Napoleon Dynamite

If this didn't seem so much like a film made to make those same kids bust a gut laughing at nerds, the ploy might even have worked.". Schiavo's diagnosis of being in a persistent vegetative state and that he provided her with appropriate care."^[43]. It also allows the film to score some unearned points by taking a stand against the inevitable, dull tyranny of the popular kids. DCF investigators found the claims to be groundless, stating that there were "no indicators" of abuse in any of the cases and concluding that "[t]he preponderance of the evidence shows that Michael Schiavo followed doctors' orders [regarding] Ms. Club states "a seemingly ill-considered run for class president that provides Napoleon Dynamite's only semblance of a plot. These included Terri supposedly being in pain from recent dental work, Terri not having had any dental work for years prior to that, and the blinds in her room not being open wide enough. Keith Phipps of The Onion A.V. During the final stages of the court battle in March 2005, around 30 individuals made a variety of complaints to the DCF, alleging various abuses.

Many other critics voiced that, while the film's humor was unique, the movie's target audience and apparent intentions met too ironically, forming an ultimately useless plot. On March 11, 2005, media tycoon Robert Herring (who believes that stem cell research could have cured Schiavo's condition) offered $1 million (USD) to Michael Schiavo if he agreed to cede his guardianship to his wife's parents.^[42] The offer was rejected; George Felos, attorney for Michael Schiavo, described it as "offensive," adding that Michael had rejected other monetary offers, including one of $10 million (USD). Some praised the movie for its unconventional humor, while others decried the film for much the same reason. The Schindlers' legal fight was funded by a variety of sources on the political right.^[41]. Critically, Napoleon Dynamite was very divisive. Although the vast majority of protests were nonviolent, two of the more extreme acts included death threats aimed towards Michael Schiavo. Although the only official movie merchandise is the DVD, many retailers are selling unofficial clothing and other merchandise based on the film, particularly "Vote for Pedro" t-shirts designed to look like the amateurish shirts worn in the movie. The case drew notable figures on both sides of the debate, as well as many pressure groups and public protesters.

Repeating memorable quotations from the movie, such as "Sweet!","Heck yes", "Gosh", "Freakin' idiot", "Tina you fat lard, come get some dinner!", "My lips hurt real bad!" and "Vote for Pedro", has become a trendy part of popular youth culture. A number of opinion polls were carried out, particularly on the question of federal involvement in the Terri Schiavo case, with conflicting results. Napoleon Dynamite has had a very noticeable impact on popular culture since its theatrical release in June 2004. The Terri Schiavo case held the attention of both American and international audiences and had major political ramifications. The uniting nature of diversity is more clearly expressed in a scene after the end credits in which Kip and LaFawnduh are married, where people of all backgrounds come together to celebrate within the predominantly white, conservative town. Jay Wolfson was appointed by Florida legislature to "deduce and represent the best wishes and bests interests of Theresa Schiavo." He reported to Governor Jeb Bush that "the evidence that served as the basis for the decisions regarding Theresa Schiavo were firmly grounded within Florida statutory and case law, which clearly and unequivocally provide for the removal of artificial nutrition in cases of persistent vegetative states," and that the evidence regarding Schiavo's medical condition and intentions had been "deemed, by the trier of fact to be clear and convincing." and "The reasonable degree of medical certainty associated with her diagnosis and prognosis is very high."^[40]. Although presented subtly, diversity is a common theme in the film: Napoleon and Kip find victory and love, respectively, in African-American culture; Pedro, a Mexican, triumphs over the stereotypical blonde-haired American cheerleader. In 2003, guardian ad litem Dr.

To that end, Kip ditches the Internet for LaFawnduh and subsequently a new style, Rico's ex returns to him, Deb dons a new hair style, Pedro wins over his new classmates, and the popular crowd becomes integrated with those previously considered unpopular. The court determined that she had made "credible and reliable" statements that she wouldn't want to be "kept alive on a machine," based on expert testimony, finding that Americans don't want to live "with no hope of improvement," and that her condition in a persistent vegetative state had "long since satisfied" the requirement that there be no hope of improvement.^[39]. Towards the end of the movie, however, everyone snaps out of the past and into the present. During a trial in 2000, testimony was heard from witnesses on both sides to establish Schiavo's wishes regarding life support. This is evident in Deb's fashion sense (her hair and wardrobe), Uncle Rico's appearance and wistfulness, Kip's fashion sense (a nerdy, retro wardrobe and excessively large glasses), and Pedro's bewilderment at being reprimanded for practicing a "Mexican tradition". Schiavo's husband insisted that she had expressed her wishes not to be kept on life support with no hope for improvement. Virtually everyone in the movie is stuck either in the '80s era or a past state-of-mind. Judge Greer rejected their request.^[38].

All the characters of Napoleon Dynamite experience a rite-of-passage. This led to a challenge by Schiavo's parents, who requested a new trial about whether their daughter, as a devout Catholic, would wish to go against the Church's teaching. When asked when his movie was set, writer/director Jared Hess simply replied, "Idaho.". Pope John Paul II stated that health care providers are morally bound to provide food and water to patients in persistent vegetative states. The films of Wes Anderson, for instance, have the same out-dated electronics/music/clothing while still taking place in the present. David Gibbs III, the lead lawyer for Terri Schiavo’s parents, supported Vatican statements which condemned her treatment as euthanasia. One could argue that such anachronisms have become popular in hipster film culture. Michael had her gravestone read:.

