Key Takeaways:
– Steven Spielberg had to intervene due to a meltdown by director Jan de Bont on the set of Twister.
– The crew, upset with de Bont's behavior, resumed work after Spielberg's visit.
– Despite troubles, Twister became the second highest-grossing movie of 1996.
– Spielberg encountered hostility from crew members early in his career during the filming of Night Gallery.
Spielberg Steps in After de Bont's Meltdown
Many people find Steven Spielberg's cool, composed demeanor impressive. Yet, there was a situation on the Twister 1996 movie set that reportedly left the executive producer utterly baffled. This American disaster movie faced some chaos of its own when an incident led to Spielberg flying down to Oklahoma to confront director Jan de Bont. Thanks to an alleged meltdown by de Bont, the entire crew put all activities on hold. The account of these happenings came from a resident stuntman on set.
The Unfortunate Incident that Halted Production
The day started like any other on the set of Twister 1996 until a dramatic incident changed everything. Jan de Bont, the director, shoved a camera assistant, causing him to take a tumble. When de Bont refused to apologize, the situation got heated, and the crew members walked off the set. Upon hearing the news, Spielberg took a flight to Oklahoma to handle the situation, which proved to be an intervention of sorts, getting the crew back to work.
Spielberg's Commanding Presence
The conversation between Spielberg and de Bont was far from ordinary. Spielberg did not even step off the plane; he merely pointed a finger at de Bont and vented his anger for more than fifteen minutes. His stern intervention successfully coaxed the crew back on set, despite ongoing drama during the filming of the movie.
The Risks and Rewards of Filming Twister
Challenges did not stop after Spielberg's intervention. The hazardous weather conditions were treacherous for the crew, resulting in injuries to actors Helen Hunt and the late Bill Paxton. However, the film prevailed, collecting an impressive $495 million worldwide, making it the second-highest grossing movie of 1996.
Spielberg's History with Hostile Crews
Even the best start from the bottom, and Spielberg was no exception. Early in his career, he directed Night Gallery in 1969, where he faced hostility from the crew. Not all the cast members were against him; actress Joan Crawford was supportive. Yet, other crew members tried to get him fired, as Spielberg shared in an interview with Empire. He described the whole experience as a “terrible” one. But fortunately, the hostility ended when actor Barry Sullivan intervened.
Final Thoughts
Despite the hostility and drama Spielberg faced, he proved his mettle in the industry and is now one of Hollywood's best filmmakers. Twister 1996 is available for rent on Apple TV, and you can catch a glimpse of Spielberg's influence in the movie.
Remember, even amidst disruptions, production can be successful. Spielberg's intervention on the set of Twister 1996 and his experience with hostile crews underline the importance of a calm demeanor and determination in resolving conflicts and moving forward.
