Napoleon Dynamite

Week 1: Homework

Napoleon Dynamite Title Sequence

The title sequence immediately gives a light-hearted feeling.  Different plates of food are placed on brightly coloured carpets, with the titles written in sauces on the plates.  The carpets hint at when the film is set, the 80s.  The colours are vibrant and contrast against each other, suggesting a happy tone to the film, therefore showing it is of the comedy genre.  The type of food also hints that the audience is teenagers, as it involves simple meals like chicken nuggets and school dinners.

 

After a few plates are placed down with a diegetic 'thunking' sound and then removed, an upbeat alternative background song begins, again suggesting the comedy genre.  The carpet changes colour back to the original and a wallet is opened, staying with the same point of view shot which does not change throughout the title sequence.  A diegetic velcro sound is heard when the wallet is opened.  A card is pulled out, showing 'U.F.O Abduction Insurance', suggesting the main character is a geek as he conforms to the stereotype of geeks being interested and believing in aliens.  Another card is shown, this time a school ID card for the main character.  His appearance confirms he is a typical geek, with big glasses and curly hair.  The titles for the main stars are cleverly placed on both these cards, revealing their character's personalities.