15 years ago Director James Cameron proclaimed he was the king of the world after winning both Best Director and Best Picture for his film Titanic. He received a lot of criticism for his arrogance, but hell if I just made Titanic I would feel the same way he did.
The last time I saw this film in its entirety I was only five years old. My mom wanted to see the film and took me along. I remember a few things about watching the movie. The nude scene, the entire final act and and the film's final moments.
I remember the nude scene because I was uncomfortable. I knew that being naked was "bad" so I remember not watching. The final act was "cool". I never really understood what was happening beyond the actual sinking. And then the ending; My mom told me when I saw the movie that I had asked her "how they put ship back together if it sank". She laughed and to be honest I don't remember what her answer was. That is just a testament to how convincing films can be, especially for those at such an young age. The best thing about that day was that I went swimming after. I thought nothing of the film because how could I truly appreciate it for what it was. Now fifteen years later, understanding everything that was on screen, at 3 hours 30 minutes(including the 15 minute intermission) this film is truly a masterpiece of epic proportions.
The film starts slow. We are introduced a present day expedition of the Titanic. These individuals are searching for the "Heart of the Ocean", an extremely valuable diamond that was once owned by King Louis XIV. We follow Rose Dawson Calvert(Gloria Stuart), a woman who is 101 and is a fictional survivor of the Titanic. Gloria managed to live to 100. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate paid for her retirement home expenses until the day she died. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role and rightly deserved it. Gloria fits the role well and I was convinced that this is what Rose would have looked like at 101 with her magic filled hazel eyes. The actual story of Titanic plays out as a large flashback. Older Rose narrates her life to the crew members who are searching amongst the wreckage. Kate Winslet plays younger Rose.
James Cameron's script makes one thing perfectly clear from the beginning. There was a clear line between the different Socio-Economic levels of those who were aboard the ship. What is funny is how little has changed in the last hundred years. People in high class still look down upon those who are less fortunate. The film is strikingly relavent especially when you take into consideration what is currently taking place in our current economy. One man embodies the "evil" of being apart of the upper class, Cal Hockley (Billy Zane). Cal is Roses' fiancee when the Titanic first set's sail. Rose doesn't appear to be all that interested in Cal as Roses' life essentially is controlled by Cal. She is a miserable wreck. This is until a romantic adventurer saves her life after a botched suicide attempt. Who saves her? Well none other than the teenage heartthrob Jack, played by real life teenage heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio.
With a worldwide gross of 2 billion, I would have to say that to discuss the plot is a waste of time. Most people have seen the film. If not, I believe you should watch it immediately. Kate Winslet has said that in the fifteen years since Titanic was released that the difference between Leo and herself is that during Titanic she was fat and he was skinny. Now the opposite is true. It's funny but true. Leonardo's career also exploded and he is now one of the most sought after actor in all of Hollywood. Kate Winslet also remains one of the strongest female actresses of my lifetime. James Cameron has only directed one other feature film since Titanic, a small hit named Avatar.
 |
| One of the greatest films to be captured on celluloid. |
The film's 3D is well done. In part I believe that the theater I went to see the film was responsible for my well received 3D experience. I watched the film at Universal AMC 19 IMAX. The theater is right next to Universal Studios and as a result the theater does not lower the setting's on the projectors bulb in order to save money. The 3D image was brighter then your average theater. I worried that the film's final act would be dull since it takes place at night, but no the 3D worked well thanks to the brighter screen. James Cameron supposedly worked for 18 weeks on the conversion and I have to admit I can tell that a lot of work was put into the process. However no matter how long James worked to convert the film, it was not designed to be shot in 3D and will never be a 3D film. Sadly with Titanic's recent box office surge, the re-releasing of films in 3D will not stop. Above all my biggest complaint with 3D is the extra money I have to pay in order to watch the film.
The film's breathtaking final act is worth the price of admission all by itself. The film does have it's flaws and has many touches of Hollywood cheese sprinkled throughout, however the film is such a tour de force that these elements are easily overlooked. Those who want to criticize the film can easily do so, but the film is truly effective at suspending the audiences belief which allows for one of the greatest films to ever be captured on celluloid.
4/4 Muffins
No comments:
Post a Comment