Why ‘Twisters’ Director Refused to Mention Climate Change Despite Shocking New Evidence

The Tornado Dilemma

In its 122-minute runtime, “Twisters” presents a brainy summer blockbuster. It showcases modern issues like disaster capitalists and the tension between scientists and financiers. While the film vividly depicts nature’s wrath, it notably sidesteps the term climate change.

Director Lee Isaac Chung explained his decision to avoid messaging. In an interview, he mentioned, “I just don’t feel like films are meant to be message-oriented.” This decision aligns with his belief that cinema should reflect the world without preaching.

Scientifically, the omission is somewhat justified. Experts remain uncertain about the link between tornadoes and climate change. The impact of warming temperatures on storm patterns is still debated.

However, recent studies indicate a rise in supercell thunderstorms outside Tornado Alley, affecting regions like the Southeast and Midwest. These storms are also occurring more frequently in off-seasons, making them increasingly deadly.

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Avoiding the Climate Narrative

In one scene, a storm chaser exclaims, “We’ve never seen tornadoes like this before.” He recruits a friend to join his research team, emphasizing that they can save lives. This highlights the film’s focus on immediate impacts rather than broader causes.

In the film, destructive tornadoes ravage urbanized areas in Oklahoma. The portrayal is stark, yet the script stops short of attributing these changes to climate factors.

Chung believes the film shows reality without direct references. He cites a character who notices frequent storms and flooding, but doesn’t link them to climate change, reflecting a common public perspective.

Chung stated, “I wanted to make sure that we are never creating a feeling that we’re preaching a message.” He emphasizes the importance of cinema as a reflection of real-world issues rather than a platform for advocacy.

Real-World Inspirations

The film’s director drew from personal experiences. Raised on a farm in western Arkansas, his childhood encounter with a tornado left a lasting impression. This personal history influenced his depiction of nature’s power.

Chung aimed to preserve the awe and wonder of extreme weather. He wanted “Twisters” to be more than a blockbuster, capturing the beauty and danger of tornadoes.

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While fans of the original “Twister” might miss certain elements, such as the iconic flying cow, Chung decided against including it in the new film. He believes it would detract from the updated narrative.

His respect for the original film shines through, but he sought to create a fresh take that honors the essence of storm chasing and scientific discovery.

Shooting in Tornado Alley

Filming in Oklahoma during tornado season brought authenticity to the production. The unpredictable weather mirrored the film’s chaotic scenes, grounding the story in real experiences.

Actor Anthony Ramos described the sudden weather changes, highlighting the intense and unpredictable nature of the environment. This unpredictability added a layer of realism to their performances.

Glen Powell, who plays a tornado-chasing character, noted the local pride in weather knowledge. This community insight enriched the film, making the characters’ interactions more genuine.

Powell’s character, a social media-savvy storm chaser, bonds with real-life storm chasers. The camaraderie among cast and extras brought an additional depth to the movie, blending fiction with reality.

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