ALBANY — The plate of hard boiled eggs at the beginning of “Napoleon Dynamite” is about to be shattered Thursday when two main cast members visit The Egg.
“Napoleon Dynamite” will screen tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 17) at the The Egg’s Hart Theatre at 6:30 p.m. A full screening of the movie will precede a moderated, freewheeling discussion from Jon Heder (Napoleon) and Efren Ramirez (Pedro). Tickets range from $35 to $100.
The independent movie caught people by surprise when it hit the theaters 15 years ago. A high school comedy that catch all of the horrible aspects of 80s and early 90s pop culture. But, the movie was a hit. Its popularity remains strong today thanks in large part to the many quotable lines people still find themselves using.
Ramirez believes in speaking your truth. He thinks that’s what made Pedro such a relatable character for fans.
“Pedro is about leaving your comfort zone,” he said. “Pedro needed that boost and it wasn’t until he met Napoleon and had that friendship that he was able to do that.”
Ramirez, a stark contrast from the sedated Pedro, said his inspiration came from the script, with a bit of help from Jon Gries, who portrayed Rico Dynamite.
“Jon helped me go through the role and decide what’s conflicting Pedro to be who he is,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez added the movie really encapsulates friendship and struggles and has allowed viewers to find their truth.
“Being a good actor comes down to being a good person and speaking your truth,” he said. “It’s about relating to people — speaking with them and sharing those moments you have before it’s over.”
Ramirez loves meeting fans and said seeing the extensive merch honoring “Napoleon Dynamite” has really cemented how big this film became. Regardless of age, “Napoleon Dynamite” has made movie lovers laugh for 15 years.
“When you’re seeing yourself as a bobblehead and there are costumes, clothing, mugs, everything you can imagine dedicated to the movie and with your face, it’s pretty cool,” he concluded. “You realize you did that and you were able to relate to so many people.”
#VoteForPedro.