The retro aspects of the movie have been suggested by some to be a depiction of cultural stagnation, or an homage to similar genre films of the 1980s, such as Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The Schindlers' attorney stated that the family was notified by fax only after the memorial service; by then, the family had already started getting calls from reporters.^[37] The ashes were interred at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park in Clearwater, Florida. Finally, Napoleon's school ID card, as shown in the opening credits, clearly reads "2004/2005," unambiguously setting the movie in the present-day. On June 20, the cremated remains of Terri Schiavo were buried. The hydraulically equipped car in which Napoleon gets a lift to the dance - and the music playing therein - are fairly modern icons. He was under court order to provide this information to them. Yet Uncle Rico (who appears to be in his late 30s to early 40s) frequently refers to his high school glory days of 1982 (the date on which he set the aforementioned "time machine"). On May 7, Schiavo's parents made public a complaint that they hadn't been informed of when and where the ashes of their daughter had been (or were to be) buried by Michael Schiavo.

However, the model of computer is arguably from at least the early to mid 1990's and he is using a dial up internet service that charges users by how long they have been on, a practice uncommon in the US since at least 1997. It can be heard here (Audio: MP3 Format).^[36]. Kip uses the Internet for dating and purchasing a "time machine". Father Frank Pavone, an activist with Priests for Life, delivered the homily. The type of tupperware Uncle Rico is seen selling door-to-door has not been available for purchase for many years. Her parents offered a memorial Mass for her at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Gulfport on April 5. Throwbacks to the 1990s come from music by the Backstreet Boys and Jamiroquai used in the choreography of Summer and Pedro's skits. Schiavo's body was cremated following the autopsy.

Other vestiges of earlier decades include fashion trends that reflect those of the 70s and 80s, and a VCR in the Dynamite residence that resembles those from the early days of video technology. The manner of death will therefore be certified as undetermined.". For example, the music playing at the school dance is from the 1980s, featuring Alphaville and Cyndi Lauper. The cause of which [sic] cannot be determined with reasonable medical certainty. While the film is set in the present day, it contains many anachronisms. Schiavo suffered severe anoxic brain injury. Napolean goes to Deseret Industries, a thrift store operated by the LDS Church to buy his infamous suit. Regarding the cause and manner of Schiavo’s death, Thogmartin wrote, "Mrs.

Catholic crosses and statue images are placed prominently in some scenes, particularly at Pedro's house. The examiners also found no evidence that Schiavo had been the victim of trauma (such as domestic violence). At the same time, the director seems to have taken care to not project an overt presence of Mormon culture. Although it was stated that Schiavo suffered from an eating disorder that caused a serious electrolyte disturbance, stopping her heart, the autopsy itself showed did not provide, and could not have provided, evidence to support this claim. Fashions in Mormon culture tend to be more modest than those of popular culture. Aside from a localized, healed inflammation, the cardiac pathologist who studied Schiavo's heart found it and the coronary vessels to be healthy. Characters, even those intended to be the popular girls, do not wear shorts any shorter than knee-length. In the case of Terri Schiavo, seven of the eight neurologists who examined her in her last years stated that she met the clinical criteria for PVS; the serial CT scans, EEGs, the one MRI, and finally, the pathologic findings, were consistent with that diagnosis.

polygamy laws in the nineteenth century. Ancillary investigations, such as CT scans, MRI, EEGs, and lately fMRI and PET scanning, may only provide support for the clinical impression—as might the pathologic findings, after death. The principal's reference to "Juarez"—where he assumes Pedro is from—is a reference to Colonia Juarez, a Mormon colony in Mexico founded to evade U.S. As the condition is defined in clinical terms, it can therefore only be diagnosed in persons who, at some point, are shown to meet those clinical terms. In the DVD extras, there is an interview with Jon Heder in which he jokes that perhaps Napoleon and Deb may be "sealed for time and all eternity"—a reference to the Mormon belief in "eternal marriage" or "sealing" performed in LDS temples. Nelson, P.A., cautioned that "[n]europathologic examination alone of the decedent’s brain – or any brain for that matter – cannot prove or disprove a diagnosis of persistent vegetative state or minimally conscious state."^[35] The vegetative state is a behaviorally defined syndrome of complete unawareness, to self and to environment, that occurs in a person who nevertheless experiences wakefulness. I'd vote for you.") He wears a t-shirt that reads "Ricks College", the former junior college located in Rexburg, Idaho now known as BYU Idaho. Stephen J.

(For Example: "What the flip was Grandma doing at the Sand Dunes?" or "Heck yes. The damage was, in the words of Thogmartin, "irreversible, and no amount of therapy or treatment would have regenerated the massive loss of neurons."^[34] Dr. Napoleon uses euphemisms like flip, gosh, and heck that are common in Mormon circles, as alternatives to swearing. There was marked damage to important relay circuits deep in the brain (the thalami)—another common pathologic hallmark of PVS. The film also displays many quirky references to Mormon popular culture. The pattern of damage to the cortex, with injury tending to worsen from the front of the cortex to the back, is also typical. In April 2005, the Idaho state legislature approved a resolution commending the filmmakers for producing Napoleon Dynamite, specifically enumerating the benefits the movie has brought to Idaho as well as for showcasing various aspects of Idaho's culture and economy [1]. Throughout the cerebral cortex, the large pyramidal neurons that comprise some 70 percent of cortical cells—critical to the functioning of the cortex—were completely lost.

Napoleon T-shirts have also become somewhat hot commodities in 2005, selling at many stores that sell novelty shirts, such as Hot Topic. The neuropathologic changes in her brain were precisely of the type seen in patients who enter a PVS following cardiac arrest. Preston held a Napoleon Dynamite Festival celebrating the film on June 24-25,2005, and an estimated 6,000 people attended the two-day event. Microscopic examination revealed extensive damage to nearly all brain regions, including the cerebral cortex, the thalami, the basal ganglia, the hippocampus, the cerebellum, and the midbrain. Since the release of Napoleon, it has become a tourist attraction of sorts, with the school, Preston High School, being a main feature. The brain itself weighed 615 g, only half the weight expected for a female of her age, height, and weight. Preston, Idaho is a real town located near the Utah border, and is predominantly Mormon. Examination of Schiavo’s nervous system revealed extensive injury.

