Why ‘Twisters’ Skips the Climate Change Conversation

In its 122-minute runtime, “Twisters” whirls through intense action and complex subplots, featuring disaster capitalism and the intricate ties between scientists and financiers. While the film showcases the destructive power of nature, it notably omits any mention of “climate change.”

Director Lee Isaac Chung emphasizes that his intention was to avoid a message-driven film. “I just don’t feel like films are meant to be message-oriented,” he stated in a CNN interview.

There’s scientific backing for this choice, as the link between tornadoes and climate change remains uncertain. While recent studies indicate that rotating supercell thunderstorms—and consequently tornadoes—are becoming more common in regions outside the traditional Tornado Alley, the exact impact of climate change on these storms is still unclear.

Character Javi, played by Anthony Ramos, remarks, “We’ve never seen tornadoes like this before,” reflecting the changing storm patterns. The film portrays increasingly destructive tornadoes hitting urbanized areas in Oklahoma, with characters like Cathy (Maura Tierney), a local farmer, acknowledging the rise in storm frequency and crop prices without explicitly referencing climate change.

Lee aims to present an authentic reflection of current realities without preaching. “I think cinema should be a reflection of the world,” he said, highlighting the complexities of our changing environment while steering clear of overt messaging.

Lee Isaac Chung’s approach in “Twisters” reflects cinema’s philosophy of showing rather than telling. He vividly portrays scenes like a tornado tearing through a power station, igniting the sky in flames. Yet, for a film featuring scientists and aware citizens to neglect the topic of climate change feels like a significant omission—akin to a tornado’s empty center.

Chung’s vision is deeply personal. Building on a screenplay by Mark L. Smith and a story by Joseph Kosinski, he draws from his own experiences growing up on a farm in western Arkansas, near Oklahoma. His childhood included a harrowing encounter with a tornado that left a lasting impression. “When you have brushes with extreme weather, it leaves a very big imprint,” he shared.

His aim was to capture a sense of awe and wonder, transcending the typical summer blockbuster narrative. “It’s not just about running from tornadoes,” he stated. “I wanted to honor the beauty of that power.” Through this lens, Chung offers a profound exploration of nature’s might, even as he sidesteps the broader conversation about climate change.

Everyone Wants the Whole Package

For Lee Isaac Chung, a lifelong fan of the original “Twister” (1996), stepping into this cinematic universe was a dream come true. He aimed to recreate the sense of adventure that the original film brought to scientific research. 

While he includes several affectionate nods to Jan de Bont’s classic, one homage he chose to forgo was the famous flying cow. “Everybody wants the cow,” he remarked. “They think they want it, but I promise you, they’d be disappointed.”

Chung explained that whenever he discussed the original film, people would immediately reference it as “the big flying cow movie.” He wanted to avoid being labeled as simply the creator of “the new flying cow movie.” Thus, he made the conscious decision to leave it out.

The production of “Twisters” faced unexpected challenges while shooting on location in Oklahoma during tornado season in spring 2023. 

“Being in Oklahoma, you never know what to expect,” remarked Anthony Ramos. “There were days when the sun was shining, the sky was blue, and then suddenly, the clouds rolled in, and the winds picked up. It was wild!”

Glen Powell noted how perfect the timing was for making a tornado film. “This area has a unique connection to its weather. People here take pride in it; they talk like meteorologists and are incredibly knowledgeable about what’s going on.”

Powell plays Tyler Owens, a charming rogue chasing tornadoes for social media fame. Many extras were real storm chasers, fostering a sense of community on set. “We’re on group threads with storm chasers, and we often get messages like, ‘We’ve got something brewing! Come chase!’” he shared.

However, Lee Isaac Chung cautioned against encouraging novice storm chasing. “I don’t want this film to inspire people to recklessly chase tornadoes,” he said. “If anyone’s interested, I hope they just watch ‘Twisters’ instead.”