Watch Pulp

Pulp is a 1972 crime-comedy film directed by Mike Hodges and starring Michael Caine, Mickey Rooney, and Lionel Stander. The film tells the story of Mickey King (Caine), a successful pulp fiction writer who hasn't written anything in a while and is going through a mid-life crisis. One day, he receives a proposition from a publisher to write a book about the life of a notorious gangster named Preston Gilbert (Rooney), who has been living in seclusion for many years. King sees this as an opportunity to get his career back on track and agrees to meet with Gilbert at his estate in Malta.

Upon arriving in Malta, King discovers that Gilbert isn't exactly the man he expected him to be. Gilbert is living with his wife, Betty (Nadia Cassini), and his lover, Liz (Al Lettieri), in a luxurious mansion and spends most of his time watching TV and reminiscing about his past. King is fascinated by Gilbert's stories and starts to write his book, but soon realizes that Gilbert's life isn't as glamorous as he thought it would be. A series of unexpected events lead to King being drawn into Gilbert's world, and he soon finds himself in over his head.

Throughout the film, King's personal life is also on display, as he struggles with his relationship with his wife, his drinking problem, and the constant pressure to come up with something new to write. He finds himself attracted to several women he meets along the way, including an actress named Liz (Lizabeth Scott) and Betty Gilbert. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that nothing is quite as it seems, and every character has something to hide.

The film is full of memorable moments, including several humorous scenes where King tries to write his book and is constantly interrupted by various characters. Rooney's portrayal of Gilbert is also noteworthy, as he manages to balance the character's dark past with a sense of humor and charm. The tension between King and Gilbert builds throughout the film, leading to a final showdown that is both unexpected and satisfying.

Overall, Pulp is a fun and entertaining film that combines elements of comedy, crime, and drama. With a strong script, excellent performances, and stylish direction, it's a film that is sure to please fans of the genre. Even though it was made almost fifty years ago, it still holds up today as a classic example of the cinematic style of the 1970s.