image via QuotesGram
In the 1996 film Twister, Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt star as storm chasers whose ultimate goal is to study a tornado via a device named "Dorothy". Throughout the film, they have several close calls with tornadoes, including one which rips through the town of Wakita, Oklahoma.The scenes of them driving through the rubble and remains is one of the most iconic moments of the film . . .
image via ScreenKickerMovies
I said one of, not the most iconic.
The reason the destruction looks so real is because it was. Who needs CGI to destroy a town when you can actually go in and do the real thing?
Wakita was looking for a boost to its economy, and a film crew coming in for several months to film served that purpose well enough. At the same time, their downtown was looking fairly decrepit and they felt it would be useful to get rid of several buildings.Or at least just deprive the next tornado of its food.
After all, living in Oklahoma means it's pretty much just a matter of time.
image via Mapio
May as well have named all small towns in Oklahoma "Tornado Magnets"
With buildings needing demolished, and a film crew needing to demolish buildings, Wakita became the prime location for the film. The crews came in and destroyed several buildings for the film, leaving the rubble as is in the movie.
The economy never picked up after the film however, and today all that remains of these demolished buildings is empty lots and broken dreams from when the town thought it would redevelop. But hey! They at least now have a cool new museum all about the movie now, complete with some of the actual rubble!
image via TwisterCounty
Don't blink as you drive by.
So just remember, in the days before CGI, Hollywood went all out to ensure a film's realism.
image via rafrenzy
Pictured: Lack of commitment.
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