About this Video

• Video Title: Napoleon Dynamite (2004): 20 Weird Facts You Didn’t Know
• Channel: MovieDude
• Speakers: The speaker's name is not explicitly mentioned in the transcript.
• Duration: 20:05

Introduction

This video presents twenty unusual behind-the-scenes facts about the making of the 2004 film Napoleon Dynamite. It highlights unexpected aspects of the film's production, casting, and reception, emphasizing its low-budget origins and surprising cultural impact.

Key Takeaways

1. Deb's character: The character Deb was inspired by director Jared Hess's wife's middle school experiences, including a memorable comment about her dress sleeves.
2. Preston, Idaho's popularity: The film's setting, Preston, Idaho, became a tourist destination for fans, even hosting "Napoleon Dynamite Days."
3. John Heder's pay: John Heder, the actor who played Napoleon, was paid only $1,000 for his starring role.
4. Improvised dance scene: Napoleon's iconic dance scene was improvised and filmed at the end of production; it was almost cut.
5. Pedro's shaved head: Efron Ramirez, who played Pedro, genuinely suffered heatstroke during filming, leading to his on-camera head shaving.
6. Costumes: The actors primarily wore their own clothes or thrift store finds due to the film's low budget.
7. Short filming schedule: Napoleon Dynamite was filmed in just 22 days.
8. Uncle Rico's inspiration: Uncle Rico's character was inspired by Jared Hess's own uncle.
9. "Vote for Pedro" shirts: The simple "Vote for Pedro" t-shirt became a massive pop culture phenomenon.
10. John Heder's tetherball injury: John Heder burned his head on a hot tetherball pole during filming.
11. Tina the Llama: The llama named Tina belonged to Jared Hess's family.
12. Kip's wedding scene: Kip's wedding scene was added after the Sundance Film Festival screening.
13. Napoleon's moon boots: Napoleon's moon boots were John Heder's own.
14. Netflix algorithm disruption: The film's polarizing reception significantly disrupted Netflix's recommendation algorithms.
15. Liger drawing: The liger drawing was a real doodle by John Heder.
16. Tina Majorino's acting hiatus: Tina Majorino had quit acting before being cast in Napoleon Dynamite.
17. Re-released with extra footage: Napoleon Dynamite was re-released with additional footage.
18. Origin as a short film: The film originated as a student short film titled Paluca.
19. Rex's actor's enthusiasm: The actor who played Rex loved the movie and kept his flag pants after filming.
20. John Heder's self-inflicted black eye: John Heder gave himself a black eye during filming.