I Finally Watched Twister For The First Time, And Bill Paxton’s Character Is 100% The Villain In This Film

I Finally Watched Twister For The First Time, And Bill Paxton's Character Is 100% The Villain In This Film

As a seasoned gamer and avid movie buff, I’ve seen my fair share of films that challenge the conventional narrative. And none have tested my beliefs quite like “Twister.” Yes, you read that right – Bill Paxton’s leading man, Bill, is not the hero we were led to believe he was. In fact, I strongly believe that both women in his life, Jo and Melissa, would have been better off without him.


As a passionate gamer, let me share my unique perspective on “Alien” (20th Century Fox, 1979). Brace yourselves, this isn’t the typical take. I believe Bill Paxton’s character, Bill, is not the hero we think he is. Shocking, I know! Sure, he may be portrayed as the leading man, but from my point of view, he’s anything but a hero.

As someone who grew up in a small town nestled between the Great Plains and Tornado Alley, I can tell you that the thrill of watching “The Perfect Storm” is not just about the brilliant performance by Bill Paxton or the epic scenes of chasing torpedoes. No, it’s deeply personal for me. The anticipation, the fear, and the awe I feel while watching those powerful storms form on the silver screen, transporting me back to my childhood where I would huddle in our basement during tornado warnings, is indescribable. And let me tell you, the release of “Twisters” on the 2024 movie schedule has me counting down the days with bated breath!

I’d be happy to share my perspective on why Bill is the antagonist in that beloved blockbuster movie, now that we’ve addressed the weather warning.

I Finally Watched Twister For The First Time, And Bill Paxton's Character Is 100% The Villain In This Film

Not Only Did He Take His Girlfriend On This Trip, But He Dragged Her Along Through Tornadoes And Ignored Her

I have a major issue with Bill’s behavior towards Melissa. Such actions would typically label him as the antagonist in many films.

The unfortunate woman was made to meet her boyfriend’s ex-wife in the middle of seclusion. This situation was less than desirable on its own. To make matters worse, she was unwillingly included in Bill and Jo’s storm-chasing adventure, which she hadn’t even asked to join.

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Yes, the cow scene is famously funny, with the woman’s attempts to communicate on the phone while a cow passed by adding to the humor. But upon reflection, it’s important to remember that woman was genuinely frightened in that moment. Unfortunately, Bill and Jo appeared oblivious to her fear.

Bill seemingly failed to check if Melissa was prepared for this experience. It was assumed that Melissa would join him in the truck for the adventure of storm chasing. Yet, considering the potential risks involved in this activity, had Bill forgotten that Melissa, to my knowledge, had no prior experience with it? This isn’t a lighthearted decision to make together with your loved one. Instead, they found themselves trapped in several tornadoes.

On top of that, her boyfriend kept ditching her to hang out with Jo, his ex-wife. Ouch! 

I, too, was captivated by the Jo and Bill moments just like everyone else. But upon reflection, I find it disconcerting that Bill failed to consider Melissa’s emotions. Frankly, it’s surprising to me that he neglected this aspect.

After some time, she grew tired and simply walked away, leaving Bill seemingly unfazed. This indifference from Bill left me feeling uneasy and led me to view him in a less favorable way.

In summary, his behavior towards Melissa was what convinced me he was the antagonist in the film. Yet, there are some additional points I’d like to raise for a more complete argument.

I Finally Watched Twister For The First Time, And Bill Paxton's Character Is 100% The Villain In This Film

Bill Was Even Kinda Mean To Jo (However She Held Her Own)

I’ve watched this movie twice now, and there are two particularly intense moments between Bill and Jo. In each scene, they find themselves locked in a heated argument over who gets to be the driver. It’s baffling to me that Bill can’t seem to trust Jo with this responsibility, despite her clear ability to handle it herself.

At one point, his anger gets so out of hand that he almost drives them off the road. 

In my opinion, the hostile feelings he harbors towards Jo, which are mirrored by her, along with his instances of fearfulness, make him the top contender for the role of the villain.

At a certain moment, Bill, who had been acting bravely up until then, became frightened and tried to retreat. My friend, watching the movie with me, remarked with a laugh, “That’s why he left! He’s such a chicken. Show some backbone, Bill!” If Bill intends to step in and take over Jo’s role, he must do so with sensitivity, her approval, and bravery.

Chasing storms requires bravery, the ability to act swiftly in stressful situations, and effective collaboration with others. Throughout the film, Bill largely lacked these traits, which was evident in his interactions with his former spouse.

I Finally Watched Twister For The First Time, And Bill Paxton's Character Is 100% The Villain In This Film

I Get They Just Survived A Life-Threatening Situation, But He Should Not Have Made Out With His Ex-Wife Like That 

According to Philip Sledge’s account in “Twister,” I strongly doubt Jo and Bill will last as a couple.

The movie concludes with them deeply kissing despite having survived an F-5 tornado, giving the impression that they had rebuilt their marriage and would have a blissful future ahead. However, I strongly disagree with that interpretation.

Initially, Bill and Melissa didn’t officially end their relationship; she merely chose to leave. This complicates the situation. Moreover, as previously mentioned, Jo and Bill had a history of mistreating each other. They have an intense dislike for one another, reminiscent of former adversaries who later fall in love.

In the throes of the intense experience they both survived, it’s understandable that their emotions ran high and they found themselves sharing a kiss. Nevertheless, Bill’s obliviousness to Melissa’s affections and his simmering anger towards Jo lead me to question whether this impulsive act was wise.

The man might have harbored intricate emotions towards the women around him, but things didn’t unfold that way. Despite showing concern for Jo and possibly Melissa, and even risking his life to save others on several occasions, he primarily acted according to his own desires and instincts. However, pursuing romantic entanglements while chasing tornadoes and confronting near-death experiences with a team, including two people with whom he had romantic feelings, is not advisable.

Therefore, Bill put everyone, including himself, in danger, and he is the villain of this movie. 

To experience “Twister” anew with this thought in mind, you have the option to stream the film using a Max subscription. Alternatively, for seeing the latest generation of tornado chasers on the big screen, consider watching the critically acclaimed “Twisters” in theaters, which will be released starting July 19.

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2024-07-16 15:37