Most people dream of taking a cruise during their lifetime. It is usually at the top of a bucket list. Not me. I have very little desire to travel by a huge ship with thousands of passengers and crew members on board. I think it is because I donāt like to be stuck in a relatively small cabin surrounded by the same people daily. Yes, I know the food is fabulous and served often, but who needs to really eat every other hour? I am aware there are tons of activities, dances, and self-pampering appointments, but I just canāt stand to be cooped up on a floating hotel. It reminds me of being stuck on a plane at the mercy of getting a cold, flu, or current epidemic that is making the rounds.
I am one of those who likes to be spontaneous when traveling. What if I see something I want to explore further and stay several more days in a special location? Iād rather travel on a smaller vessel, so I can see the landscape during the daylight hours instead of passing from port to port in the darkness of night. I do like speed boats and sailboats, though. I get such a thrill out of feeling every wave while skimming over the breaking crest and wakes.
I have only been on a cruise ship once in my life. It was not a luxury liner. It was a fairly inexpensive, three-day, honeymoon excursion, shared, of course, with my husband, William, in 1994. Three stops along the Mexican coastline and then back to my day job. We decided to make the most of every second that was available. We made it a point to sneak into each nook and cranny of the ship. We jumped over barricaded chains that said āFor crew personnel only.ā We barged our way through every do-not-enter door we could find. We even crashed crew parties on the lower decks. Nothing felt off-limits to us, and of course, we made sure to stand on the furthest and highest points on either side of the ship. I held my arms out like I was flying while William kept me balanced and safe. I felt the wind on my face gently blowing my hair in all directions. I shouted out into the vastness to go faster. Basically, my husband and I did everything we were told not to do. One night we even snuck into a hanging lifeboat just to know what that would feel like. It was all okay and fun to a point. I just wanted to get off the ship more often. Who knew what strange, unexpected adventurers were out there. The allure was palpable and intoxicating.
Whenever I watch a film about a cruise ship, triggers light up deep within my brain. They arenāt good ones, because inevitably images of MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY, THE PERFECT STORM, CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE, or TITANIC creep into my gut. I see disaster spelled out in capital letters. I have to hold on tight to something that will anchor me before the iceberg appears or another engine is lost.
TITANIC ignites the scariest, most heart-breaking, and saddest reaction of all. And why shouldnāt it? It is a true tale about a horrendous, historical disaster during its maiden voyage in 1912, brought to the screen by the writer, director, and producer James Cameron. It included a price tag of over $200 million, yet the rewards and benefits were mind-bogglingly better. It tied with two other films for the most Oscars ever and launched the leading stars into fame forever.
TITANIC is a spectacle of legendary proportions. The 3 hours and 14 minutes showcase an imaginary story that instigates the entire backstory of what probably occurred during that fateful night of mistakes and miscalculations. 1500 souls lost their lives simply due to only having half the necessary lifeboats on board and available. Some of the richest and poorest were frigidly laid to rest together for all eternity. When watching Cameronās version of the sinking of this luxurious ship, be prepared to experience every glorious and terrifying moment before and after it plummets into the North Atlantic Ocean.
TITANIC grossed over $ 2 billion worldwide. It was nominated in 1997 for 14 Oscars, bringing home 11 golden statues, including Best Picture, Director, Cinematography, Art Direction, Costumes, Sound, Editing, Visual Effects, Sound Effects, Original Score, and Original Song. MY HEART WILL GO ON, sung by CĆ©line Dion, was a massive hit on the charts for weeks. Interestingly enough, neither Kate Winslet nor Gloria Stuart won for Best Actress or Supporting Actress. Leonardo DiCaprio was never nominated for Best Actor. This was definitely a snub at the time. Surprisingly as well, the creative makeup department only walked away with a nomination, losing to THE NUTTY PROFESSOR.
James Cameron (AVATAR, ALIENS) is a force to be reckoned with. He instinctively knows what he wants to see on celluloid, and he wonāt stop until the shot is perfect. Yet, he is also known for allowing his actors to stay in the moment, creating adjusted and improvised lines that do find their way into the final cut. He personally went on 12 dives to the exact location where the TITANIC went down. It has been documented that after his first dive, he broke down in tears after experiencing the sheer magnitude and wonder of this massive ship. He was, some say, possessed or haunted by the imagery hidden below the surface. He is a collaborator to some extent, but the final decisions were always his to make. It took 10 days of patiently waiting for the magnificent sunset framing Jack and Rose as they imagined what it would feel like to fly across the water, arms outstretched in one of the most iconic, romantic moments of all time.