As Jon Heder jokingly said in an interview: "I think they might one day find it in their hearts to unite for eternity.". The official autopsy report^[33] was released on June 15, 2005. The film follows Napoleon Dynamite's friends Pedro (Efren Ramirez) and Deb (Tina Majorino) as they become true and close friends, and as Deb and Napoleon "hook up". Thogmartin also arranged for specialized cardiac and genetic examinations to be made. The movie has no strong plot, but the largest sub-plot of Napoleon Dynamite revolves around Pedro Sanchez's quest to become Class President of Preston High School. Jon Thogmartin. Napoleon's nerdy, unemployed (and nearly unemployable) brother Kip spends most of his day "chattin' with hot babes" on the internet--with his surprising success serving as one of several sub-plots within the movie. The autopsy was lead by Dr.

Napoleon lives with his 32-year-old computer-geek brother Kip and their grandmother, who sends the somewhat dim ex-high school jock, Uncle Rico, to look after them while she is hospitalized. The manner of death was certified as "undetermined", but acute dehydration was noted. As the film-makers state in the DVD commentaries, much of their own social awkwardness growing up in Utah was the inspiration for the characters. It revealed extensive brain damage and generally supported the PVS diagnosis. The movie is semi-autobiographical. The autopsy occurred on April 1, 2005. Though the film has been described as "quirky", it is not in the same vein as the Wes Anderson films, as the main character, his brother, and some of his friends' behaviors mirror a flatness and ennui characteristic often associated with his generation. After her death, Schiavo's body was taken to the office of the medical examiner for Pinellas and Pasco counties.

The film showcases Napoleon's personality and circle of equally quirky friends, family, and associates in his predominantly Mormon hometown of Preston, Idaho. The Schindler family was allowed into the room after Michael Schiavo had left.^[32]. The film follows the protagonist Napoleon Dynamite, an introverted, dorky high school student with a penchant for "tots", drawing fantasy creatures, fishing for bass, and telling implausible stories. Her parents, who had been denied access to her during her last hours, went to the hospice to visit her when they were informed she might be approaching death; they arrived half an hour after her death. . EST on Thursday, March 31, 2005, with her husband Michael at her side. It was filmed in Preston, Idaho. Terri Schiavo died at 9:05 a.m.

In 2005, it won three MTV Movie Awards, for Breakthrough Male Performance, Best Musical Performance, and Best Movie. As her tongue was too dry to receive a small piece of the host, she received under the species of wine, one drop being placed on her tongue. Although it is popular with people of all ages and generations, it is particuarly popular among members of Generation Y, who seem to identify with the film to some degree. The Eucharist, according to the teaching of the Catholic Church, can be received under the consecrated species of either bread (referred to as the host) or wine. The DVD was released on December 21, 2004. In accordance with the Catholic ritual of Viaticum, she received the Eucharist for the last time; it had been administered to her once through her feeding tube just before it was removed. The film cost only $400,000 to make. The next day, Schiavo was given the Anointing of the Sick ("Last Rites").

Napoleon debuted in 2004, earning $116,666 in its limited release opening weekend, $2,083,493 in its wide release opening weekend, and over $44.5 million as of January 1, 2006. On March 26, 2005, Bob and Mary Schindler announced that their legal options had been exhausted. The movie is based on the short film he directed at Brigham Young University with Jon Heder, Peluca, which was discovered at the Slamdance Film Festival. In jest, one official said local police discussed "...whether we had enough officers to hold off the National Guard."^[31]. Napoleon Dynamite is an American independent film written and directed by Jared Hess. If Bush (or the Florida Legislature) had ignored Greer's order by attempting to remove Schiavo from the hospice, a confrontation between the Pinellas Park Police Department and the FDLE agents could have ensued. "Music for a Found Harmonium" by Penguin Cafe Orchestra. Governor Bush decided to obey the court order despite enormous pressure from the political right.

"Light In Your Eyes" by Sheryl Crow. Once Greer was made aware of the stay, he ordered it lifted and all parties stood down. "The Rose" by Bette Midler. While the stay was in effect, Florida Department of Law Enforcement personnel prepared to take custody of Terri and transfer her to a local hospital for reinsertion of the feeding tube. "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper. The order was appealed to the 2nd DCA the following day, which resulted in an automatic stay under state law. "The Promise" by When In Rome. On March 24, 2005, Greer denied a petition for intervention by the Department of Children & Families (DCF) and signed an order forbidding the department from "taking possession of Theresa Marie Schiavo or removing her" from the hospice and directed "each and every and singular sheriff of the state of Florida" to enforce his order.

"So Ruff, So Tuff" by Zapp and Roger. It suggested the Schiavo case offered "a great political issue" that would appeal to the party's base (core supporters) and could be used against Senator Bill Nelson, a Democrat from Florida who is up for reelection in 2006, because he had refused to co-sponsor the bill.^[30]. "Canned Heat" by Jamiroquai. The memo was written by Brian Darling, the legal counsel to Florida Republican senator Mel Martinez. "Design" by Fiction Company. At the same time, the so-called Schiavo memo surfaced, causing a political firestorm. "Larger than Life" by Backstreet Boys. Supreme Court declined to grant certiorari, effectively ending the Schindlers' legal options.

