NAPOLEON DYNAMITE (2004) - directed by Jared Hess
(Part 1 of 7: Theme of Reinvention in Napoleon Dynamite)
Type in “self improvement” into Amazon.com and get a list of 53,596 results. The popularity of self improvement is because of the inherent human condition to reinvent oneself. Spielberg, Madonna, Michael Jackson, The Beatles are quick examples of artists who have all redefined reinvention. But when does reinvention emerge from the average person?
Self improvement resources lead us up a path to inspiration. We can all relate to inspiration. Reinvention is the result of inspiration. Whether you’re inspired by a book, Bible verse, movie, song or dance, etc. to alter an area of your life, you fall into the category of “reinvention”.
One movie that reflects this timeless and ever growing idea of reinvention is Napoleon Dynamite. Reinventing oneself isn’t easy especially if you reinvent yourself by just being yourself. Here’s a film with memorable characters who reinvent themselves and through their transformations remain true to who they are. This is true reinvention. Uncle Rico, Kip, Pedro, Deb and Napoleon teach us that the reinvention process doesn’t mean abandoning who you are - only improving upon who you are.
Reinvention surfaces from the following characters:
Uncle Rico
Kip
Pedro
Deb
Napoleon
(To Be Continued with Uncle Rico)
