Why 'Dynamite' is a blast

The key to writing a good novel, Wallace Stegner once said, is not making it grand, but getting little things right.

Apparently the same goes for making a good movie, at least where "Napoleon Dynamite" is concerned.

In the early stages of the nation, creative artists aped European tastes and concerns. Then "Huckleberry Finn" came along and showed Americans how silly that notion was.

For decades creative artists in the Interior West tried to mimic writers on the two coasts. "Napoleon Dynamite" exposes the pointlessness of that, as well. In a sense, the movie is a "Mountain West Huck Finn." It turns the little things we take for granted into art.

And according to news reports, the nation appreciates the heart and authenticity the little movie holds. Filmmaker Jared Hess proves that two keys to success in the world of writing are sincerity and seeing the world with fresh eyes. To some, the events, people and places in "Napoleon Dynamite" border on the surreal. To those who've spent time in the rural West, however, they're all as familiar as family — the llama, the lingo, the hairdos that look like "hair-don'ts." Hess lays them all out for the world, and does it with wonderful affection. He doesn't ridicule his world, he loves and shares it. He gets it right. And his caring is what has kept the people of Preston from feeling betrayed.

It has is also keeping them in the tourist business. Travelers constantly drop through town to look about. Tours are conducted. Souvenirs are sold. Fans of the film constantly call the locals from faraway places. Instead of "See Venice and die" it's fast becoming "See Preston and die."

The whole phenomenon has been fun to watch.

Most agree it's good to be able to laugh at yourself. Jared Hess, however, has taken things a step further. His movie shows it's even better to accept, love and share yourself.

In the World According to Hess, Napoleon Dynamite may be an insecure, socially challenged soul, but down inside, he harbors the soul and style of a rock star. Like Huck Finn, he's a lovable young lunk making his way down life's river as best he can.

Aren't we all?