"Forever Young" by Alphaville. As in the state courts, all of the Schindlers' federal petitions and appeals were denied, and the U.S. "A-Team Theme". EST. "We're Going to Be Friends" by The White Stripes. from his vacation in Texas in order to sign the bill into law at 1:11 a.m. About 10 minutes and 03 seconds into the movie the awful looking meal that Grandma sets out for Napoleon to feed to Tina was supposed to be Hamburger Helper but when the scene was filmed it was actually Tuna Casserole with Homemade Croutons mixed in. President Bush flew to Washington D.C.

Jon Gries who plays Uncle Rico also does not drink milk. EST. Between scenes, Jon Heder helped to make the boondoggle keychains which are featured conspicuously in the film. The bill passed the House on March 21 at 12:41 a.m. Exactly 11 minutes and 42 seconds into the film Napoelon says to Deb "I already get my hair cut at the Cuttin' Corral." The Cuttin Corral is an actual hair salon in Preston, Idaho. Governor Bush and Congressional Republicans anticipated Greer's adverse ruling well before it was delivered and worked on a daily basis to find an alternative means of overturning the legal process by utilizing the authority of the United States Congress.^[29] On March 20, 2005, the Senate (with only three members present) passed their version of the resolution, followed by the House of Representatives, a private bill which came to be called the "Palm Sunday Compromise" (S-686), transferring jurisdiction of the Schiavo case to the federal courts. (Which is 200,000 dollars.). Greer told congressional attorneys, "I have had no cogent reason why the (congressional) committee should intervene." He also stated that last-minute action by Congress does not invalidate years of court rulings.^[27][28] Although Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, Senator Rick Santorum, and House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, brought the possibility of sanctioning Greer on charges of contempt of Congress, Congress did not attempt to enforce the subpoenas or take any action against Greer.

It cost half as much to film the single extra scene than it did to film the rest of the movie. Following Greer's order on March 18, 2005 to remove the feeding tube, Republicans in the United States Congress subpoenaed both Michael and Terri Schiavo to testify at a congressional hearing.^[25] It is contempt of Congress to prevent or discourage congressional witnesses from testifying.^[26] The purpose of the subpoenas was thus to postpone the feeding tube removal. The extra scene at the end of the movie was actually included in the theatrical release of the film, not just on the DVD. The Florida Supreme Court then overturned the law as unconstitutional.^[24]. Preston High School, Napoleon's high school, has started an actual "Happy Hands Club" since the release of the film. On May 5, 2004, Baird found "Terri's Law" unconstitutional, and struck it down.^[21] Bush appealed this order to the 2nd DCA, but, on May 12, they issued an "Order Relinquishing Case for Entry of Final Judgment and Order to Show Cause Why this Proceeding Should Not be Certified to the Supreme Court As Requiring Immediate Resolution."^[22] The 2nd DCA, in sending it directly to the Florida's Supreme Court, invoked "pass through" jurisdiction.^[23]. Heder also said that they started to smell. On March 17, Baird denied the Schindlers the right to intervene a 2nd time,^[17] and the Schindlers, represented by the conservative American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), appealed the right to participate in the "Terri's Law" case, with the court scheduling an oral argument ^[18] date for June 14.^[19] The Schindlers' other attorney, Pat Anderson, was concurrently challenging Michael Schiavo's right to be Terri's guardian, and, on June 16, ^[20] she made a petition for writ of Quo Warranto, a pleading that asks "by what right" someone acts in an official capacity.

By the end of the movie they were falling apart and were being held together by duct tape. They appealed, and, on February 13, the Florida Second District Court of Appeal (2nd DCA) reversed Baird's ruling,^[16] allowing them to participate. Napoleon's "moon boots" belonged to Jerusha Hess' Uncle Wally and he let Jon Heder use them for the film. Greer. The "Happy Hands" Club was inspired by a real club at Preston High School called The "Good Hands" Club. Douglas Baird, a Circuit Judge in the Florida 6th Circuit, the same circuit as for Judge George W. They are listed horizontally from left to right. At the same time, Robert and Mary Schindler, Terri's parents attempted to intervene and participate in the "Terri's Law" case but were denied by Judge W.

All 189 student extras in the film are individually listed in the closing credits. Michael Schiavo opposed the Governor's intervention, and was represented, in part, by the ACLU. She was played by Aaron Ruell's (Kip) wife, Julia Ruell. Bush immediately ordered the feeding tube reinserted. The lady on the bicycle who approaches Rico near the end of the film is his ex, who is mentioned earlier in the movie. Earlier, in October of 2003, when the Schindlers' final appeal was exhausted, the Florida Legislature passed "Terri's Law,"^[15] giving Governor Jeb Bush the authority to intervene in the case. The music used in the campaign poster montage is the A-Team theme song. Congress made use of extraordinary measures to support the Schindlers.

Joanne had a Barbie Doll and he grabbed it and tossed it out the window on a shoe lace. Both the state government of Florida and the U.S. The scene where Napoleon is riding on the school bus and holding an action figure out the window is a reference to a prank Jon Heder played on the way to third grade with a girl named Joanne who had recently moved to his town from Labrador City, Newfoundland. Many are obviously not aware of the medical exams undertaken for the 2002 trial..." ^[14]. Towards the beginning of the film, Napoleon draws flatulence coming out of a Unicorn's rear-end. Greer noted that "[m]ost of the doctor affidavits submitted are based on their understanding of Schiavo's condition from news reports or video clips they have seen. The Director had Jon Heder dance to three different songs for the ending Dance Sequence and they took out the various songs during editing, and left the Dance Moves in and they fit together really nicely. Both are asking for an experimental procedure." ^[13] The following day, Greer denied the first motion as well, citing that an affiant doctor for Michael cautioned that fMRI was an experimental procedure that should be conducted in an academic setting, because Schiavo had already undergone swallowing tests and failed, and because VitalStim had only been performed on patients who were not in a PVS.

