Some films become iconic, as do their characters, but the cast and crew associated with them might not realise their potential before or even at the time of production. A long time ago, Ingrid Bergman said that she regarded the Casablanca screenplay as ordinary, but it would go on to become one of the greatest films ever made. Pulp Fiction star Uma Thurman has come up with a similar take on the iconic Quentin Tarantino directorial, although she never doubted the film’s quality. In a conversation with Vanity Fair, Thurman said that Pulp Fiction came to her at a time when she was facing a setback with the commercial failure of her film Even Cowgirls Get the Blues. Thurman added that she was initially reluctant to sign up for the film due to its contentious “Gimp scene,” exploring themes such as sexual degradation and violence.

Thurman realised the film’s quality from its unique screenwriting alone, but she also considered it a “relatively small film” at the time. She never felt that it would become a watershed film in cinema history. Thurman’s costumes and dance with John Travolta’s character at a diner are iconic now, but Miramax did not consider her first for the role. Miramax looked at Michelle Pfeiffer, Holly Hunter, Rosanna Arquette, and Meg Ryan for it before choosing Thurman.

Pulp Fiction follows the adventures of hitmen (Travolta and Samuel L Jackson) whose lives intersect with others in the world of crime in Los Angeles. Also starring Bruce Willis, Christopher Walken, Harvey Keitel, Ving Rhames and Tim Roth, the film earned seven Academy Award nominations and won in the Original Screenplay category. The film recently had its 30th release anniversary.

Thurman's filmography also includes starring roles in Tarantino's Kill Bill franchise. Recently starred in The Old Guard 2, Thurman’s latest project is Dexter: Resurrection.