The most stand-apart and iconic Mia Wallace scene in Pulp Fiction, when it comes to creating the image of the Goddess, has to be the “I said Goddamn!” bathroom scene.
Mia, having an animated, touchy-feely, yet tres cool interaction going on with Vince Vega at the American diner table while waiting for their bloody burgers, – and lets not forget the “inexcusable” 5 dollar milkshake – gets up to go to the ladies room, to “powder her nose”.
As Vince sits back taking in his surroundings, thinking up a clever retort for when she returns to the table, Mia, now at the ladies room mirror, is seen amongst a crowd of mere human looking females, who are neurotically, and without a hint of enjoyment, touching up their makeup and brushing their hair.
Standing perfectly centered in the frame, looking ultimately pleased with herself, Mia throws her head back roaring “Goddamn, I said Goddamn!” after a violent sniff of cocaine.
Marlene Dietrich undoubtedly was an influence for Mia Wallace’s character: Not only does Uma Thurman resemble her slightly, especially in the right lighting, moreover the perfectly tailored men’s suit, the cool aloofness, the smoking, and yes, the makeup all call to mind a 90’s revamped version of the famously icy long legged “Blonde Angel”.
While the makeup is such a big part of Mia’s image; The sharp angular eyebrows, the wine red lips, the classic combination of eyeshadow use and strong black eyeliner all topped off with whispy eyelashes, Quentin Tarantino has accredited Goddess status to Mia for not being bothered with her looks – while ironically looking perfectly polished all the same – and having an almost narcissist moment in front of the mirror, looking into her own eyes with pure satisfaction and complete awareness of her status. The humans surrounding her who are too concerned with working away a stray hair and piling on more makeup only sharpen the contrast.
With one scene we are dished up the shattering difference between Mia and all other women.
Les Arts Féminins 