The boy sitting with Napoleon in the back of the bus was a local who came in for audition. The same declarations are being used for both motions and the motion appears to be an alternative pleading to the [previous] motion. Several scenes in the movie are the results of improvisation, such as Kip's reaction to backing over the Tupperware bowl and Uncle Rico knocking his video camera off of his tripod with his football. ^[12] Judge Greer denied the second motion on March 8, saying "it has become clear that the [second] motion is part and parcel of [the previous] motion on medical evaluations. The Sound Designer put in many fly buzzing sounds throughout the film as the flies are shown. On February 28, the Schindlers filed a motion, asking for permission to attempt to provide Schiavo with "Food and Water by Natural Means." This second motion asked for permission to "attempt to feed" Schiavo by mouth. The wigs attracted flies throughout filming, as seen in the film. on Friday, March 18, 2005." ^[11].

Jon Gries and Efren Ramirez wore wigs for the role of Uncle Rico and Pedro. Anderson argued that Greer did not specify "artificial nutrition and hydration" versus "oral nutrition and hydration" and stated that "the withholding of food and water...was not ordered by the Court but by Michael Schiavo." ^[10] In his order, Greer also set a time and date for the removal of the feeding tube: "1:00 p.m. Heder mentioned in a post-production interview that he figured "almost half" of the dance moves came from watching John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. ^{[7] [8]} Patricia Fields Anderson, the Schindler family attorney, still held out hope "that Terri might be able to take nourishment orally, despite past findings that she is incapable." ^[9] Judge Greer formally denied the motion and ordered the "removal of nutrition and hydration from the ward" . Some of the moves included were inspired by *NSYNC and Michael Jackson. The motion was accompanied by thirty-three affidavits from doctors in several specialties, speech pathologists and therapists, and a few neuropsychologists, all urging that new tests be undertaken. Jon Heder freestyled most of his dance routine with the help of Tina Majorino (Deb), who is a hip-hop instructor. On February 23, 2005, the Schindlers filed a motion for relief from judgment pending medical evaluations^[6] The Schindlers wanted Schiavo to be tested with an fMRI and given a swallowing therapy called VitalStim.

It changes from 7-17 to 7-21. No stay was granted by the appellate courts, and on March 18, 2005, Schiavo's feeding tube was removed for a third time. He later looks at it again 47 minutes and 53 seconds into the film and if you look carefully at the top right of the watch the date changes. The Schindlers filed two motions in an effort for forestall the removal of Terri's feeding tube. Exactly 46 minutes and 41 seconds into the film Napoleon looks at his watch. In addressing the issue of law surrounding the case, Wolfson concluded "that the trier of fact and the evidence that served as the basis for the decisions regarding Theresa Schiavo were firmly grounded within Florida statutory and case law, which clearly and unequivocally provide for the removal of artificial nutrition in cases of persistent vegetative states.". After Uncle Rico throws a steak at Napoleon's face, he takes a piece of steak out of his mouth and quickly places it on his plate. Of suggestions that Michael Schiavo refused to relinquish his guardianship because of financial interests or to cover up previous abuse, Wolfson reported that "there is no evidence in the record to substantiate any of these perceptions or allegations.".

When he arrived for the first day of shooting his hair "Looked like Shirley Temple's hair." said Director Jared Hess. That the Schindlers would keep their daughter alive to the point of her "limbs being amputated," was not accurate according to Wolfson. Jon Heder lied to the Cast and Crew and said he got his hair permed for Napoleon at the same place he got it done for the short film Peluca. Wolfson addressed two criticisms that media attention had affixed to the Schindlers and Michael Schiavo, respectively. Jon Heder had his hair permed for the "Napoleon" look. In examining medical records and consultations surrounding the case, Wolfson concluded: "(that there is) well documented information that she is in a persistent vegetative state with no likelihood of improvement, and that the neurological and speech pathology evidence in the file support the contention that she cannot take oral nutrition or hydration and cannot consciously interact with her environment." He observed further that while there appeared to be agreement about Schiavo and PVS: "the Schindlers have adopted what appears to be a position that Theresa is not in a persistent vegetative state, and/or that they do not support the fact that such a medical state exists at all.". Jon Heder's hair is not red for the last "flippin" time. His central finding was: "The GAL was not able to independently determine that there were consistent, repetitive, intentional, reproducible interactive and aware activities." He notes further, that when joined by her parents no success was gained in eliciting a repetitive or consistent response from Schiavo.

[3]. In December, 2003, he submitted his report, referring to himself in the third person as "the GAL". The retail store Target removed all of their Napoleon Dynamite talking pens after complaints from disability advocates over Napoleon's phrase "You guys are retarded". Wolfson visited Schiavo at least daily over the course of a month. Jon Heder drew all of the "drawings" in the movie except the unicorn. By the start of 2005, feeding tube removal again seemed imminent and the case again began to reach a national audience. The movie grossed over $40,000,000 in the United States. Throughout 2004, the legal struggle continued, but it received less publicity.

Jon Heder was paid just $1,000 to play Napoleon. Wolfson's report did not change Michael's role as Terri's legal guardian and did not otherwise obstruct him legally. The movie was edited in producer Jeremy Coon's apartment using a $6,000 Macintosh with Final Cut Pro. Jay Wolfson, to "deduce and represent the best wishes and best interests" of Schiavo, and report them to Governor Bush. Efren Ramirez liked the wig he wore for the majority of the movie so much he asked the producers if he could keep it; they said yes. Part of the legislation required the appointment of a guardian ad litem, Dr. Tina was also Deb's real name coinciding with the fact that Napoleon said "Tina you fat lard, come get some dinner!" (refering to the llama shortly after Deb left). ^[5] She was then returned to the hospice.

