A few minutes ago, I watched Napoleon Dynamite. For the first time in years, actually. The last time I watched this movie was when I was 15 or so. This movie has become infinitely better since then. There are so many intricate details I picked up on now that I missed when I watched this movie before.
Throughout the film, what at first feels alien to us (Napoleon's personality) becomes clearer and much more relatable by the end. The character of Uncle Rico is my pick for most pathetic, tragic man to ever set foot in a film. His unflinching desire to go back in time is a testament to how an unfulfilled life can be full to the brim with regret.
There is so much you can examine about each character in this film. They all hold up to extreme scrutiny. I could write a paper on each character. (Why is Kip the way he is, par exampla) When this film starts, you might catch yourself thinking these characters are quirky just for the sake of being quirky and characters like Kip are just there for a funny, silly line and nothing else.
But as the film progresses these characters grow. By the end of the film, Kip (once an overgrown manchild of 32) finally moves out of his grandmother's home and goes to live with his "soulmate" "Lawfonduh". After being tormented through the whole film by Uncle Rico, Napoleon finally stands up to him and tells him to leave. These topics are dealt with with just the right touch of realism and comedy.
The plot devices are demonstrated without oversaturating the film itself. Rex Kwan Do's buddy system, Napoleon and Deb's semi-romance, and each character's unconfidence and the way they were so seperate from the "normal" or "popular" kids.
This movie is very drab and depressing until about 3/4 of the way through when things get very uplifting. It's a very calm, subdued movie, but it takes my emotions on a trip to a desolate, unknown small town. By the end of the movie, I feel like maybe it's possible for everyone to break through the crap that's flung at them and lead a truly happy existence.
This movie's hype was deserved, but ultimately led to its downfall. Blockbuster hype killed a humble, well-made, funny film. By everyone and their mom quoting this film, they drained the life out of it. I feel like it is actually a quite great film and one that will be more appreciated in the coming years or so.
And when that year comes, I will finally be able to make my sequel for the film.
"Bow to your sensei. BOW TO YOUR SENSEI!"
- Rex
WORD. on all that shit, man.
i wonder why they didn't cash in on the sales and make a sequel? do you know?
but yeah very well written and very truthful. usually i only get those kind of insights when i'm in the zone or just after smoking a fatty