Point 14: Textual Analysis of 'Napoleon Dynamite' Opening Sequence

Napoleon Dynamite is an independent film made in 2004 about an awkward teenager living in a small town called Preston where him and his friend Pedro decide to run for class president. The opening title sequence very much so falls into the category of independent film with what seems to be a purposeful rough edge to the editing and filming techniques used.

The editing of the title sequence has the clips cutting from one to another sharply and clearly with the floor that the camera is focused on changing every time the clip changes. However once or twice they use the filming technique of focusing onto a certain part of the screen to focus the audience. The filming technique throughout is a birds-eye view with a close up of a small section of carpet. The film is shot with a consistent point of view with the camera not moving position throughout the sequence.

The sound starts off as birds chirping as though it is morning in a quiet area of town or a rural area. Then twenty seconds into the title sequence “We’re Going to be Friends” by The White Stripes begins to play. Throughout the sequence plates of food are placed on the table and the clunking of them being put down by the visible hands at the start of every shot is clear over the song. The choice of “We’re Going to be Friends” foreshadows the fact that the main character Preston is going to make a new friend called Pedro.

The lighting within the opening sequence is natural and reflects the reality that comes along with independent films. The colours used throughout the sequence are bold and bright. This could represent the fashion over the early 00’s and the lightness of the film due to it being a comedy. The different coloured carpets.

It is easy to conclude that the genre is comedy through the title sequence as the title props food and other random objects. This makes the film come across as lighthearted and definitely not serious. This also makes it easier to see that the target audience is teenagers as the opening isn’t very mature. The opening title sequence doesn’t give you a clear depiction of the story but does introduce you too the main character and the overall mood of the film.