Why Napoleon Dynamite is a significant film

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Here is everything you need to know about the film Napoleon Dynamite, which recently turned 20 years old.
Produced and written by Matt Beat. All images and video used under fair use guidelines. Creative commons credits: Gage Skidmore, Everwest, and Fuzheado
Here's an annotated script with footnotes: docs.google.com/document/d/1g...
Sources/further reading:
• Napoleon Dynamite: beh...
• (HQ) On Location: Napo...
• Iconic Napoleon Dynami...
• Napoleon Dynamite - Ma...
www.allmovie.com/movie/napole...
www.imdb.com/title/tt0374900/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleo...
www.cracked.com/image-pictofa...
www.rollingstone.com/feature/...
www.huffpost.com/entry/napole...
www.rottentomatoes.com/m/napo...
​​screenrant.com/napoleon-dynam...
www.deseret.com/entertainment...
#napoleondynamite #bestfilms #bestmovies
There is nothing quite like it. A misfit film with a misfit cast by a misfit director filmed in Idaho, of all places. Everything about it is unconventional and out of place. It’s awkward. Straight up dorky. Parts of it don’t really seem to make sense. And yet, 20 years later, it remains a beloved, cult classic. Here is everything you need to know about the film Napoleon Dynamite.
0:00 Introduction
0:41 Sponsor (Aura)
1:52 Behind the Scenes
8:06 Plot
11:00 Analysis
13:07 Legacy

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Which film should I cover next? Also, please remember that supporting the sponsor helps support this channel. This video is sponsored by Aura. Go to aura.com/beatgoeson to get a 14-day free trial and see how much of your personal data is being sold.

[@bobbimcfeely44]

Toy Story!

[@Nolanvoidmusic]

Nachooo! Libre!

[@User26352]

Superbad

[@daviderk9556]

Please do Video on The Who

[@throwMeAway9001-bx8lv]

Superbad

[@zachpurdie9790]

I was in middle school when this came out and the actor for the bully came to my school. He did an anti-bullying campaign where he would show his scenes at school assemblies. Bracken Johnson, great guy!

[@mattbeatgoeson]

That is amazing. Where did you go to middle school?

[@zachpurdie9790]

@@mattbeatgoeson West Middle School in Grand Juction, CO.

[@rhinocore]

My wife recently pointed out that the first Rex Kwan Do scene perfectly lays out the theme of the movie. That you need someone watching your back at all times. Very soon after that scene, Napoleon befriends Pedro, and they look after each other.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Yep, the Rex parts are not fluf- every scene has a purpose

[@TonyMichaels166]

I love how when the commercial ends Rex is kind of shaking and skipping like he’s on a VHS tape.

[@peggytheveteran4968]

Got the notification and immediately had to click. Napoleon Dynamite may be my favourite film ever

[@drdogbarker3830]

Are you British?

[@estonhall5364]

Same!

[@TJB270]

20 years old on June 11

[@mattbeatgoeson]

I think it's my 6th favorite now

[@Bigmac-me]

@@mattbeatgoeson can you make a Motley Crue video

[@LorentzInvariance]

This is one of my comfort films. You’re allowed to hate it. It’s okay. It’s weird and I love you. I hope you have a great day.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Someday the haters will come around.

[@trinaq]

Happy 20th anniversary, Napoleon Dynamite. I remember watching it at home when I was sick from school, and remembering the quirky characters and memorable dialogue.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Now the question is, how many times have you watched it since? :)

[@Ms.Fowlbwahhh]

One of my favorite movies ever. I even own a 35mm print of it!

[@mattbeatgoeson]

That's amazing

[@MrProofMan]

I clicked not knowing it was Beat, got so excited when I heard him

[@mattbeatgoeson]

:)

[@belongtobill]

“Your mom goes to college” the ultimate shade 😂

[@TJB270]

2004-2006, the days of the “your mom” jokes. Or was that just my junior high?

[@mattbeatgoeson]

@@TJB270 That's junior high today, too

[@TJB270]

@@mattbeatgoeson That’s surprising if true

[@subparnaturedocumentary]

look all they had to do was put uncle rico in at qb in the 4th quarter and they would have been state champs.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Ikr???

[@TonyMichaels166]

No doubt. No doubt in my mind.

[@madamedutchess]

I saw this in theaters with my younger sister when it came out. Was 20 years old at the time. Both my sister and I laughed only two times the entire movie. People at my college were raving about how it was a masterpiece. Maybe I'll give it a rewatch at some point.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Give it another chance. It's a subtle film.

[@mcv2178]

I did not get it till most of the way through; movies have a 'language', a set of rules for how to do things, that we all kinda know. This type of character does this type of thing, a shot of a building before a shot of a room tells us that room is in that building, and so on. This movie spoke a different language and I kept waiting for it to 'make sense'. Once I have up, I could enjoy it for its goofiness. : ) Hope that helps if you give it another shot!

[@Leef853]

Tell us after you watch it again what u think!

[@RemnantCult]

Napoleon Dynamite really captured the weirdness of childhood, and it was perfect for the decade I grew up in. It's on the list of "Most Noughties Movie" for me, whatever that may mean. I feel like it made being a weird kid or teen something acceptable or even cool in a way.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Well put. I can easily relate to this comment.

[@zch7491]

Growing up in Idaho, this is THE movie

[@lapsingpugface6927]

Really sums up the experience of living in the smaller towns in Idaho. Everything is always absolutely outdated. Best movie growing up.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

It is truly the most Idaho movie of all times.

[@shaggythewriter8185]

Young Matt Beat watched this in 2004 and said, "if people really like mid western people this much, maybe I should be a public figure." Then he went back to working out with cars as weights...

[@estonhall5364]

Idaho's a little too close to the Pacific Ocean to be the Midwest; it's more Mountain West.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

lol

[@nickfromm5315]

As a mormon, I loved the little LDS references.. the DI, Idaho, etc.

[@RemixedVoice]

What's di?

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Yeah, they are subtle but certainly there

[@mrp4242]

The references are ‘cultural’ not ‘doctrinal’. This is why it is accessible and applicable to all sorts of people. This portion of southwest Idaho, particularly in the late 90s and early 00s, had a large LDS influence on the underlying culture, no question. Whether it is the euphemistic swearword substitutions (gosh, heck), that Napoleon wears a ‘Ricks College’ shirt (now BYU-Idaho), or even a reference to a ‘Liger’ (Shasta the Liger was a very popular animal at Utah’s Hogle Zoo and that animal reached celebrity status for the region). Mr Beat hit it on the nail--people love this movie because they can relate to the awkwardness. Despite many of us having different reasons for our awkwardness.

[@mrp4242]

@@RemixedVoice‘DI’ stands for Deseret Industries. The DI is similar to Goodwill, non-profit thrift stores and part of the LDS church’s Welfare division; besides being associated with thrift stores, it is often a place where people can get a job, generally associated with rehabilitation.

[@drdogbarker3830]

This is a great, well done video! And thanks for stuffing it full of fascinating tidbits. PS: Your editing skills are fantastic! I"m a fairly new subscriber and I'm glad I found you.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@foreignparticle1320]

I can't believe it's been 20 years. I'm now in my 40s and I still watch this film actively every once in a while. Not only a cultural touchstone, it's beautifully written and shot; a perfectly original piece of cinema.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Well put. I bet we're about the same age.

[@AwakeningHikari]

Being 7 when this movie came out, it was my life. I loved everything about Napoleon Dynamite and followed heavily on its legacy and what the actors were doing after the success of it. While the TV was not the best it was still entertaining and gave me more Napoleon content I’ve been craving for many years. If there is going to be sequel as Jon and Efren expressed interest and thought of a potential plot, I’m going to see it either in theaters or streaming day one without a doubt

[@mattbeatgoeson]

I generally hate sequels, but I probably couldn't resist a sequel for this movie if I'm being perfectly honest.

[@peps5594]

OH HAPPY DAY

[@isaiahvoss]

It's been 20 years since Napoleon Dynamite came out! I went to a screening of Napoleon Dynamite back in January of this year and I got to see Jon Heder (Napoleon), Efren Ramirez (Pedro), and Jon Gries (Uncle Rico) all in person. The audience including myself got to watch the movie first before they went on stage including Jon Heder riding a bike towards the stage and they all told their story of how they were part of this iconic film. They did Q&A and Jon (Napoleon) knew someone was gonna ask him if he knew the whole dance after 20 years and he said he didn't as it was all freestyle. More questions came along including If anyone saw the film back in 2004 and some people raised their hands along with a kid who was in their teens that it was their first time. One person was crying up in the balcony because this was a film that brought their family together which was a meaningful moment in the Q&A. More questions went on until I had my hand raised and Jon (Napoleon) came close to me and gave me the microphone and I said hello to all 3 actors and Jon (Uncle Rico) asked if I was wearing a wig since I wore my costume to the screening and I said yes and he said "that's pretty good" so I asked Jon (Napoleon) a question if he still owns any of the original clothing from 20 years ago and he said he owns a few pairs of pants and a lot of shirts but he given away his Vote For Pedro shirt (an original) for a Harry Potter item. He said I was giving him "Napoleon vibes" and had to come over by me because of my costume. The finale was a dance off/costume contest and I danced in front of over 1,270 people and everyone was cheering for me while dancing. Lastly, I won the contests and I got two autographed items from all 3 Napoleon Dynamite actors. It was the greatest moment of my life!

[@davisthetrainandclockguy15]

Do a brief history of AC/DC necks with the Australian and the American albums

[@mattbeatgoeson]

One of these days I will...

[@davisthetrainandclockguy15]

@@mattbeatgoeson ok

[@mary.dont.careee]

love the new channel, thebeastgoeson! keep it up mr beast

[@mattbeatgoeson]

lol

[@caseclosed9342]

20 years?! Now I feel old. I remember I was 10 when I saw it for the first time. It was a huge hit and I remember all the merchandise being sold and everyone quoting it. My family watched it many times. Now I’m 30 years old and it blows my mind there is a whole generation of adults who weren’t alive when this movie came out. How time flies…

[@IGotTheLettuce]

Ive never seen this channel before I was not expecting mr beat

[@mattbeatgoeson]

It is I!

[@pongop]

I'm so excited to find a Mr. Beat film analysis channel! And Napoleon Dynamite is one of my favorite films! I can't believe it's been 20 years. Amazing job! I learned so much! I hadn't heard of the Napoleon Dynamite Effect! I appreciate your final thoughts!

[@fxckstxrm]

Absolutely adore this film. Glad one of my favorite channels made a video about it! 😄

[@mattbeatgoeson]

:)

[@cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245]

Hold up…. Napoleon’s grandma is Mac’s mom from IASIP

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Indeed!

[@bogtrotter17]

I saw Fargo for the first time around the time Napoleon Dynamite came out and they fit so well together

[@Jzua]

My favorite KZbinr Mr.Beat covered my favorite movie this video feels like it was made for me

[@russbear31]

Movie suggestion: American Beauty, the Oscar winner from 1999.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

It's a solid movie

[@clipz337]

You should make another “how ___ changed music” soon. There are many that have not been covered such as The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, U2, Guns N’ Roses, Sublime, AC/DC, Van Halen, Fleetwood Mac, Pearl Jam, The Who, Oasis, Green Day, Metallica, Alice in Chains, Electric Light Orchestra, The Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sex Pistols, Jane’s Addiction, The Stone Roses, Elton John, and The White Stripes who have not been covered yet but are necessities to be on your channel because the way you document things is so immaculate and unique. You are by far my favorite creator on the platform and I would love to see even one of those artists to be covered by you x.

[@m0thdm]

One of my fav of all time. Comfort film

[@Adalhaid_]

The soundtrack for Napoleon Dynamite slaps hard.

[@fightingarrow510]

Love your channel

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Thank you!

[@geoffhoutman1557]

Got to watch the original version way back in the day ( no wedding at end). Amazing, and the wedding cost as much as the rest of the film

[@swoo5062]

My family and I have watched Napoleon dynamite ever since I was a kid. We’ve always loved it and have had a lot of people think we’re crazy for it

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Well my wife used to think I was crazy for loving this movie, but she has finally come around to it. :)

[@DownToTruck]

I was about 12 when I first saw this movie and became obsessed with it. I used to put leftover fries from lunch in my cargo pants pockets to eat in class, like Napoloeon does with tater tots. Haven't seen it much since that period of my life, though. I should revisit it - thanks for the video.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Definitely watch it again!

[@TonyMichaels166]

Dude… I did the same thing with popcorn chicken because of this movie lmao

[@gguerard]

Thanks for this video! I loved Napoleon Dynamite! Office Space too. 😊

[@jesuswalksforyou]

This has been my favorite film since it came out. I plan on living in Preston, Idaho someday

[@wayner396]

I grew up 15 minutes south of Preston on the utah side of the border and recognize many of the places in the film. I was away on my LDS mission when they filmed it so i saw it right after i got home from the Philippines. While not the funniest movie it feels nostagic and like home to me.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

The humor is subtle, but it is consistent and unique. Also, you grew up in an underrated part of the country. :)

[@Ivyleaf2]

My parents grew up in Preston and i spent most summers there so this movie was an instant classic in the family!

[@nickdoessht]

The algorithm should suggest it to everyone

[@cubanmop]

Tina, come get some ham!

