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The storm behind the scenes: The chaotic production of “Twister” and its legacy
When we think of the 1996 blockbuster “Twister,” images of roaring tornadoes and flying cows come to mind. However, the real storm was brewing behind the scenes. The production of “Twister” was fraught with chaos, tension, and near-disasters that almost derailed the entire project. As we anticipate the release of “Twisters,” it’s worth revisiting the tumultuous journey of its predecessor.
The meltdown that almost ended it all
Mic Rodgers, the stunt coordinator for “Twister,” recently shared some eye-opening anecdotes with The Independent. One of the most shocking incidents involved director Jan de Bont’s notorious outburst on set. According to Rodgers, the tension had been building for some time, and it all came to a head one fateful day.
The crew was filming in a ditch when de Bont allegedly shoved a camera assistant, causing him to tumble down the gulley. The director’s refusal to apologize led to a mass walkout. The camera crew, audio team, and wardrobe department all stormed off the set, leaving the production in jeopardy.
Enter Steven Spielberg
The next day, none other than executive producer Steven Spielberg arrived in Norman, Oklahoma, to address the chaos. Rodgers recalls Spielberg’s dramatic entrance: “The ramp came down on the Learjet, and Spielberg walked down it and never touched the ground. He just stood there yelling at Jan. He never even got off the plane. He was just yelling, pointing his finger at him, screaming at him. I don’t know what he said to him, but he barked at him for, like, 15 minutes and got back in the plane. The plane left without him even stepping off.”
Despite Spielberg’s intervention, the production remained fraught with drama and danger. Helen Hunt was struck in the head during filming, and co-star Bill Paxton was temporarily blinded by electronic lamps. Yet, against all odds, “Twister” became one of the biggest blockbusters of 1996, grossing $495 million worldwide.
A director’s perspective
Jan de Bont recently spoke to Variety about the challenges of making “Twister.” He described the shoot as “really hard physically” and “draining” due to the unpredictable weather. “We were in a territory where we never knew if it was going to rain or be sunny, so we often had to change location in the middle of the day,” de Bont explained.
The director also highlighted the difficulties of maintaining continuity in a film that takes place over one day but was shot over several months. “In the beginning, everything is barren, and then slowly the corn comes up, and the trees start to grow. And before you know it, you have to look for another location that matches the first one. And that went on and on and on — it was really, really tough.”
The legacy of “Twister”
Despite the behind-the-scenes turmoil, “Twister” left an indelible mark on the disaster film genre. Its groundbreaking special effects and thrilling storyline captivated audiences worldwide. The film’s success paved the way for future disaster movies, setting a high bar for visual and emotional impact.
As we look forward to “Twisters,” it’s fascinating to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of its predecessor. The chaos and drama that unfolded behind the scenes only add to the film’s legacy, making it a true testament to the resilience and creativity of its cast and crew.
For those interested in revisiting the original “Twister,” you can watch the trailer and find more information here: https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/twister. And for a deeper dive into the production’s chaotic history, head over to The Independent’s website to read Mic Rodgers’ full interview.
The storm may have passed, but the legacy of “Twister” continues to inspire and captivate. As we await the release of “Twisters,” we can only imagine what new challenges and triumphs lie ahead for this iconic franchise.
