Films often act as a mirror of the society from which they come. It then appears interesting to interpret them by placing them in their socio-politico-historical context of emergence. Thus, the recent release of the film Twisters (Tornadoes) in mid-summer 2024 coincides with the inauguration of Kamala Harris as a contender for the presidency of the United States, at a time when the country seems more divided than ever.
Kate, the heroine of the film, must reunite two teams that seem to have nothing in common if she wants to succeed in annihilating the tornadoes. As for Kamala, the heroine of the Democrats, she must, in order to access the presidency, reunite (sic) a population divided into two camps, which are opposed in every way.
In the film, two teams of tornado chasers compete. First, that of Javi and his acolytes, who symbolically represent the educated and qualified urbanites, as well as the scientific community – these are the “good guys”, to which Kate is initially integrated.
Then there’s the rural team, made up of those who claim not to need a PhD or high technology, they’re the “bad guys.” At their head, Tyler is introduced to us from a low angle and embodies a caricature of an arrogant, virile and carefree cowboy. In short, the figure of redneck Trumpist. If he chases tornadoes, it is to show off on YouTube, which allows him to sell derivative products bearing his image.
The first team also represents the establishment, economic power, the big city, academic and intellectual culture, as well as institutions (its members come from NASA, MIT, the military, etc.), while the second represents the rejection of conventions and prefers action to reflection, just as much as the freedomand the “big fun “They also have fun throwing fireworks into tornadoes, just for fun.
At this point, the costumes speak: the former are dressed in pale and clean uniforms, where white dominates, while the latter wear disparate and dirty clothes, where black and red dominate. It is therefore the educated and disciplined cleanliness of Javi against the instinctive and free rural people who join Tyler.
It is only in the middle of the film that a major reversal of the situation occurs (a twister scriptwriting?): thus, the “bad guys” turn out to be “good guys”, and vice versa.
Not only do we learn that Tyler went to college after a career as a rodeo cowboy, but the sale of merchandise bearing his image turns out to be much more than a narcissistic and commercial activity. Indeed, his profits are donated to families affected by the tornadoes. This is also the moment when we understand that Javi is corrupted by the lure of gain and that he finances his business thanks to the funds of a malicious capitalist who buys at low prices, from the grieving families, the farms and land ravaged by the tornadoes.
That’s when Kate, who was originally on Javi’s team, flips her jacket. Literally and figuratively! Yes, her new, slightly ripped jacket sports an American flag, which goes well with her new rural-inspired look (cowboy boots, jeans, and a black tank top). The one who passed for a New York technocrat turns out to be what she always was, a Midwestern cowgirl who grew up on a farm.
As their first date, Kate and Tyler attend a cowboy rodeo… before being interrupted by another tornado. At that moment, friend Javi comes to his senses and leaves his corrupt cronies who continue to prioritize money over saving lives. Despite their love triangle, Tyler and Javi then join forces to fight the unpredictable terror from the sky.
It is therefore thanks to Javi’s support as well as Tyler’s encouragement and his equipment that Kate manages to tame the final tornado. She then surpasses the men around her, who embody each of the opposing camps, and emerges as a unifying heroine.
There are many reasons for the commercial success of this film, which has already grossed over $350 million at the box office. Beyond the pace, the special effects and the quality of the direction, it may also offer a unifying fantasy to the divided citizens of the United States.
Please note: although almost all experts mention that the strength, frequency and geographic expansion of tornadoes are partly caused by anthropogenic global warming, this will never be discussed here. The subject of the film is completely different!