Cast
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John Schneider
as Jack Hatch
Devon Sawa
as Dan Hatch
Amos Crawley
as Arthur Darlington
Lori Hallier
as Laura Hatch
Laura Bertram
as Stacy Darlington
David Ferry
as Bob Iverson
Helen Hughes
as Grandma Belle Hatch
Jhene Erwin
as Genny
Graham McPherson
as Officer Kelly Calvert
Ted Simonett
as Stan
Don Allison
as Phil
Markus Parilo
as Harry
Thomas Lastewka
as Ryan Hatch
Alex Lastewka
as Ryan Hatch
Dan Petronijevic
as Tough Guy
Crew
Director
- Timothy Bond
Producer
- Sean Ryerson
- Stephen Roloff
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Night of the Twisters examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Timothy Bond brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1996, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Night of the Twisters took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1996, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Night of the Twisters shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Malcolm X, which focuses more on action than character development, Night of the Twisters subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Hurricane Heist and The Time Shifters explore similar territory, Night of the Twisters stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 18, 1996
- Runtime: 1h 32m
