You just don't get it. And that's not a slam or an insult because even many who like it keep saying the plot is thin and the film has no meaning. The proof is that anyone who bothers to watch it more than once will say they like it more and it makes more sense each time they watch it. Why is that? I thought this film was nothing but site gags and one-liners? Wouldn't that cause the film to get old real quick? Ask yourself why this has become a cult-classic. It's not difficult to see why.
To say this movie is not complicated is an understatement. So why is the premise and meaning is still lost on so many people? Because of their expectations and preconceived notions. It's not typical or formulaic or "what you'd expect." And that's what makes it so great to those of us who get it. Let all that go and appreciate Napoleon for who he is and what he wants out of life. Put yourself in his shoes or Uncle Rico's or Deb's or Pedro's. Change your perspective before you watch next time.
From the very first scene on the bus to Napoleon's various dialogues (or lack of) with Pedro and Deb, this film subtly approaches some amazing character development. Uncle Rico is a realistic character and superbly played by no one I knew prior. Consider that in light of the fact this was a B-budget effort and first major attempt for Hess until Fox got a hold of it. With a nearly-no-name cast and a very dry script, the simplicity of this film holds more water than it should.
That says it all in comparison to the gaudy amounts of money spent on drippy dramas and over-the-top action films that continue to disappoint. Sure, those film's plots are discernible and easy to follow - and that's what's wrong. You're being fed what you want to eat. We're giving Hollywood credit for taking the easy way out because we are to lazy to think or focus during a film. It's easier to spend a lot of money when you have it and draw in box office numbers by fooling people with big name actors and explosive plots. It's more challenging to get a mostly unknown cast, write a story about seemingly nothing, and make one of the most unlikely adored films.
There is a plot and a meaning. It begins with his line on the bus, transcends through meeting Pedro and Deb, poignantly highlighted at the Prom (the shot behind the three of them during Forever Young), blatantly obvious in Pedro's speech, and wraps up perfectly in the final scene. It's so easy...
To say this movie is not complicated is an understatement. So why is the premise and meaning is still lost on so many people? Because of their expectations and preconceived notions. It's not typical or formulaic or "what you'd expect." And that's what makes it so great to those of us who get it. Let all that go and appreciate Napoleon for who he is and what he wants out of life. Put yourself in his shoes or Uncle Rico's or Deb's or Pedro's. Change your perspective before you watch next time.
From the very first scene on the bus to Napoleon's various dialogues (or lack of) with Pedro and Deb, this film subtly approaches some amazing character development. Uncle Rico is a realistic character and superbly played by no one I knew prior. Consider that in light of the fact this was a B-budget effort and first major attempt for Hess until Fox got a hold of it. With a nearly-no-name cast and a very dry script, the simplicity of this film holds more water than it should.
That says it all in comparison to the gaudy amounts of money spent on drippy dramas and over-the-top action films that continue to disappoint. Sure, those film's plots are discernible and easy to follow - and that's what's wrong. You're being fed what you want to eat. We're giving Hollywood credit for taking the easy way out because we are to lazy to think or focus during a film. It's easier to spend a lot of money when you have it and draw in box office numbers by fooling people with big name actors and explosive plots. It's more challenging to get a mostly unknown cast, write a story about seemingly nothing, and make one of the most unlikely adored films.
There is a plot and a meaning. It begins with his line on the bus, transcends through meeting Pedro and Deb, poignantly highlighted at the Prom (the shot behind the three of them during Forever Young), blatantly obvious in Pedro's speech, and wraps up perfectly in the final scene. It's so easy...