The bus LaFawnduh Lucas arrives in is a Pocatello city bus. She was taken to a hospital, where her feeding tube was surgically reinserted. They are not, however, "bred for their skills in magic". Bush immediately sent the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to remove Schiavo from the hospice. Napoleon's favorite animal, the liger, is actually a real animal, and exists in zoos as a result of mating a male lion with a female tiger. See "Government involvement" for additional details. Executive producer Jeremy Coon has stated that the similarity is a coincidence and that the producers were unaware of Costello's usage of the name until the film was in production. Within a week, the Florida legislature passed and Florida Governor Jeb Bush signed "Terri's Law", enabling Bush to intervene.

"Napoleon Dynamite" was a pseudonym used by Elvis Costello in the credits of his 1986 album Blood and Chocolate. On October 15, 2003, Schiavo's feeding tube was removed. The friend accidentally drove her Cobalt into the ocean, and Hess told her that was not the way to become a deep sea diver. Iyer for the January 2000 evidentiary hearing had Iyer contacted them [in 1996] as her affidavit alleges." ^[4]. This is an inside joke between Jon Heder and Jerusha Hess about a friend of Hess' who wanted to be a deep sea diver. Schindler would not have subpoenaed Ms. In the DVD version, Napoleon makes an obscure remark about pearls. and Mrs.

He joined this club because "all of the other sweet clubs were filled" (this is revealed in the deleted scene "Second Locker Room" on the Napoleon Dynamite DVD). Schindler...It is impossible to believe that Mr. Napoleon enjoys dancing, and belongs to the "Happy Hands" club, which practices sign singing. and Mrs. The music used in the scene where Napoleon showcases his dancing skills is "Canned Heat" by Jamiroquai. Iyer details what amounts to a 15-month cover-up [April 1995 through July 1996] which include the staff of Palm Garden of Largo Convalescent Center, the Guardian of the Person, the guardian ad litem, the medical professionals, the police and, believe it or not, Mr. Ricks was a junior college in Idaho that became Brigham Young University-Idaho in 2001. The exhibits relied upon by them clearly demonstrate this to be true." Regarding Iyer's statements, Greer wrote that they were "incredible to say the least" and that "Ms.

During some scenes of the movie, Napoleon is seen wearing a Ricks College T-shirt. It is not even a veiled or disguised attempt. Jon Gries (who plays Uncle Rico) is a vegetarian, and spat out every bite of red meat he chewed during filming. Schindler to re-litigate the entire case. The title sequence was designed by famed film designer Pablo Ferro. and Mrs. The dishes shown in the opening credits are all eaten on at some point in the movie, and in the case of cast members, eaten by their respective characters. On September 17, Judge George Greer denied the petition, and wrote that "the Petition is an attempt by Mr.

Howard Stern frequently plays soundbites from the movie when his line producer JD Harmeyer is on the air or simply being discussed. Iyer stated that standing orders were not to contact the Schindler family, but that she "would call them anyway." Iyer stated that she eventually called the police and was fired the next day. Napoleon will be parodied in the February 2006 comedy Date Movie. She stated that it was medically possible that Michael injected his wife with insulin in an attempt to kill her. Jon Heder and Efren Ramirez also reprised their roles in a series of commercials advertising the 2005 Utah State Fair. One of the nurses, Carla Sauer Iyer said in her affidavit that her initial training in 1996 consisted solely of the instruction, "do what Michael Schiavo tells you or you're terminated." She stated that on five different occasions, she tested Schiavo's blood sugar levels after Michael visited her, and she found that her blood sugar levels were so low it wouldn't even register a number. It was leaked online [[2]]. At the hearing the Schindlers' counsel read into the record additional affidavits from three speech professionals and two nurses.

Bill Gates plays himself but it seems that he's the "Kip" of the skit. Gimon. The skit is just 5 minutes of Napoleon Dynamite if he was going to become head of Microsoft. Alexander T. Heder has recently appeared in a skit shown at a conference where Bill Gates was presenting Windows Vista. Accompanying the petition were four affidavits from members of the Schindler family and one from Dr. Jon Heder and Efren Ramirez reprised their roles in the Adult Swim show Robot Chicken, which would involve Napoleon in the role his namesake was in. The petition was denied.

In the 2005 National Spelling Bee, after asking for the definition of a word, one student recited the line "Do the chickens have large talons?", then proceeded to spell the word. On September 11, 2003, the Schindlers petitioned the court to forestall removal of the feeding tube to provide for "eight weeks' therapy". Ilene (Ellen Dubin). In the fall of 2002, their first child was born. Tina ("Dolly") is the stubborn llama that belongs to Napoleon's grandmother. In 1995, Michael began a relationship with another woman, Jodi Centonze. He frequently injures and robs Napoleon and other nerds. By the summer of 2003, Michael's pursuit of having Terri's feeding tube removed had progressed to the point where removal seemed imminent.

Randy (Bracken Johnson) is the school bully. Pro-life groups had begun to actively come to the aid of the Schindlers and the story was receiving increasing publicity at the state level. According to Rico, there is a lot Napoleon and Kip do not know about her. As the legal conflict escalated to the state level, the Schindlers began to use Randall Terry as their spokesman. She breaks her coccyx on a jump while driving a Trike (ATV) at the sand dunes while on a date. The Schindlers released an influential video of Terri and her mother in what appeared to be some form of interaction. Grandma (Sandy Martin) is the divorced grandmother of Napoleon and Kip. They would do so again in 2005.

