As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours watching and analyzing movies about extreme weather phenomena, I was both thrilled and intrigued by the meticulous attention to detail in the portrayal of the tornado-chasing Ram truck in “Twisters.” The backstory of its creation, based on real-life tornado chaser trucks, added an extra layer of authenticity that truly immersed me into the story.
SPOILER ALERT: This story contains spoilers for “Twisters,” now playing in theaters.
In the movie “Twisters,” Tyler Owens, played by Glen Powell, is a popular YouTube personality who seeks tornadoes for views, recognition, and excitement. He operates a robust Dodge Ram truck engineered to endure winds of approximately 130 miles per hour.
In this story, Daisy Edgar-Jones portrays the role of Kate Cooper, a former tornado chaser and current meteorologist, who is deeply scarred by a past storm. Alongside her colleague Javi, played by Anthony Ramos, they face one of Oklahoma’s most destructive tornado seasons. While Javi and Kate utilize advanced StormTrack vehicles, Tyler – an unconventional meteorologist with limited funds – requires a suitable match for his character.
At the National Severe Storm Laboratory (NSSL), research scientist Sean Waugh collaborated with the film industry, acting as a consultant to ensure authentic storm chasing depictions and contributing significantly to the design of Tyler’s truck. In partnership with production designer Patrick Sullivan, they built a vehicle reflecting real-life storm chasing requirements. Sullivan aimed for something unique instead of the script’s suggested “battered SUV.”
During discussions with director Lee Issac Chung about the film, he proposed using a truck with dual rear wheels (referred to as a dually). The Ram was an ideal fit for this requirement. Additionally, this choice paid homage to the 1996 movie “Twister,” where Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt also drove a Ram.
I once watched a movie about a truck with an intriguing past. Initially, it was a brand-new, gleaming red vehicle. But as fate would have it, this truck got caught up in a whirlwind and was taken apart piece by piece, leaving only a shell of its former self. Sullivan, the mechanic, described it as being “glued, taped, and welded together,” much like Frankenstein’s monster was brought back to life.
Chung came up with Tyler’s logo – a tornado with horns on the grill.
The initial encounter with a tornado by Tyler unveiled the truck’s hidden capabilities. With the team settling in their spots, metal rods emerged and penetrated deep into the earth, securing the vehicle and shielding it from being drawn up by the whirling vortex – authentic adaptations inspired by actual tornado-chasing trucks.
Tyler’s truck is also equipped with pipes that blast fireworks into the tornado. According to Waugh, storm chasers have indeed launched instruments into severe thunderstorms and tornados for projects.
He’s shared that we have experience with projects having some resemblance, though not exactly putting ourselves directly in harm’s way like chasing tornados. No one has launched fireworks into a tornado, as far as I know. But mark my words, it won’t be long before someone tries it… The idea of firing fireworks for the film was to amplify Tyler’s character and his craving for the limelight.
As a movie buff, I’d describe it this way: When I see an action scene in a movie where the hero’s vehicle needs extra protection, they add a steel exoskeleton. This isn’t just any addition; it’s made by welding metal to the truck’s frame. Why, you ask? To make the ride more robust and rigid! And let me tell you, when this bad boy takes a roll in the action, instead of getting crushed like a tin can, it feels more like it’s got a roll cage protecting it.
As a cinema enthusiast, I’d rephrase that as follows:
So, just how much of a survival truck is Tyler’s tornado-chasing Ram?
Waugh estimates that you might be able to safely drive around 120-130 miles per hour. Driving faster than that poses risks for any car. At these speeds, air begins to lift the vehicle from the ground, altering its aerodynamics and leading to instability issues such as tipping or rolling. No amount of armor plating can protect you from serious consequences if you collide with an obstacle.
In his own words, he suggests, “For actual use, I’d enhance it with extra panels, greater protective shielding, and either tougher windows or shields to safeguard against shattering glass caused by stones or debris.”
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2024-07-20 20:16