Twister’s meteoric success at the box office was fueled by a charming tale, endearing characters, and revolutionary special effects. However, its production proved to be a turbulent journey marred by tragedy, controversy, and chaotic occurrences.
The film’s Oklahoma setting became the stage for real-life tragedy when the Oklahoma City bombings occurred during filming, prompting the crew to offer assistance. Issues with the lighting setup resulted in eye injuries among leading actors Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, highlighting the hazardous working environment. Furthermore, director Jan de Bont’s unpredictable behavior led to numerous crew resignations, including the departure of the director of photography.
A Still From Twister (Via IMDB)
Beyond these challenges, filming was fraught with drama. Hunt’s experience during a real tornado revealed the perilous nature of their fictionalized setting. Tensions escalated when de Bont unleashed his frustrations on a camera assistant, leading to a mass exodus from the camera crew.
Despite the tumultuous production process, Twister achieved remarkable success, receiving acclaim for its special effects, narrative, and characters. Its compelling blend of action, drama, and natural disaster elements charmd audiences, establishing itself as one of the most successful action films of the 1990s.
