summary

Samuel L Jackson said Robert Shaw’s Indianapolis speech in Jaws inspired his ambition to perform a film monologue. That influence matters because Jackson’s forceful biblical-style speech as Jules in Pulp Fiction became one of his most recognised scenes, despite its very different delivery.

Shaw’s scene recounts the sinking of the USS Indianapolis and a shark attack in a restrained, conversational tone, with the story itself creating the tension. Jackson said he had always wanted to do something similar, and described monologues as a rare, nerve-racking chance to carry a scene without relying on another actor to match his emotional weight.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.