Key Takeaways:
– The 1996 blockbuster, Twister, influenced individuals across the globe, leading to a surge in the popularity of storm chasing and meteorology.
– Following the unfortunate passing of Twister's star Bill Paxton in 2017, meteorologists paid him an unusual tribute.
– Using GPS spotter units, meteorologists mapped out Paxton's initials (‘BP') over States of Tornado Valley.
– The tribute highlighted the impact of the film and Paxton's character had on meteorology as a profession.
The Power of Twister
Film buffs and weather enthusiasts alike have a special place in their hearts for the 1996 film Twister. This disaster epic went beyond being mere entertainment. Its cultural imprint was felt throughout the world, inspiring an interest in atmospheric sciences. This ‘Twister effect' even sparked a rise in the recreational activity of storm chasing.
Bill Paxton's Enduring Legacy
One of the key reasons behind the film's success was Bill Paxton's incredible portrayal of storm chaser Bill Harding. His performance moved many and left a lasting impression on the film industry and the meteorology community. Following his untimely death in 2017 from heart surgery complications, meteorologists honored him in true Bill Harding style.
An Unusual Tribute
The weather mavens from around the world united in a unique tribute to Paxton, spelling out his initials ‘BP' using GPS spotter units in certain areas of Oklahoma and Kansas. The tribute took two hours for the meteorologists and storm chasers to execute using the Spotter Network, with its epicenter in Wakita, a city that features in the movie Twister and even houses a Twister museum.
Meteorologists' Recognition of Paxton's Influence
Paxton's passing saddened many, with colleagues in the film industry dedicating their works to him. However, it was the strange tribute from the meteorologists that captured global attention. It was more than just an acknowledgment of Paxton or his Twister character. It was a testament to the significant impact the film and Paxton's role had on meteorology as a career choice and on public curiosity in weather science.
John Wetter, the then-president of the Spotter Network, told CNN, “Bill Paxton's character in ‘Twister' helped to make meteorology cool. There isn't a storm chaser alive that couldn't recount how the film has touched them.”
Art Meets Science
The GPS tribute to Paxton showed the profound bond between art and science. Twister remains a testament to how a single film and its main actor can have a lasting impact on a scientific field. It continues as a vivid reminder of Paxton's unique legacy, inspiring countless individuals and fuelling interest in weather phenomena.
Amazon Prime Video hosts Twister for rental, so you too can partake in this cultural touchstone. How does a movie inspire you? Who knows, you might feel the twister effect too, just like the many science enthusiasts and meteorologists worldwide who were influenced by this single film and the memorable character played by Bill Paxton.
