View Full Version : Titanic (1997)


Overdose
08-16-2007, 03:02 AM
When Titanic was released the world was in the first years of the Internet craze. Everyone was becoming desensitized to human tragedy and was wasting their lives away online. However, when Titanic was released it struck a cord with many people. It reminded everyone that any day could be your last and that you must live each day to the fullest. This is primarily what captivated the hearts and minds of a large chunk of the world. Titanic was released at the very moment many needed a reality-check. It showed us through this brilliantly crafted film that there is still a need for love and compassion and that our world is still filled with human tragedy, not just computers.

Another primary reason why Titanic is a phenomenal film is the well-acted love story between Jack and Rose. The love story created an emotional doorway to the tragedy that occurred that night. As a viewer you began to care for the characters. Through this you felt the feelings of those who lost their lives and loved ones on this fatal shipwreck. Having these lovers come from different social classes also allowed the viewers to see the mentality of 1912 through two different perspectives. It gave the audience insight into how man thought they were above Mother Nature, how women were expected to behave and how lower classes were treated inhumanly. The love story was crucial to telling the full story of Titanic.

Titanic has several others qualities that set it apart from other films. Firstly, the amazing music, which set the tone for each scene perfectly. Secondly, the outstanding cinematography that gave a variety of different angles shown in a unique fashion, which thus allowed you to feel that you were actually aboard the ship. Thirdly, the impeccable sets and costumes gave an extremely authentic feel to the movie. Fourthly, Titanic included many interesting facts throughout the film, such as not having enough lifeboats for all its passengers, increasing more speed regardless of ice warnings, telling us how many people were saved from the freezing water and other numerous facts and figures. Finally, the ending tied everything together perfectly with Rose doing everything she promised Jack and eventually dying warm in her bed, while her soul returns to Titanic.

Cameron’s film was flawless for it blended past and present perfectly, while telling the story of Titanic in its entirety, by showing the true tragedy of Titanic, which was that loved ones (IE: Jack and Rose) were torn apart. This film deserves the 11 Oscars it received (including Best Picture) and achieving the worldwide position of the 3rd highest grossing film of all time (inflation included). Titanic revived what was lacking in the new age of the Internet and reminded us that we must make each and every day count.

PS: Honestly, I want to drive this point home because people always bash the love story.

People lost their loved ones and lives on Titanic, and Rose loosing Jack is exactly what happened when Titanic sank, loved ones were being torn apart. This is why having a love story is crucial to telling the full story of Titanic.

Mikado
08-16-2007, 08:27 AM
Funny thing, I went to see the film for technical reasons (Have been a Titanic buff for 30 years), and fell in love with the film. The love story, is fictional, of course, but, everything else was fairly accurate ( Total accuracy is almost impossible as many witnesses gave differing accounts of that night in April of 1912 ). it may be the only film that runs nearly 3 hours, that i ever felt would have been even better, had it run LONGER! :)

Janice
08-16-2007, 12:42 PM
I loved Titanic. It's made the most money of any movie ever made. Everyone I know enjoyed the love story angle. I also don't think people were wasting their lives away on the Internet in 1997. Maybe some are today, but not 10 years ago. I also don't think the movie was a wakeup call or reality check for anyone either. It was simply a fantastic movie, but it didn't change the world.

Nighthawk76
08-16-2007, 01:08 PM
I saw the movie in the theaters and thought that it was pretty good. I haven't seen it since though.

TJL
08-16-2007, 04:34 PM
Sorry folks, IMO there's another movie that changed the world:

Mikado
08-16-2007, 05:01 PM
Sorry folks, IMO there's another movie that changed the world:
I think it had less to do with changing the World and more to do with how movies were made and promoted ( And it wasnt for the better ); Titanic was a return to making movies the old-fashioned way, IMHO .

TJL
08-16-2007, 05:28 PM
I think it had less to do with changing the World and more to do with how movies were made and promoted ( And it wasnt for the better ); Titanic was a return to making movies the old-fashioned way, IMHO .

Titanic had more special effects shots than Star Wars. That's not old fashioned movie making.

;)

Janice
08-16-2007, 06:00 PM
Titanic had more special effects shots than Star Wars. That's not old fashioned movie making.

