Does "Napoleon Dynamite" bring out the worst in its audience?

Question

Does it cater to our worst nature? I only ask because--unlike Austin Powers, Ace Ventura, Captain Jack Sparrow, and other fun stupid characters--Napoleon is never in on the joke. Furthermore, he's not a likable character. So as audience members, we are clearly laughing at him and not with him.

Still doubt the possibility that the movie serves our worst natures and possibly even makes bullying acceptable? Ask yourself this: if Napoleon had attended your school, would you and your friends have allowed him to hang out with you?

Responders, please don't tell me to lighten up and enjoy it because it's just a comedy. I love comedies like "The 40 Year Old Virgin" and "Shaun of the Dead" with likable leads who wink and laugh at their own absurdity. Napoleon never laughs. He's never in on the joke. And by laughing we're no better than those who pick on him throughout the movie.

Thanks Big D: every "f*ck you" I get just really drives the point home.

Answer 1

I thought ND was refreshingly original.

Since he is the lead we do sympathize with him even has we laugh at some of the dorkier things he does.
It's a newer way to make a situation comedy, the things that happen to us make us cringe in embarrassment the same Ray Barone does .. and he's certainly clueless, yet kinda lovable as well.

One simply needs to view it in the frame it was intended - as a situation comedy.
It's not a parody like Austin Powers
It's not a physical comedy like Ace Ventura.
It's not a romantic comedy like 40 Year Old Virgin.

Understanding what you are watching is the first step. Then, like watching I Love Lucy, you wince and laugh at the horrible situations ND has put himself in.

Answer 2

I think your thoughts are very valid and you have a good heart for thinking of things this way. I know that movies, songs, books, ect are our escape into a make believe world. Us laughing at Napoleon Dynamite is the same as us feeling sorry for a guy that is killed in a airplane crash in an action movie. Yes these things really do happen in real life, but our reactions to them in a movie or book are different then our actions in real life ( at least most of the time. I think it comes down to the person and how they really are in real life, and they would be boring if they couldn't laugh at a character as amusing as Napoleon.

Answer 3

Orlando Bloom could be somewhat wood. It potential stiff and clearly talking on cue. he's gotten extra useful, yet whilst he wasn't so sturdy finding, he possibly does not have made it. He has an stunning face. performing is definitely approximately having an adventure as that character, you're no longer preforming in any respect. once you're attempting to preform, it is going to look cheesy and be excellent. that's what makes a sturdy actor/actress, in the event that they are certainly experiencing what's occurring interior the action picture. Watch Pirates of the Caribbean VERY heavily sometime in case you pick an answer. there is this type of distinction between Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom. they are the two impressive, yet one is performing and one is experiencing. that's what makes an Academy Award winner. If all actors look the comparable to you, no longer something incorrect with that, you're basically no longer meant to be an performing critic :-).

Answer 4

Did you miss the whole underlying theme of Napoleon Dynamite? (Acceptance?) I didn't think it was that subtle as to be so misunderstood by you as a mean-spirited. The movie is about how characters who are flawed are still accepted by others despite their imperfections. My gosh - in the future you may not want to stray too far from those run-of-the-mill comedies you listed.

Answer 5

Maybe. but laughing at someone does not mean you don't like them. People like napoleon because he was an O.K. nerd. he was the kind of nerd that at a real high school would have freinds because he was a good person.
think back in high school remember that one nerd who had freinds, just because he was a nice guy so people took up for him. most of the funniest parts of the movie are not things people do to him, but things he does to himself.

Answer 6

Its character acting. All the characters in ND are unique and funny and require a dry sense of humor. Its Human Nature to make fun of the helpless, and if you say you would never do that, your lying to yourself.

And besides he gets the girl in the end, and thats what really matters.

Answer 7

I thought it was a funny movie, but it's really something I watched because there wasn't much else to do. I wouldn't say it brings out the worst in anybody.

Answer 8

Just to get this out... I Hate that movie!!
I think it is one of the biggest wastes of film ever. And the clincher is....most of my friends love it!! I am constantly reminded of it's absurdity with one-liners from the film that STILL are not funny even when put into the context of group conversations. And yes, I have been told to lighten up and it's funny..just a movie...blah blah blah. In answer to your question..
"would you and your friends have allowed him to hang out with you?" HAAAIILL No. I wasn't popular, or cool even and I would never have wanted anyone that negative and depressing being associated with me. OK thanks for the opportunity to vent!

Answer 9

Yuck. And yuck to the 40 yr. old Virgin. That movie was so slow in humor, I gave up watching it. Napolean Dynamite was a total waste of money. Ick.

Answer 10

People that dont like that movie DONT get it and dont get that type of humor. Most young people didn't live back in the 1980s so they dont understand the jokes. The movie is genius.