How does the director, Jared Hess, create the personalities of the main characters in his film, Napoleon Dynamite?

by heisthebest123ymailcom (student)

Film Study: Napoleon Dynamite

Napoleon Dynamite, directed by Jared Hess is a film that revolves around the main protagonist ‘Napoleon’ and his slightly unorthodox family and friends. The film doesn’t have much of a storyline, in the sense that there is no climatic build up, or clear problem that the protagonist’s try to overcome. Rather, the film focuses largely on the outlandish personalities of each of the main characters, and how they overcome their personal flaws. This emphasis on character development is achieved through the use of diegetic and non-diegetic music, unique character consumes, and discrete traits within each of the characters dialogue that change subtly throughout the film. Napoleon’s true character is revealed to the audience right from the beginning of the film, as we immediately label him as awkward, nerdy and anti-social judging by his appearance and attitude. Similarly, Hess decides to introduce Napoleon’s brother, ‘Kip’, with a clear indication as to what sort of character he is, as we quickly learn that he is just as unusual as Napoleon. Finally we are introduced to “Rico”, who is the cousin of Napoleon, and within the first few scenes we discover that he is somewhat stuck in the past.

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Napoleon is introduced to us at the beginning of the film through a static, off-center shot whilst waiting for the bus. In this initial scene we start to make assumptions on Napoleon’s character by analysing the outside of his house, his costume, and general attitude. The style of the shot, and the non-existent music concretes the premade assumptions that Napoleon is nerdy, awkward, and to a certain degree uninteresting. The following scene features Napoleon entering the bus and shows him though a high angle shot, this refines the prior assumptions on Napoleon’s character, as we learn that he is more confident than we originally thought. As he enters, non-diegetic music starts to play, which creates a very uninterested, and placid mood. The music, much like Napoleon, is outdated and rather peculiar. A few scenes later, we see Napoleon in the gym change rooms, in conversation with ‘Don’. Don mockingly asks Napoleon to remind him what he did last summer, and is answered by Napoleon in a disinterested tone “I told you! I spent it with my uncle in Alaska hunting wolverines!”. This line illustrates how out of touch Napoleon is with reality, and how insignificant the opinions of other people are to him.

“Kip” is the brother of Napoleon and is just as unusual, but slightly more reserved. Kip’s reserved personality comes though clearly to the audience, with his dialogue and choice of clothing. Kip speaks with a very fait tone, and generally avoids conflict with the other characters. A clear example of this can be seen in the scene where Napoleon’s uncle, “Rico” shows of his childish football video. Kips response to the video isn’t very clear, whilst Napoleons is unmistakable.
Uncle Rico: So what do you think?
Kip: It's pretty cool, I guess.
Uncle Rico: Ohhhh, man I wish I could go back in time. I'd take state.
Napoleon Dynamite: This is pretty much the worst video ever made.

Kip’s costume also reflects his personality through the colors he wears. Early on in the film Kip wears a lot of lightly colored shirts, but as the film progresses this starts to change. Soon after meeting Lafawnduh in real life, Kip’s confidence starts to increase and so does the brightness and style of his clothing. Kip progresses from wearing dull polo shirts, to bright tee-shirts, and black leather jackets.

Kip and Napoleon’s uncle “Rico” comes into the film after their grandmother injures herself at the sand dunes. Rico’s personality isn’t made entirely clear from the moment we meet him, as his personality has somewhat of a story behind it. Rico’s clothing is very sporty and it is made clear from the first few scenes that this is where his passion lies. His clothes are also slightly outdated, which indicates the period that he is trying to relive. Rico’s confident personality also comes through in his dialogue with the other characters in the film.
Uncle Rico: Back in '82, I used to be able to throw a pigskin a quarter mile.
Kip: Are you serious?
Uncle Rico: I'm dead serious
Much like Napoleon, Rico lives in his own world. His dialogue suggests that he thinks very highly of himself.
Uncle Rico: How much you wanna make a bet I can throw a football over them mountains?
The camera angles used to film Rico are also clear indicators as to how he perceives himself. Low angle shots are used throughout the film when Rico is filmed, especially when he is conversing with Napoleon. This is done to show how much more superior Rico thinks he is when compared to Napoleon.

Through the use of well throughout dialogue, costumes and filming techniques, Jarred Hass is able to create and morph very detailed charterers in the film. From start to finish, subtle changes in each characters appearance, posture, tone, and the angle at which they are filmed all display their progress as the film progresses.

Ryan Lovell -Draft