This epic romantic disaster film written, directed, produced, and edited by the only
person to visit the deepest part of the ocean, Hollywood icon James Cameron, was released
just in time for Oscar contention in late 1997 - and with a $200 million dollar budget
was the most expensive movie ever made, at the time - and adjusted for inflation, more
than $50-million more than it cost to construct the original ship in 1910.
Luckily for all parties involved, this fictionalized account of the world's most famous shipwreck,
the sinking of the RMS Titanic, went on to gross nearly two billion dollars, making it
the highest-grossing film of all time for twelve years, until Cameron's next picture,
Avatar, surpassed it.
Book-ended by present day scenes on board a salvage ship floating over the North Atlantic
resting site of the famed liner, the story of Titanic is told through the aging eyes
of prolific 1930's actress Gloria Stewart, who plays a 101-year-old survivor, eager to
share her memories of the ship's final cruise to the modern-day treasure hunter salvagers,
lead by Bill Paxton.
At 87-years-old, Stewart was the oldest person to ever be nominated for a competitive Oscar,
sadly, her Academy Award was one of only three Titanic did not win that year.
The film did grab a record-tying 11 awards, including of course, Best Picture.
Although not intended to be an entirely historically accurate depiction of Titanic's voyage, the
engaging story interweaves delicately, and effectively with true events.
At this film's center is a remarkable love story between Leonardo DiCaprio, a poor artist
relegated to steerage, and Kate Winslet, who plays the young, rich-socialite version of
Stewart's character.
Unfortunately, their steamy romance is interrupted when the massive ocean-liner strikes an ice-berg,
and begins to slowly sink into the cold Atlantic ocean - a fate sternly predicted by ship designer
Victor Garber.
[CLIP] A disaster picture on the grandest scale, Cameron incredibly guides the audience
through the chaos with carefully executed shots, coupled with some of the most astonishing
visual effects in any film, past or present - to present us not only with a heart-wrenching
and nail-biting final act, but an emotionally resounding one as well.
Anchored by an instrumental version of Celine Dion's beautifully powerful "My Heart Will
Go On", the best-selling single of the entire decade, the love-story here is one for the
ages - the two young actors convey a truly magical romance, that even a few lines of
corny dialogue can't ruin.
While our lovable leading duo are incredibly easy on the eyes, and easy to root for, what
elevates this film is the outstanding supporting cast.
There are over 100 speaking roles here, and every character shines in one memorable scene
after the next, from Billy Zane as Winslet's arrogant fianc�, insisting on bribing his
way off of the sinking ship, or Kathy Bates' steadfast common sense as the Unsinkable Molly
Brown, to Jonathan Hyde's brilliant performance as the cowardly White Star Line managing director,
eager to make headlines.
Even non-Actor Lewis Abernathy, as Paxton's brash salvage partner adds welcome comedic
relief.
It's no secret that a film this popular has it's detractors... but regardless of the its
faults, there's something appealing and entertaining here for everyone.
With the exception of some repetitive "out-run the rising water" sequences, every single
scene of this 194-minute epic is littered with touching, exciting, erotic, and frightening
moments that tug on every single human emotion, all building to an immensely violent, thrilling,
and depressing final act.
Having spent more time with Titanic than its doomed passengers ever did, Cameron's dedication
to this movie does not go unnoticed - his trademark strong female lead charging the
way through one of the greatest and most impressive films ever made.
Technically speaking, there are zero-missteps here; from the shot composition, editing,
sound effects to the music and costumes, everything here is filmmaking at its finest.
Having been a Titanic buff since the 3rd grade, I first saw this film over 14 years ago...
and watching it again with a critical perspective made me appreciate the scope and scale that
much more.
Re-released last week to commemorate the centenary of the tragedy, the newly applied post-converted
3D is expertly handled, and remarkably executed -- adding a new layer of depth and realism
to this incredible motion picture.
For those who love the film, this new version is most assuredly worth your time - giving
some hope to the previously considered awful concept of post-converting a movie to three
dimensions.
As groundbreaking today as it was 15 years ago, phrases like "I'm the King of the world",
and "I'll never let go" still resonate... having been permanently burned into the public
psyche.
A monumental epic that's entertaining and enjoyable in every sense of the word, Titanic
is a "Wonderfully grand achievement.
Emotionally exhilarating."
Now that I've exhausted every adjective in my lexicon with the longest review in Movie
Night history, let's read some of your reviews from the YouTube comments.
Here's the Rate-O-Matic to share our scores for "Titanic"... a TEN and a NINE.
Unanimously impressed by this film's action and technical achievements, it was some poor
dialogue and length-issues you didn't care for as much, you thought it was Awesome.
Although it's one of the most impressive movies in existence, Titanic is hardly the best ever
made... hell, it's not even my favorite James Cameron picture -- but it's few flaws are
greatly out-shined by the stunning, and emotional achievements throughout.
There's a reason it spent a record fifteen consecutive weeks at #1, this is an amazing
motion picture, no doubt about it.
It's just a shame not everyone is able to objectively appreciate it.