Twister is a 1996 disaster film directed by Jan de Bont and produced by Steven Spielberg. The movie is primarily centered around the world of storm chasing, where researchers and thrill-seekers pursue tornadoes in the hopes of studying them up close and gaining a better understanding of these destructive natural phenomena.
The film follows the story of Jo Harding (Helen Hunt) and Bill Harding (Bill Paxton), a former married couple who are both seasoned storm chasers. They are leading separate storm-chasing teams but reunite with a shared goal of deploying an advanced research device called "Dorothy." Dorothy is designed to be released into the path of a tornado to collect data from inside the storm. Their goal is to gain valuable insights into tornadoes and improve early warning systems.
As they embark on their mission, they face a variety of challenges and obstacles, including fierce competition from another storm-chasing team led by Dr. Jonas Miller (Cary Elwes). They also have to navigate the dangerous and unpredictable nature of tornadoes, which can change direction and intensity suddenly.
Throughout the film, viewers are treated to breathtaking visual effects and intense action sequences as Jo, Bill, and their team chase multiple tornadoes, with the goal of deploying Dorothy and gathering data. The film explores themes of risk-taking, scientific discovery, and the personal dynamics between the characters.
"Twister" is known for its pioneering use of special effects to create realistic tornadoes and extreme weather conditions, which added to the film's excitement and spectacle. It was a commercial success and remains a popular and iconic entry in the disaster movie genre.
Cast
-Helen Hunt as Jo Harding
- Bill Paxton as Bill
- Cary Elwes as Jonas
- Jami Gertz as Melissa
- Lois Smith as Aunt Meg
- Alan Ruck as Rabbit
- Sean Whalen as Sanders
- Philip Seymour Hoffman as Dusty
- Jeremy Davies as Laurence
- Joey Slotnick as Joey
- Todd Field as Beltzer
- Wendle Josepher as Haynes
- Zach Grenier as Eddie
- Nicholas Sadler as Kubrick
- Abraham Benrubi as Bubba
- Jake Busey as a mobile lab technician
- Scott Thomson as Preacher
Director: Jan de Bont
Writers: Michael Crichton, Anne-Marie Martin
Box Office Gross: $494,580,615
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Genre: action adventure thriller
Release Date: May 10, 1996
