The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the indie comedy hit “Napoleon Dynamite” with writer-director Jared Hess and star Jon Heder participating in a live commentary screening and conversation on Monday, June 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the Bing Theatre on the LACMA campus.
The event is the second in the Academy’s “Live Commentary!” series, inaugurated last year with a screening of “The Princess Bride” with Jason Reitman and Rob Reiner. The format, a live version of commentaries typically included on DVDs and other recorded media, opens the door to illuminating anecdotes, behind-the-scenes details and filmmaker insights in real time.
In 2004, audiences all over the world were introduced to Preston, Idaho’s very own Napoleon Dynamite. With his flaming red curls, moon boots, illegal government ninja moves and irascible quips, he became an icon. The Academy is honored to welcome Napoleon Dynamite co-writer-director Jared Hess and Jon Heder, the actor who portrayed the film’s Tater Tot-obsessed protagonist.
Together, Hess and Heder will offer a live commentary on their cult comedy classic as it screens, in honor of its tenth anniversary. Topics they may cover include online chat rooms, cage fighting, quad-runners, magical beasts, tetherball and the band Alphaville.