;)
That's right, and Titantic was 20 years after Star Wars, so the improvement in special effects is to be expected. :)

Overdose
08-16-2007, 06:06 PM
Sorry folks, IMO there's another movie that changed the world:
Almost all critics gave Titanic wonderful reviews and the Academy Awards gave it 11 wins. It is one of the most highly decorated films ever. That has to show something. Also, the soundtrack for Titanic shot to #1, as did the single "My Heart Will Go On" around the entire world. This movie will become a classic (when you add in all of this, plus the ticket sales) and time will only start to show this.

It has been easier for Star Wars to stay current or with the times because there are 6 movies they have released over the years in order to finish the Star Wars story, which has kept it in the public eye and it appeals to all ages and sexes.

Also it is a movie that is far easier to make action figurers, t-shirts and merchandise for, which in-turn allows it to stay in the public eye longer as well. Don't get me wrong, Star Wars is a classic, is successful and I love Star Wars. But come on, Titanic holds its own.

TJL
08-16-2007, 06:19 PM
Didn't mean to start an arguement her folks, I was just kidding. Titanic was the first film to gross a billion bucks worldwide. That truly is an impressive achievement.

Mikado
08-16-2007, 06:38 PM
TJL posted:
Titanic had more special effects shots than Star Wars. That's not old fashioned movie making.


I meant in that Titanic was story and character driven, in the way of a true 1930s film classic. Yes there were special effects but, unlike Star Wars, they ( Along with commercial tie-ins ) werent the main focus of the film.

Zebra 3
08-16-2007, 07:22 PM
The love story was crucial to telling the full story of Titanic.
The implausible love story was fictional. It had nothing to do with the sinking of the Titanic and everything to do with the three very long hours I sat to watch this overhyped Hollywood crapfest. To tell you the truth, I was actually rooting for the iceberg and for everyone to perish including the old bag and director James Cameron.

Overdose
08-16-2007, 07:46 PM
The implausible love story was fictional. It had nothing to do with the sinking of the Titanic and everything to do with the three very long hours I sat to watch this overhyped Hollywood crapfest. To tell you the truth, I was actually rooting for the iceberg and for everyone to perish including the old bag and director James Cameron.
Jack and Rose fell in love, and when Jack died viewers felt, hopefully, how those who lost their loved ones felt when Titanic sank.

The love story was a way to create an emotional doorway to the true tragedy of that night, which was that loved ones were split apart, as Jack and Rose were in the movie.

Having these lovers come from different social classes also allowed the viewers to see the mentality of 1912 through two different perspectives. It gave the audience insight into how man thought they were above Mother Nature, how women were expected to behave and how lower classes were treated inhumanly. The love story was crucial to telling the full story of Titanic.

I guess to each their own, but I thought the love story was a genius way to convey the true story of Titanic. :)

Brian Damage
08-16-2007, 09:03 PM
I don't think Titanic "changed the world." It was a good film, but not rewatchable IMHO

Mikado
08-16-2007, 09:28 PM
The implausible love story was fictional. It had nothing to do with the sinking of the Titanic and everything to do with the three very long hours I sat to watch this overhyped Hollywood crapfest. To tell you the truth, I was actually rooting for the iceberg and for everyone to perish including the old bag and director James Cameron.
:lol:

Youre right the love story was fictional, but, that doesnt mean it wasnt a good story, nonetheless. :)

Janice
08-16-2007, 11:32 PM
I don't think Titanic "changed the world." It was a good film, but not rewatchable IMHO
I saw it at the theater, and then bought the video and watched it. About six months ago, we watched it and I have to say, I enjoyed it. Enough time had passed. It really is a visually stunning movie.

Buffyboy323
08-17-2007, 04:30 AM
I remember "Titanic Fever" was sweeping the world. I wanted to go see it in theaters, but they said I was too little to go...I did however get to watch it religiously when it came to HBO, about a year later...The film really was a work of art; The visual, the score, the writing, the directing, the acting. It was all there. It was just a GREAT movie. It`s hands down one of the best movies to grace the big screen (IMO, anyway). I've probably seen it more times than any other film (though T2 is up there)....It deserved every win and nomination it was chosen for.