DiCaprio and Winslet were a match made in heaven. Winslet (AVATAR, GOODBYE JUNE) pursued her part for months before being cast. She was determined to convince Cameron she was the perfect Rose. It took Cameron more time to agree, but in the end, he came around and knew no one else would be as good. DiCaprio (ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER, ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD) was always Cameronās first choice. Winslet and DiCaprio became lifelong friends as a result of TITANIC. Their trust in each otherās acting abilities and choices made their roles as Jack and Rose appear effortless and seamless as their relationship grew. Winslet knew she would have to appear nude in front of her friend, so to break the ice, she gave him a sneak peek at one of their first filming days by mooning him with an early view of her breasts. From that second forward, all her fears and anxieties were gone.
Winslet and DiCaprio catapulted their real-life careers into the stratosphere. Even though in later years they both said in interviews that they could have done better, audiences, myself included, didnāt agree. We all thought they personified a yin/yang coupling that helped each other become better, kinder, more loving. Who will ever forget their hot tryst in the backseat of that classic car? Those two hands on that steamy window were all that was necessary. We got the message loud and clear. Each and every one of us dreams of having someone love us so much that they would do anything to save us and keep us out of harmās path. Watching the two of them sloshing through the rising waters and then later holding each otherās hands while floating in the excruciatingly cold ocean was inspiring and heartbreaking. These images are ingrained, immortalized, and cherished whenever we remember two ill-fated lovers.
Gloria Stuart as the 100-year-old Rose was fabulous. Her captivating face and the twinkle and spark in her eyes were precious as she took audiences back in time to tell and remember her first love. Stuart was only 86 when she was cast. The makeup department had to age her to appear older. One can only hope to be that feisty and full of life whether you are 86 or 100.
Billy Zane as Cal was great as the wealthy, villainous fiancƩ everyone hated. His portrayal of greed and power provided the emotional arcs necessary to guide audiences through the male-dominated perspective of the times. It was so hard to hear how any woman would feel or think out loud because no one was listening, unless of course, you were THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN, brilliantly played by Kathy Bates (MISERY). She can make any role come to life and pop off the screen with exuberance and authenticity.
The costume department had its hands full, that is for sure. There were over 1000 extras who had to be dressed in period clothing at all times, and there was a core group of 150 who had lines to say while depicting different members of the shipās ensemble. Roseās final dress had to look incredible both wet and dry during those final 60 minutes of the film. There were 24 copies of the same dress made to accomplish this extraordinary feat. Each character had a distinct look about them that highlighted the splendor and poverty of our history. It all created a stunning snapshot of our society. Kudos to all.
There were so many scenes that had to be done in one take. This was due to the cost of hundreds of gallons of water necessary to wind their way through the corridors. These cold, wet projectiles were thrust upon the stunning sets, destroying everything in their wake. It was sheer luck and skill, admiring the magnificent ballroom for brief seconds before the elegant stairway and mahogany walls were forcefully swept away all in one glorious take. It has to be noted as well that there was no music playing as the TITANIC sank. Cameron thought the intensity of the scene was enough. No orchestra could have made anyone feel more scared for their lives. The gravity of the situation was evident. I did think it was genius to hear the 4 musicians playing their instruments on deck while the TITANIC was going down. What an extraordinary true clip from the historical records.
TITANIC shed a weary light on the bitter imbalance between the classes and genders. It made audiences see and feel how it felt to have money in your pocket yet be unable to save yourself from drowning. The rich thought they were invincible. This sort of reflects the attitude of our billionaire society still today. The film raises the question over and over about the value and worth of one life. Can we put a price tag on those who have less than others? What does it take for humanity to unlock the gates and remove those bars that divide us forever?
TITANIC is a classic of artistic triumph from the genius talent and tenacious soul of James Cameron. It is a visual masterpiece that can take our breath away while tears stream down our cheeks. It is a beautiful love story that centers on an unimaginable, tragic snippet of time. TITANIC does project hope and even pure joy that can go on and on through the legacies left behind. Rose did that for Jack by simply living each day to its fullest. Jack would say, āLife is a gift. We have to make each day count.ā Even though there might not be a lifeboat for everyone, we must take the plunge and live. Perhaps there is a cruise trip waiting for each of us every day. When will you be brave enough to step on boardā¦
TITANIC is available on Paramount+.