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Twister looks great in 4K because Jan de Bont put his cast through hell

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Twister looks great in 4K because Jan de Bont put his cast through hell

As a huge fan of “Twister,” I can’t help but be in awe of the film’s breathtaking special effects, especially the tornadoes that were both practically and digitally crafted. But what sets this movie apart from other disaster films is the way director Jan de Bont made the actors experience the terror of the storms firsthand.

In marketing Jan de Bont’s 1996 film “Twister,” there was no debate: The tornado, not Helen Hunt or Bill Paxton (who portrayed storm chasers pursuing a final tornado system before their divorce), was the undeniable focal point of the movie.

In simple terms, “Twister,” a movie renowned for its spectacular special effects, has been re-released in 4K Blu-ray format. This film combines computer-generated tornadoes with real-life practical effects seamlessly, creating visually stunning sequences that remain impressive to this day. During an interview with TopMob, director Jan de Bont discussed the movie’s unique blend of digital and practical effects, emphasizing his intention for the actors to experience the fear of the storms rather than just act it out.

When TopMob was released, the computer-generated tornados in Twister drew considerable attention during marketing. However, upon rewatching it, I’m surprised by how realistic the special effects appear. Numerous physical items are hurled at Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt throughout the film.

Jan de Bont: What I remember most is getting the actors to confront an artificial storm — this huge amount of wind machines and jet engines, and all the debris coming right at them. Suddenly, it’s not acting anymore. Now they have to actually react to real things coming at them. That was so funny, of course — actors, the very first thing they complain about is, My hair is wrong, look at my hair! Or, My shirt is ripped! It was so hard to convince them.

As a seasoned director with years of experience under my belt, I’ve learned that sometimes, the most authentic performances come from letting go of the superficial concerns and focusing on the essence of the character. It can be a challenging task for actors, especially when it comes to appearing on set without their familiar wigs and makeup.

Are there things you would like to see directors using to make digital effects feel more real?

As a gamer, I’ve noticed how technology has significantly enhanced the visual experience in games nowadays. Yet, it’s not just about making things look better or more realistic. For me, visual effects lack emotion and soul. It’s challenging for both gamers and actors to connect with them since we don’t have a clear sense of scale when dealing with such grand displays. How can we react authentically if we don’t understand the true size and impact of what we’re seeing?

To ensure a genuine experience for the actors and convey the authenticity of being a storm chaser, I believed it was essential for them to physically endure the massive wind machines and muddy fields while being consistently immersed in the haunting environment. By doing so, they could truly grasp the essence of this profession and comprehend the inherent perils of tornadoes. Visual effects alone couldn’t replicate this level of reality; practical elements were crucial for keeping the actors grounded in the experience.

Have you considered the possibility that some people may have overlooked the fact that this movie shares a theme with “His Girl Friday”? The story revolves around a couple who reconsider their decision to divorce.

Michael Crichton became captivated by a PBS documentary about storm chasers, and he and Anne Marie Martin were both thrilled. Crichton pondered, “But what comes next?” Inspired by the film “His Girl Friday,” in which a couple on the brink of divorce must work together on one last project, Crichton saw an opportunity to incorporate this plot into his new idea. This approach proved brilliant as it allowed for the pairing and subsequent separation of Tim and Sarah’s characters throughout the project. I found this to be a clever twist.

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2024-07-21 18:18

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