I know people think it`s overrated, and some just downright hate it. I can't see, and probably will never understand why....The love story of it is kind of cheesy, obviously, but even if that's not your thing, I believe this movie has a way to just suck you in...The storyline was great. And the cast was excellent (Leo and Kate above all).

The only complaint I have about the movie is whenever I see Leo or Kate in another movie (and I've mostly seen them all), I can't help but to crack up, because I hear that damn theme song in my head!

Janice
08-17-2007, 02:48 PM
Didn't mean to start an arguement her folks, I was just kidding. Titanic was the first film to gross a billion bucks worldwide. That truly is an impressive achievement.
One thing is certain, they'll be no Titanic sequels, lol. I'd venture a guess that Star Wars has more fans than Titanic. You folks are almost as fanatic as those Trekkies. Just kidding with you there, Tom, sort of. ;)

RoryGilmore
08-17-2007, 04:16 PM
Titanic was an amazing movie I loved it and 10 years later it is still a big hit. I remember my parents went to go see in in theaters, I wasnt allowed to go (I was only 7 and mom was actually strict back then) but I watched it when it came out and fell in love with it and to this day it is still on my Top list.

IMO the movie wouldnt have done as well without the love story of Jack and Rose. I def. wouldnt be able to sit through it if it was just the ship set sail hit an ice burg sank. I couldnt do it and dont know many people who could. Character interaction is totally the key. It worked beautifully for Titanic but when they tried to do it in Pearl Harbor not as great but IMO Pearl Harbor was good as well but thats a totally different subject.

TJL
08-17-2007, 04:31 PM
One thing is certain, they'll be no Titanic sequels, lol. I'd venture a guess that Star Wars has more fans than Titanic. You folks are almost as fanatic as those Trekkies. Just kidding with you there, Tom, sort of. ;)


The preferred term is "Trekker" Janice.

And yes, i am one of them too.

;)

Buffyboy323
08-17-2007, 04:37 PM
The preferred term is "Trekker" Janice.

And yes, i am one of them too.

;)
Ha! I was going to say the same thing.

treky
08-18-2007, 01:24 AM
me too!

treky
08-18-2007, 01:28 AM
I read somewhere that a few critics like the movie A NIGHT TO REMEMBER-which is a british movie made in the 50s about the tragedy-better than TITANIC.

treky
08-18-2007, 01:32 AM
part of what made the movie so good was that James Cameron put something in it for everyone-action and adventure for guys, romance for girls and woman (and some guys; even though they won't admit it!:lol: ), great special effects for everyone, plus the added attraction of it set against a true incident.

Fleet
08-18-2007, 02:57 AM
One thing is certain, they'll be no Titanic sequels, lol. I'd venture a guess that Star Wars has more fans than Titanic. You folks are almost as fanatic as those Trekkies. Just kidding with you there, Tom, sort of. ;)
I don't know about that. Remember the 1979 movie "Raise the Titanic?" :D

Fleet
08-18-2007, 03:05 AM
Speaking of the Titanic, here are some quiz-type questions (from memory; I've read a lot about the Titanic):

1. Who first sighted the iceberg which the Titanic collided with?
A. Captain E.J. Smith
B. Frederick Fleet
C. Homer Simpson

2. What time did the Titanic hit the iceberg?
A. 11:40 PM
B. 11:55 PM
C. 12:10 AM

3. Did the passenger Jack Thayer survive?
A. Yes
B. No

4. Approximately how deep is the ocean where the Titanic sank?
A. 7,500 feet
B. 10,000 feet
C. 12,000 feet

5. True or false... there was an unintended fire on the Titanic during its first and only trip across the Atlantic?
A. True
B. False

6. The Titanic was the longest ship ever built?
A. True
B. False

Zebra 3
08-19-2007, 12:27 AM
I read somewhere that a few critics like the movie A NIGHT TO REMEMBER-which is a british movie made in the 50s about the tragedy-better than TITANIC.
The British historical drama A Night Remember is one of my all-time favourites. For what it's worth, it's rated higher than Titanic at both IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes.

