Napoleon Dynamite (2004) – Rex Kwon Do Scene

This film may not be a cinematic masterpiece. However, it is on my list of all time favourite films due to its quirkiness, acting, comedic timing, costume and style. I first saw ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ when I was about 10 or 11. Still to this day, this film never fails to make me laugh. The very amusing ‘Rex Kwon Do’ scene from this film is one of my favourites, because in two and a half minutes, it displays the type of quirkiness and awkward comedy that makes this film what it is. From the very beginning of this scene, the intricate comedy is shown by shot construction, sound and editing. It begins by Napoleon walking into frame holding a casserole dish. Where we hear the calming sound of birds in the background and the random grunt of a llama, followed by the introduction of Kip, who is putting on a pair of black and pink inline skates. For me the randomness of this beginning is very entertaining, because the possibilities it sets up. It doesn’t tell much, but it keeps the audience scratching their heads in bewilderment. 

Kip looks up and says to Napoleon “it’d be nice if you could pull me into town”. The shot stays on Kip for a moment, there’s a moment of silence and we expect to hear a response from Napoleon. Instead the scene then cuts straight to Kip holding a rope tied to a bike ridden by Napoleon, which is pulling Kip along. The imagery of this scene is remarkable, coupled with the elevator style music that plays, as the two are shown to be very casual, while riding through a quiet neighbourhood and looking quite odd. For me, this very simple transition of a hard cut to the following image was hilariously remarkable. Everything about it was spot on, and I’m sure it did what it was meant to and received many laughs from audiences. 

Following this image, there is another hard cut and the music stops abruptly. The next image appears. We are introduced to martial arts guru, Rex, who is leading a class to advertise his “eight week program”. This scene’s brilliant display of costume and aesthetic, highlights the 3 main bodies in the scene with the use of costume and colour. Seen is Kip and Napoleon in sky blue, Rex in his famous all american attire and the rest of the class in dull grey colours which accentuates the 3 main roles.

This section is the bulk of the scene. I have seen this part more times that I can count. However, with further analysis I was able to pinpoint what makes this scene hilarious. The simplicity of this scene sees minimal camera movement. With a few tracking shots and mainly stationary mid and close ups, the awkwardness of the scene is increased because of the simplicity. The main element which carries the comedic essence, is the use of minimal sound, and extended silence. With the only sounds being those that come out of action, room tone and other diegetic sounds.