Director of 'Twisters' Ignores Climate Concerns

In a recent interview, Lee Isaac Chung, the director of the summer blockbuster "Twisters," addressed criticism regarding the film's lack of a direct climate change message. Chung emphasized that his intention was to create a film that does not preach or convey a specific message. "I just don’t feel like films are meant to be message-oriented," he stated, highlighting the film's focus on entertainment rather than advocacy. "Twisters," a sequel to the 1996 classic "Twister," features a scene where a local farmer expresses concerns about the increasing frequency of storms and floods affecting wheat prices. Chung noted that while the film does not explicitly mention climate change, it reflects the realities of changing weather patterns. He reiterated that the film aims to depict the current situation without coming across as preachy. Critics, however, have pointed out the missed opportunity to address climate change more directly. Charles Pulliam-Moore from The Verge argued that given the film's subject matter—storm chasers studying powerful tornadoes—it would have been logical to incorporate climate change into the narrative. Similarly, a writer for The Hollywood Reporter suggested that the evolving patterns of tornadoes could have been integrated into the storyline. Amidst the debate, "Twisters" star Glen Powell defended the film's approach, asserting that storytelling should evoke feelings rather than dictate thoughts. As calls for Hollywood to address climate change in entertainment grow, the film's stance has sparked discussions about the role of cinema in reflecting societal issues.