He is a very confident man and is married to Starla (Carmen Brady), a female bodybuilder. In March of 2000, the Schindlers filed a motion to permit oral feeding of Schiavo, which is not considered a life-prolonging procedure under Florida law. He is an ex-ultimate fighter and charges a large fee for his services ($300 for an 8-week program). There were many legal conflicts over the next five years between Michael Schiavo and Terri's parents. Rex (Diedrich Bader) is sensei of the "Rex Kwon Do" martial arts dojo. The courts determined that Terri was in a persistent vegetative state from which she had little chance of ever recovering. In the post-credit sequence, she and Kip are wed. In 1998, Michael requested that Terri's nutrition be withheld with the obvious intention that Terri's life should come to an end in the near future.

After spending time with her, Kip changes his clothes and demeanor to mimic African-American or white rapper stereotypes. Terri's parents and, in several cases, medical administrative staff moved to opposed these measures and thus began a long and complicated legal struggle. She is tall, stylish, and African-American contrasting with Kip's short stature, awkward demeanor, and pale complexion. He requested that treatment for infections be halted. LaFawnduh Lucas (Shondrella Avery) is a woman Kip met over the Internet. In 1994, Michael Schiavo indicated that he saw no hopes for his wife's recovery, and that she would not want to continue her life under those circumstances. Her mother is a "client" of Rico. The Schindler's continue to present statements to the public that question this diagnosis, but the issue has not further been addressed by the courts.

She is a member of the school's "Happy Hands Club" along with Napoleon. Michael fought and won a malpractice suit with a large monetary award against Terri's obstetrician based on the premise that Terri had an undiagnosed eating disorder. Trisha Stevens (Emily Kennard) is one of Summer's good friends, and is forced into going with Napoleon to the school dance. That latter pursuit was not successful. He helps Summer on her campaign for class president and occasionally teases Napoleon and Pedro. She was diagnosed as being in persistent vegetative state and was provided with standard care for such a case and was also provided with some extraordinary procedures in pursuit of a cognitive recovery. Don (Trevor Snarr) is Summer's cocky boyfriend. She was fitted with a feeding tube for nutrition and hydration.

Summer Wheatley (Haylie Duff) is a stereotypical blonde cheerleader against whom Pedro runs for class president. Terri Schiavo suffered a cardiac arrest at her home in 1990. During this time, he and Kip bumble through a variety of business engagements, such as selling Tupperware and herbal breast augmentation.
. He watches Kip and Napoleon while their Grandma is in the hospital due to a broken coccyx. The physician who examined her did not take a complete medical history, which might have indicated an eating disorder. Uncle Rico enjoys eating fried steak. At this time Schiavo's weight had dropped to 120 pounds, and she had stopped menstruating.

He longs to go back in time and change his fortunes, certain he had the potential to join the NFL. In 1989, the Schiavos began visiting an obstetrician and receiving fertility services and counseling in the hopes of having a child. He played football in his younger days ("back in '82"), and is constantly living in the past. In Florida, she worked as an insurance claims clerk for the Prudential insurance company, and Michael was a restaurant manager. Rico lives in an old RV in the middle of a field. Petersburg three months later. Uncle (Kyle) Rico (Jon Gries) is the sleazy uncle of Napoleon and Kip. Schiavo's parents also moved to St.

He and Napoleon live with their grandmother. Petersburg, Florida, in April 1986. Kipland "Kip" Ronald Dynamite (Aaron Ruell) is Napoleon's wimpy older brother ("like 32 years old") who enjoys online dating and claims to be training to become a cage fighter. They moved to St. Deb seems to be the most articulate character in the film. They were married on November 10, 1984, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Southampton, Pennsylvania. She often wears her hair in a single ponytail off to one side. After dating for five months, the couple became engaged.

She is interested in photography, and spends her time trying to earn money for college by selling glamour shots and boondoggle keychains. He was her first boyfriend. Deb (Tina Majorino) is a shy and awkward schoolmate, a friend of Napoleon and possible love interest. She met Michael Schiavo in 1982 in a sociology class at Bucks County Community College. His cousins are portrayed as the "cousins with all the sweet hook-ups" and help him protect a boy from having his bike taken. She went on a NutriSystem diet and lost about 55 pounds (25 kg).^[2] She may have developed an eating disorder around this time.^[3] In 1981, she graduated from Archbishop Wood Catholic High School. He runs for class president, and that is the overall plot of the movie. By her senior year in high school, Schiavo was overweight, with a height of 5 feet, 3 inches (160 cm) and a weight of around 200 pounds (90 kg).

He is occasionally the target of mild antagonism on the part of the school principal. (Bobby) and Suzanne (now Suzanne Vitadamo). Pedro Sanchez (Efren Ramirez) is a new student that the Principal of Preston High says is from Colonia Juárez, Mexico. Her younger siblings were Robert Jr. It would seem he was named after Elvis Costello's pseudonym, as seen on the back of the album Blood and Chocolate, but director Hess denies any such connotation. Schiavo grew up in the Huntingdon Valley area of Lower Moreland Township, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the eldest of three children of Robert and Mary Schindler. He enjoys drinking milk. .

His best friends are Pedro and Deb. She died at a Pinellas Park, Florida hospice on March 31, 2005, at the age of 41. He is active in the Future Farmers of America and his school's Happy Hands Club. Her feeding tube was removed a third and final time on March 18, 2005. He enjoys Tater Tots and tetherball. Despite these interventions, the courts continued to find that Schiavo was in a PVS with no hope for recovery, and would want to cease life support. He has very poor social skills and an awkward appearance. By March 2005, the legal history around the Schiavo case included fourteen appeals and numerous motions, petitions, and hearings in the Florida courts; five suits in Federal District Court; Florida legislation struck down by the Supreme Court of Florida; a subpoena by a congressional committee in an attempt to qualify Schiavo for "witness protection"; federal legislation (Palm Sunday Compromise); and four denials of certiorari from the Supreme Court of the United States.^[1].

