"Pristine" is a prearranged code word meaning that something (or everything) is wrong. It is spoken first on the street after Bobby punches Jimmy in the stomach and two policemen rush over to see what's happening.
JOE (TO BOBBY): Walk away. The situation is pristine. (TO PINKY, WHO IS STANDING NEARBY:) Cut 'em off. (PINKY STEPS ON THE STREET, RIGHT IN FRONT OF A MOVING CAR.)
Later in the film, "pristine" is used by Pinky on the phone to let Joe know that he has been captured by Bergman's goons and that everything he (Pinky) says is spoken under duress. Moments later, Pinky is shot dead.
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