Film Overview"Twister", a 1989 movie directed by Michael Almereyda, is based upon and inspired by Mary Robison's novel "Oh!" It is not to be misconstrued with the 1996 hit of the very same name about tornado chasers. This 1989 variation is a character-driven black funny about an eccentric family living in Kansas.
Main CharactersThe main characters in the movie include the alcoholic patriarch Eugene Cleveland, played by Harry Dean Stanton; his daughter, Maureen (or Mo), represented by Suzy Amis; and his kid, Howdy, essayed by Crispin Glover. Another significant character is Maureen's boyfriend, Chris, acted by Dylan McDermott. Each character in the film embodies a different element of the unusual, unpredictability of human habits.
PlotUnlike common narrative-driven movies, "Twister" is a slice-of-life story. Eugene Cleveland is a failed pop artist trying to sell a board game about nuclear warfare. Maureen, after being fooled into an unwanted marriage, returns house and brings along Chris, a courteous meteorologist, who is struck by the chaotic household characteristics. Howdy oscillates between an abnormally aggressive and meek attitude, further contributing to the familial discontent. Amidst these wacky characters and their twisted relationships, the movie unfolds, comparable to a twister, in a flurry of strange, humorous, and sometimes poignant, vignettes.
Setting and ThemesThe movie is embeded in Kansas, a tornado-prone region, mirroring the whirlwind lives of the characters. The movie uses the wind as a metaphor throughout to show the unpredictability and chaos in the Cleveland household's lives. Nature, particularly the ruthless and unforeseeable weather condition, becomes a prominent character, paralleling the movie's strategy of capturing the turbulent essence of humanity.
Important ReceptionAlmereyda's film has gotten a cult following gradually, in spite of it not being a ticket office success during its initial release. Its strange characters, unique atmosphere, and unusual structure contrast markedly with traditional storytelling methods, earning it applaud for its avant-garde treatment. Its dark humor and unique characters offer an incisive and interesting assessment of dysfunctional household dynamics amidst the backdrop of an ever-looming twister.
In summary, "Twister" isn't a conventional Hollywood film. It's a microcosm of an extremely eccentric household with each member trying to navigate through their psychological cyclones, similar to a twister. Regardless of its lack of cohesive plot, its well-crafted characters, unique looks, and unforeseeable storyline make it an absorbing and engaging watch. In the end, it leaves audiences with a deep reflection about the chaos, unpredictability, and gorgeous complexity of human relationships.
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