Why Doesnt Butch Call the Police in Pulp Fiction?

In the 1994 film Pulp Fiction, the character Butch Coolidge, played by John Travolta, is in a precarious situation. He is wanted by crime boss Marcellus Wallace for manslaughter charges following his accidental killing of a boxing opponent. As the plot unfolds, Butch returns to his apartment only to find himself in a dangerous predicament with Marcellus Wallace and Vincent Vega, both played by Samuel L. Jackson. The question arises: why doesn’t Butch call the police to report a break-in before returning to his apartment? This post explores the reasoning behind his decision.

Introduction to the Setting

Pulp Fiction is a complex and interwoven narrative that features multiple storylines. Butch, a boxer accused of manslaughter, is on the run from Marcellus Wallace, who also happens to be an influential crime boss. Due to his involvement in the fatal boxing match, Butch is in a precarious legal and criminal situation. He understands that involving the police would be a catastrophic move.

Reasons Not to Call the Police

1. Legal Consequences: If Butch called the police to report a break-in, he would have to acknowledge the crimes he committed, including the accidental killing of his opponent. This would likely result in long-term imprisonment, which Butch is actively avoiding. As an ex-convict and a fugitive, the repercussions would be severe.

2. Crimes Acknowledged: Butch is not just a wanted man; he has a history of criminal activities. Calling the police would force him to come clean about his past crimes, which could complicate his current situation further. He is trying to keep his criminal past hidden and avoid legal entanglements.

3. The Threat of Marcellus Wallace: Marcellus Wallace is a powerful and dangerous figure. Butch knows that his home is a potential target for Wallace and his associates. Involving the police would not only jeopardize his legal status but also put him at risk of being found by Wallace or his enemies. By avoiding the police, Butch is attempting to remain undetected and maintain his freedom.

The Sequence of Events

Butch returns to his apartment via a back route, hoping to avoid detection. He enters the house cautiously, using a quiet and strategic approach. His actions are driven by the fear of confronting Marcellus Wallace directly. Upon entering, Butch is surprised to find the apartment occupied by Marcellus and Vincent Vega, both armed and prepared for confrontation. The presence of a MAC-10 submachine gun on the kitchen counter is a significant and alarming detail.

Butch was unaware of Marcellus and Vincent's presence until he saw the submachine gun. He had likely anticipated that someone might have been watching the apartment and kept a low profile to prevent a confrontation. However, the MAC-10 on the counter suggests that someone has entered the apartment and has been waiting for Butch's return.

Conclusion

Butch's decision to avoid calling the police is a reflection of his situation in Pulp Fiction. The legal and criminal consequences, the risk of encountering Marcellus Wallace, and the presence of armed individuals in his home all make it a rational decision for Butch to proceed with caution. In the world of Pulp Fiction, the stakes are high, and calling the police would be a career-ending move for Butch.