Mikado
08-19-2007, 02:14 AM
Posts: 11,534


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Speaking of the Titanic, here are some quiz-type questions (from memory; I've read a lot about the Titanic):

1. Who first sighted the iceberg which the Titanic collided with?
A. Captain E.J. Smith
B. Frederick Fleet
C. Homer Simpson
BFred Fleet in the crow's nest
2. What time did the Titanic hit the iceberg?
A. 11:40 PM
B. 11:55 PM
C. 12:10 AM
A ( not totally sure on this one )
3. Did the passenger Jack Thayer survive?
A. Yes
B. No
A (He wrote a book about the sinking)
4. Approximately how deep is the ocean where the Titanic sank?
A. 7,500 feet
B. 10,000 feet
C. 12,000 feet
C
5. True or false... there was an unintended fire on the Titanic during its first and only trip across the Atlantic?
A. True
B. False
A( It was in the coal bunker )
6. The Titanic was the longest ship ever built?
A. True
B. False
ummm not SINCE then so ill say B( Besides, i think the "Great Eastern" was longer )

Fleet
08-19-2007, 02:31 AM
Good job! :)
The answer to #2 is "A." The ship hit the iceberg at 11:40 PM and sank around 2:20 AM.

Mikado
08-19-2007, 02:37 AM
im a bit of a Titanic "buff" ^_^'

Fleet
08-19-2007, 02:49 AM
im a bit of a Titanic "buff" ^_^'
Yeah, going by your answers, I guess you would be. :)

Mikado
08-19-2007, 07:27 PM
Cool that we found a common interest, huh Fleet?

Have you ever read the book about the 1912 American inquiry?
For a Titanic buff, it makes a pretty interesting read!

Fleet
08-20-2007, 01:47 AM
I don't remember seeing that book.
I wonder if it is on Amazon.com or ebay?

Ireneparalegal
08-20-2007, 01:53 AM
Where did you get that book Mikey?

Mikado
08-20-2007, 03:53 AM
Where did you get that book Mikey?
Just an ordinary book store....it was one of the several Titanic-based books that was reissued when the movie came out ( I must have at least 7 or 8 books on the Titanic )

Mikado
08-20-2007, 03:55 AM
Apparently you CAN buy it on Amazon , Fleet

http://www.amazon.com/Titanic-Disaster-Hearings-Tom-Kuntz/dp/0671025538

waichingliu81
08-20-2007, 02:09 PM
The implausible love story was fictional. It had nothing to do with the sinking of the Titanic and everything to do with the three very long hours I sat to watch this overhyped Hollywood crapfest. To tell you the truth, I was actually rooting for the iceberg and for everyone to perish including the old bag and director James Cameron.

:lol: but seriously though, because of the unbelievable-yet ridiculous attention it has received, i have never once watched titanic and will never watch that film ever again because a) i don't like the story and b) every time i hear celine dion belt out 'my heart will go on' it drives me up the wall

Rhiannon
08-21-2007, 07:55 PM
I love the movie. It still makes me cry when I watch it.

Fleet
08-29-2007, 01:21 AM
Almost all critics gave Titanic wonderful reviews and the Academy Awards gave it 11 wins. It is one of the most highly decorated films ever. That has to show something. Also, the soundtrack for Titanic shot to #1, as did the single "My Heart Will Go On" around the entire world. This movie will become a classic (when you add in all of this, plus the ticket sales) and time will only start to show this.

The soundtrack for "Star Wars" was #2 for 3 weeks. And "Star Wars (Main Title) went to #1. So it did pretty well, too.
Info from the Billboard book of top 40 albums.

Mikado
08-29-2007, 02:27 AM
:lol: but seriously though, because of the unbelievable-yet ridiculous attention it has received, i have never once watched titanic and will never watch that film ever again because a) i don't like the story and b) every time i hear celine dion belt out 'my heart will go on' it drives me up the wall
I loved the movie Wai, but, I will agree with you about Celine Dion...Shes living and working in Las Vegas at the moment, and , many of us, here in Canada, DON'T want her back! :lol:

waichingliu81
08-29-2007, 07:24 AM
I loved the movie Wai, but, I will agree with you about Celine Dion...Shes living and working in Las Vegas at the moment, and , many of us, here in Canada, DON'T want her back! :lol:

LOL :lol: