Napoleon Dynamite Opening Sequence Analysis

This is the first shot we see in Napoleon Dynamite. This is a very artistic first shot to see in a film and it immediately sets the genre of the film, which is an independent film.The first shot is on a red carpet, which represents power and gains the attention of the audience.The font of the title is incorporate into the shot rather than edited in, which is a very creative way to present the opening credits. The font is a hand written font in ketchup, which implies that this film is informal and more of a comedic film rather than a serious film.At this stage in the opening credits, there is no music, only the sound

of the place hitting the floor. This makes the atmosphere awkward and a little comic, which is an exact representation of the main character in the film, Napoleon Dynamite. It gives you an insight of how the film will be shot. The shots are all point-of-view shots, which is also informal, giving the sense that you are looking down at the plate from the eyes of the main character.

This is the first main credit you see. It is also a point-of-view shot. The main character pulls this out of his wallet and shows the viewer. At this stage, you do not see the characters face; therefore it leaves an interest as to who this mysterious character is. The idea that he is

showing you, the direct viewer, something personal of his makes his character already seem friendly and informal. This implies that the audience is involved.The card that the main character is showing us is a funny implication very early on in the film. It implies that the main character is “geeky” and starts an attachment to the characters personality. The music starts at this stage, which is light, alternative, awkward piece of music, which follows the theme of the opening credits. It also foreshadows the general awkward theme of the film.

The next shot is the first shot where we see the main character, in the form of a picture.The shot is a very comical moment in the opening credits, as the character is re-enforced to be geeky and ugly, through use of makeup and props.It allows the audience to connect further with the character. The pace of all of these clips is steady and repetitive. The shot also shows a high school card, which sets the scene in a school. This is also comical as it presents the idea that the character is a teenager in college, whereas we can see the actor is obviously too old for college.

This shot is a sketch that the main character shows the camera. It also shows more of his character by letting us know he has an interest in drawing. It also re-enforces the idea that it is set in a school, and plays with his ironic age, as the drawing is very childish. The final shot shown in the opening credits is using school props, and are messily placed by the main character himself, implying that he is a clumsy, careless character.It foreshadows the film which is now presented to be messy, unorganized and comical.