Blog Post 8: Mis en Scene: Napoleon Dynamite

Mise en Scene, the arrangement of scenery and its various stage properties, is one of the most crucial aspects of filmmaking and media creation in general. This French term encompasses everything the viewer sees within the frame, from set design and lighting to costume choices and actor positioning. To use all aspects of Mise en Scene efficiently is to encapsulate one's full vision into a physical scene, creating a cohesive visual language that speaks to the audience. One film in particular that exceeds at efficient and creative Mise en Scene is Napoleon Dynamite, which masterfully employs every element of its visual composition to create a distinct world that feels both timelessly retro and unique in its own right.

Still 1:

In this still, Napoleon, Kip, and Rico sit closely together on a couch, surrounded by modest furniture. The cramped positioning of the three characters subtly conveys their relationship as a small family unit. Rico, appearing the largest and most imposing, is portrayed as the dominant figure, emphasizing his temporary role as caretaker for Napoleon and Kip while their grandma is away. This arrangement helps convey the family dynamic and Rico’s self-assumed authority within the household.

    Still 2:

In this still, Napoleon is standing in front of his house, surrounding him is a dull, flat garden with flowers that appear to be unattended to, With napoleon is a book, nothing more. This unappealing, unenthusiastic, and rather boring and barren scene helps to perfectly establish the general aesthetic of the film. the boring mundane life of an average run of the mill teenager living in an uneventful rural town. The wide shot helps to show the bleakness of the lawn, revealing it's dry patches and flowers, which is rather common in rural homes, this adds a sense of realism, as the scene purposefully captures the ordinary and unremarkable nature of life in such an environment.

Still 3:

In this still, Uncle Rico is in the middle of nowhere, with nothing but his van and camera. The scene can be interpreted as symbolic in a way, as Uncle Rico want's to be renound for his football talent. but rather than demonstrating his skills in front of people, he is doing it in the middle of nowhere, with not a single person in sight, just Rico and his camera.

Still 4:

In this still, Napoleon is dancing alone on stage for Pedro’s voting presentation, bathed in the spotlight with no one else around. The scene emphasizes Napoleon as the center of attention, with the entire school focused solely on him. This moment highlights his vulnerability and uniqueness, as he steps outside his comfort zone to perform. The stark lighting and empty stage emphasize the intensity of the moment, symbolizing Napoleon’s individuality. His dance becomes a defining act of self-expression, helping Pedro’s campaign while showcasing Napoleon’s unorthodox character.