Napoleon Dynamite (Jon Heder), the film's protagonist, is supposedly a stereotypical geek who loves to draw fantasy creatures. By 2003, the matter, while still local to Florida, had received some national attention. The courts consistently found that Schiavo was in a PVS and had made credible statements that she would not wish to be kept alive on a machine. Beginning in 1998, Terri's husband and guardian Michael Schiavo petitioned the courts to remove the gastric feeding tube keeping Schiavo alive; Schiavo's parents Robert and Mary Schindler fought a series of legal battles opposing Michael. Within three years, she was diagnosed as being in a persistent vegetative state (PVS) with little chance of recovery.

She remained in a coma for ten weeks. Schiavo experienced cardiac arrest due to a potassium imbalance and collapsed in her home in 1990, incurring massive brain damage. Petersburg, Florida whose medical circumstances and attendant legal battles fueled significant media attention and led to several high-profile court decisions and involvement by politicians and interest groups. Theresa Marie "Terri" Schiavo (December 3, 1963 – March 31, 2005) was a woman from St.

"Schiavo abuse claims were old," Saint Petersburg Times, June 4, 2005 link. ^ Tisch, Chris and Krueger, Curtis. "Statement from Gloria Allred, Attorney-at-Law, Representing Robert Herring, Sr.:," Christian Wire Service, March 10, 2005 link. ^ Allred, Gloria, Esq.

"Money Trail in the Schiavo Case: Bioethics for Sale?," The Daily Kos, March 22, 2005 link. ^ Zúniga, Markos Moulitsas. "A REPORT TO GOVERNOR JEB BUSH AND THE 6TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN THE MATTER OF THERESA MARIE SCHIAVO," Abstract Appeal Legal Blog, December 1, 2003 link. ^ Wolfson, Jay, DrPH, JD.

6th Judicial Circuit, February 11, 2000 link. 90-2908GD-003, Fla. "IN RE: THE GUARDIANSHIP OF THERESA MARIE SCHIAVO, Incapacitated," File No. ^ Greer, George W., Circuit Judge.

"Docs Remove Terri Schiavo's Feeding Tube: Tube Was Scheduled To Be Removed Friday," CBS 2 Chicago, WBBM-TV, March 17, 2005 link. ^ An Unsigned News Story. House of Representatives, March 18, 2005 link. "SUBPOENA," Committee on Government Reform, U.S.

6th Judicial Circuit, May 5, 2005 link. 03-008212-CI-20, Fla. Jeb BUSH, Governor of the State of Florida, and Charlie Crist, Attorney General of the State of Florida, Respondents," Case No. "Michael SCHIAVO, as Guardian of the person of Theresa Marie Schiavo, Petitioner, v.

Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, March 17, 2004 link. "Judge Baird Again Denies Schindlers' Request To Intervene In "Terri's Law" Case," Fla. ^ Reynolds, Dave, Inclusion Daily Express. MICHAEL SCHIAVO, as Guardian of the person of THERESA MARIE SCHIAVO, Appellee," Case Number: 2D03-5200, Florida Second District Court of Appeal, February 13, 2004 link.

^ State of Florida. 6th Judicial Circuit, March 9, 2005 link. 90-2908-GD-003, Fla. ROBERT SCHINDLER and MARY SCHINDLER, Respondents," File No.

MICHAEL SCHIAVO, Petitioner, vs. "IN RE: THE GUARDIANSHIP OF THERESA MARIE SCHIAVO, Incapacitated. ^ Greer, George W., Circuit Judge. 6th Judicial Circuit, March 8, 2005 link.

90-2908-GD-003, Fla. ROBERT SCHINDLER and MARY SCHINDLER, Respondents," File No. MICHAEL SCHIAVO, Petitioner, vs. "IN RE: THE GUARDIANSHIP OF THERESA MARIE SCHIAVO, Incapacitated.

^ Greer, George W., Circuit Judge. "EMERGENCY EXPEDITED MOTION FOR PERMISSION TO PROVIDE THERESA SCHIAVO WITH FOOD AND WATER BY NATURAL MEANS," File Number: 90-2908GD-003, February 27, 2005 link. ^ Gibbs, David C., III, Esq. 6th Judicial Circuit, February 25, 2005 link.

90-2908-GD-003, Fla. ROBERT SCHINDLER and MARY SCHINDLER, Respondents," File No. MICHAEL SCHIAVO, Petitioner, vs. "IN RE: THE GUARDIANSHIP OF THERESA MARIE SCHIAVO, Incapacitated.

^ Troxler, Howard. "On Face the Nation, Family Research Council's Perkins misrepresented Schindler family's 33 affidavits calling for more medical treatment for Terri Schiavo," Media Matters for America, March 28, 2005 link. ^ An Unsigned Editorial. 6th Judicial Circuit, March 9, 2005 link.

90-2908-GD-003, Fla. ROBERT SCHINDLER and MARY SCHINDLER, Respondents," File No. MICHAEL SCHIAVO, Petitioner, vs. "IN RE: THE GUARDIANSHIP OF THERESA MARIE SCHIAVO, Incapacitated.

^ Bury, Chris. 6th Judicial Circuit, September 17, 2003 link. 90-2908GD-003, Fla. ROBERT SCHINDLER and MARY SCHINDLER, Respondents," File No.