[@mattbeatgoeson]

I do hope this comment section just turns into quotes from the movie. 😄

[@iwanttocomplain]

It’s based on a documentary. Gates of Heaven. The style of photography is influenced by it. By framing straight with even and thirds and with no movement. The pallet is carefully chosen and skilfully washed out but still vibrant which is not easy in natural light. It looks like cellulite. The deliberate framing and unflinching vignettes into simple, everyday american life has one foot in documentary filmmaking. This style is less David Lynch as it is a UK kitchen sink drama. As a Brit I’ well versed in that kind of film. It ‘s a way to critique. Then it became consumed by a desire for box office and sold out with The Full Monty after Trainspotting was a hit. The softer tone of this film is a better trajectory of the British kitchen sink drama. It moves away from simple criticism and weaves it again into reverence. So you don’t belittle and disenfranchise your viewer, who is the every day ‘ordinary’ people by focusing on their failures or that of society but showing a method to have new perspective that is more sensitive to the majority of people. So it’s difficult to replicate because it’s influences are in documentary filmmaking, art in general, music, I think of Mercury Rev. I think about Donnie Darko as well and Secretary. Because they are looking sideways at a country that can never be accurately viewed straight on or in broad statements. The film attempts to encapsulate something about American life and authority as more or less oblivious. Clinging to old ways comes into conflict with change such as migration and influences like hip hop. The brother’s ability to change when Rico fails to truly find direction shows they are quick to adapt and find new ways of thinking to get ahead and succeed because they are ambitious. The film is about believing in yourself, and magic, to achieve true greatness on your own terms. Not posting your cringe rock band online, but learning to body pop, taming a horse, having the best suit, forging an alliance with a powerful Mexican cartel or something, marrying a woman way out your league (the boys are more or less the same character with a split personality, for narrative sake). Erm, getting elected, for what that’s worth. Learning battery farms are gross. Because who wants to be a battery hen?

[@dispergosum]

You should really promote this channel more on your main channel!

[@daltongalloway]

I remember when it came out. We all use to quote the movie all the time. Had someone do the dance and wear a “vote for Pedro” shirt when they ran for class president that year

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Same. I was in college when it came out

[@jmorgan3977]

My quote in my senior yearbook was "your mom goes to college." Ironically, I did not go to college right out of high school.

[@HarvestStore]

Great video.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Thank you

[@tflufff]

i had no idea you had this channel but i immediately recognized the voice

[@drdogbarker3830]

I"m new. Who is it? Nevermind. I figured it out. Somehow I missed this guy entirely. Life.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Well you do have like millions of choices for content :)

[@jarshofficial]

Napoleon Dynamite will forever be in my top 10 and I’m from Mississippi

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Mississippi RISE UP

[@CidicVicious]

One of my favorite movies

[@robertjmueller6260]

The best way to appreciate the film is to relate to the characters. Either you are one of them or know someone who is like them.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Truly...the characters are actually authentic

[@bubbles581]

I had a dream last night that Mr Beat had a TV show kind of like Fernwood Tonight

[@mattbeatgoeson]

It's happening...

[@stevemoody13]

The Big Lebowski or something with Swayze up in it. Maybe Red Dawn because of it's connection to The Big Lebowski.

[@ClassyKai843]

I didn’t realize this was from Mr beat until he made a community post lol I saw this in my recommended but didn’t click it until I found out it was from Mr beat And review happy Gilmore next

[@tacticaljunk1608]

This is the kind of film that I can honestly say is one of a kind. The true fly-over-state experience.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Which I guess is a big reason why so many of us related to it.

[@Coreyc04]

Not sure but they used to do an annual festival in Preston Idaho for this movie. They opened the town up to where you can see all the places in the movie.

[@AiVersify]

Aaron Ruell went to Clovis West High School in Fresno, California, which I also graduated from. His real name is actually Derek, which just so happens to be my first name too!

[@Jamal-bl7yh]

Why Parker Lewis Can't Lose Is a Pivotal TV show

[@throwMeAway9001-bx8lv]

when I first watched this movie I didn't laugh at any of the jokes and just thought it was weird. It was only when I was retelling some of the jokes in the movie to my parents that it struck me how brilliant the humor is. I genuinely couldn't stop laughing at my own memory of the movie.

[@night0wl438]

I quote this movie all the time when I'm working as a grocery store cashier.

[@MattPicsET]

You have to do “Mean Girls” next!

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Another classic film!

[@Unusederas]

MR BEAT DOES MOVIE REVIEWS??? SIGN ME UP!!!

