Napoleon Dynamite: A Quirky Cinematic Icon Celebrates 20 Years
In the realm of eccentric films, few have achieved the cult status and enduring popularity of “Napoleon Dynamite.” Now, as we mark the 20th anniversary since its release, it’s time to reflect on the far-reaching impact of this low-budget gem. Directed by Jared Hess and co-written by Hess and his wife Jerusha, the film took the world by surprise in 2004, earning an impressive $44 million at the box office. Since then, the Hesses have built a successful career in the film industry, all while leading a family life in the vicinity of Salt Lake City.
Following the success of “Napoleon Dynamite,” Jared Hess went on to direct five more films, including “Nacho Libre,” “Gentlemen Broncos,” “Don Verdean,” “Masterminds,” and the upcoming animated production “Thelma the Unicorn,” set to be released on Netflix this year. He has also helmed two documentary miniseries: “Murder Among the Mormons” and “Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators.” Meanwhile, Jerusha, who co-wrote four of these films with her husband, also stepped into the director’s chair for “Austenland,” a romantic comedy based on a novel by Utah author Shannon Hale. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013.
The couple’s latest collaboration is the short animated film “Ninety-Five Senses,” which has been nominated for an Oscar. This latest accolade further underscores their talent and creativity.
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Sundance Institute, “Napoleon Dynamite” is set to make a comeback at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024. Jerusha Hess, along with the film’s star, Jon Heder, will participate in a post-screening discussion on Wednesday, January 24, at 7:00 p.m. at The Ray Theatre in Park City. The film will also be screened on Saturday, January 20, at 12:30 p.m. at the Broadway Centre Cinemas in Salt Lake City.
Unfortunately, Jared Hess will not be able to attend these screenings as he is currently in New Zealand, where he has begun filming his latest project – the blockbuster adaptation of the popular video game “Minecraft.” The film is set to be released in 2025, marking a new chapter in Hess’s career.
Before embarking on his journey to New Zealand, the Hesses spoke to “The Salt Lake Tribune” about the genesis of “Napoleon Dynamite,” the significance of Sundance for them, and how their collaborative career led them to “Minecraft.”
When asked about the inspiration behind “Napoleon Dynamite,” Jared and Jerusha shared insightful anecdotes, painting a vivid picture of their creative process. Instead of quoting them directly, let’s delve into the essence of their responses:
The idea for “Napoleon Dynamite” stemmed from the Hesses’ own experiences growing up surrounded by quirky characters and awkward family dynamics. Their aim was to create a relatable character named Napoleon Dynamite and build a story around his life. The film draws heavily from Jared’s upbringing as the oldest of six brothers in Idaho, with many of Napoleon’s lines and actions being inspired by real-life events. Jerusha, who grew up with seven brothers, also found parallels between her own life and the film’s themes.
Over the years, various rumors circulated about the inspirations for characters like Pedro and Uncle Rico, with some claiming they were based on specific individuals in Salt Lake City. However, the Hesses clarified that these characters were products of their imagination and the collective experiences of growing up in a large family.
As for the casting of Jon Heder in the role of Napoleon, it was a fortuitous discovery during their time together at Brigham Young University. Recognizing Heder’s comedic talent, Jared knew he had found the perfect fit for the role. Despite Heder’s cool and stylish appearance at the time, the Hesses transformed him into the iconic character through a quirky makeover involving a perm and borrowed moon boots.
During the creative process, several changes were made to the script, resulting in a shorter film than initially planned. Through experimentation and editing, they honed the story to its final 80-minute form, shaping the unique narrative that audiences have come to love.
The remarkable success of “Napoleon Dynamite” and the subsequent achievements of the Hesses have firmly solidified their place in the film industry. With each new project they undertake, they continue to captivate audiences with their distinctive storytelling and offbeat sensibilities.
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