May 9
Block Cinema: Northwestern University Evanston, IL
TicketsDr. Rebecca Ewert
Assistant Professor of Instruction in Sociology at Northwestern University
Twisters— Watching the Weather
Program Description
“This theater wasn’t built to withstand what’s coming!” -Javi, TWISTERS
TWISTERS' scientific conceit, though more speculative fiction than hard data, one-ups the original film by imagining a technology that, when deployed in the eye of the storm, might stop the devastation–a bit of wish fulfillment in the fight against climate change, or maybe just a more compelling MacGuffin for audiences craving higher stakes?
Indeed, as a rare blockbuster in the age of TikTok, TWISTERS reflects on the threats posed by a changing atmosphere and an evolving media climate, literally bringing the moviehouse in the path of destruction, and encouraging us to consider what makes this art form a relevant space to collectively engage with climate science (or pseudoscience).
To speak to the film’s representations of social responses to disasters and its loaded negotiations of scientific authority, gender, and trauma, the Block will welcome Dr. Rebecca Ewert, Assistant Professor of Instruction in Sociology at Northwestern University, for an introduction.
Film Synopsis
A retired tornado-chaser and meteorologist is persuaded to return to Oklahoma to work with a new team and new technologies.
Haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado, Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones) gets lured back to the open plains by her friend Javi (Anthony Ramos) to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. She soon crosses paths with Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a charming but reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures. As storm season intensifies, Kate, Tyler and their competing teams find themselves in a fight for their lives as multiple systems converge over central Oklahoma.
Photo credit: Universal Pictures
About the Speaker
Rebecca Ewert is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in Sociology at Northwestern University. Her teaching and research interests lie at the intersection of sociology of the environment, health, gender—especially masculinity—inequality, and culture. Using qualitative methods, Ewert studies the ways that social categories (i.e. gender, race, class, age, etc.) and cultural factors shape our identities, trajectories, and experiences. Ewert’s award-winning research explores these relationships in the contexts of disaster recovery, mental health, the training of medical residents, and in higher education. To read more about her work, visit www.rebeccaewert.com.