[@TJB270]

Only fitting since the 20th anniversary is upon us! Will always be a legendary movie

[@joninpgh]

Uncle Rico is one of the best supporting characters in cinema, ever.

[@DMSR76]

Napoleon Dynamite resonates with people because it's one of those rare films that actually depicts real life America. It's unpretentious. I'm a Black man from central Mississippi, and I could totally relate to it.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

I agree!

[@ThatTaiwaneseBrianCheng]

Freaking sweet

[@Ce13stialBunny]

Napoleon Dynamite is one of the greatest pieces of American New Wave cinema of all time

[@calebleland8390]

I remember everybody talking about this film when it came out, but I hadn't had a chance to see it. My sister-in-law bought the DVD and insisted I watch it. I sat down and watched, and I didn't laugh once during the entire movie. Then about a half hour after it was over, a random joke from the film popped in my head and I laughed for about ten minutes straight. I watched it again the next day and realized just how hilarious it is. Apparently I had a delayed reaction to it, but it's definitely a fantastic movie.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Your delayed reaction is pretty typical. This is a movie that is so wildly different that our brains don't know how to interpret it the first time we watch.

[@bre.172]

Bro blades of glory is iconic he’s a memorable actor even tho he didn’t ask to be one

[@drdogbarker3830]

How 'bout The Super (1991), a rare Joe Pesci comedy. His dancing with the tenants to "U Can't Touch This" is funny. It's been a couple decades. Edit: Wait....or Ferris Bueller's Day Off or Animal House! Or Office Space (has the best gifs ever made).

[@sammarks9146]

I clicked for the film review, and then said hey, I recognize that voice!

[@mattbeatgoeson]

It is I! :)

[@zch7491]

Napoleon, give me some tots

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Get your own tots

[@C_Baker]

Napoleon Dynamite is the definition of aura🔥

[@KC3YCU]

If not for Kip meeting Lafawndah online, one could be forgiven for thinking this was an 80s period piece

[@marshac1479]

Great film

[@gaiagoddess5360]

Jon Heder was also amazing in Blades of Glory!

[@megaman567891]

You gotta do how rush changed music

[@TonyMichaels166]

When I was younger I thought the movie was supposed to be set in the 80s. When I got older I realized it’s supposed to show how slowly time passes in small towns and can identify with it.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Yeah it caught me off guard the first time I watched it as well!

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Especially since I wasn't paying close attention during the opening credits!

[@han8635]

I was wondering where I remembered this voice😮

[@theunknownwastaken8600]

Hey can you do a video on the Rolling Stone’s history?

[@_consyl]

Only thing I know about this movie is that there's a frame of a person wearing an Ozma shirt in a bus

[@eliplayz22]

I watched this about a year, maybe two years ago. It’s a weird, but funny movie

[@Layton-yp4vw]

Petition to rename this channel to Mr beats

[@gguerard]

How about a video on Galaxy Quest?

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Interesting suggestion 🤔

[@UmCaraCool007]

a Fleetwood Mac video would be really amazing

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@tae8578]

It was just normal. It reminded me of how things were in my small town.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Considered "weird" by those dang coastal elites lol

[@ambergibson9559]

It's one of those subtly funny things... The grandma asking Uncle to watch two basically full-grown men but it turns out to be the uncle that needs to be watched.😂

[@mattbeatgoeson]

😆

[@sunnohh]

20 years later and I still feel robbed

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Here's your money back

[@NA-ii4vt]

You should talk about this movie called The Perks Of Being A Wallflower!

[@mattbeatgoeson]

I need to rewatch that one!

[@pooml.178]

For the next band, please cover Deep Purple! 🟣

[@tripleg724]

Can you do a video about oasis?

[@farmerdave7965]

I like your sleeves. They're really big.

[@Lightning_Racers_Revenge]

When are we getting ' How Green Day Changed Music"?

[@user-fr8ve7wf6i]

One of the best movies ever. Clean and good so will never be too big unfortunately. I can know who you are by asking “What do you think of Napoleon Dynamite?”

[@wallybally5527]

Is this Mr beat?

[@ajsarabia]

The guy named Jared in this video looks like the Jared from Subway. LoL

[@mattbeatgoeson]

lol woahness

[@BryanArratia-hi2ng]

Can you please do a video about the band the misfits

[@gonkdroid7281]

Can you do a video on the band Everclear? Also NAPOLEON DYNAMITE IS MY FAVORITE MOVIE

[@mattbeatgoeson]

Great suggestion!

[@JeremyAustin-hw1qy]

Bow to your sensei bow to your sensei haha 😂 my wife and I love this movie it's so quotable