"You jump, I jump, right?" (Rose)
Genres: adventure, drama, history, romance
Director: James Cameron
Writer: James Cameron
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Frances
Fisher, Gloria Stuart, David Warner, Victor Garber, Jonathan Hyde, Suzy Amis,
Bernard Hill, Bill Paxton
The
recent re-release of Titanic in 3D
couldn't leave me indifferent, because I'm a huge fan of this film that has
been getting lots of hatred for no reason. Or maybe, the reason was its enormous
box office and 11 Academy Awards. Nonetheless, the awakening of extensive
antipathy is not its main merit, so even though I brought it up, I will bury
this idea right here, in the beginning of my ramblings review, because Titanic is awesome, and I don't believe
in existence of overrated films. Seriously.
The
plot revolves around an ultimately classic love story: you heard it before,
even if you're among those lucky people who haven't seen Titanic yet. Two young people from different social circles meet
and fall in love on the board of the luxurious but doomed liner on its maiden
voyage. Rose DeWitt Bukater (Winslet) craves for freedom from the opulent but
heartless world of high life, while Jack Dawson (DiCaprio) is an artist, surely
a penniless one, who gets on the ship by chance.
Titanic has been one of
my favorites since the first time I saw it as a teenager, and when I was
younger, I used to watch it hundreds of times. And it is still my favorite! Basically,
I went to see it not because I wanted to experience it in 3D but because I
yearned to experience it on the big screen. After so many home views, it was a
celebration to finally see it in theater.
It
is common knowledge that Jim Cameron is a perfectionist, who tries to re-create
ideas from his mind on film as closely as possible. Almost all of his feature films
are massive productions that require months if not years of hard work and passionate
devotion to movies. Although he seems to be a big admirer of science fiction,
he meets his other interest in Titanic:
the Ocean.
Avatar (2009) may have
blue aliens and the perilous charms of Pandora, but it doesn't make Titanic less colossal in its greatness,
if we are to compare it with the former. The RMS Titanic was brilliantly
reconstructed in settings and they used real ships for the shooting as well, so
the looks of the film couldn't be better. More than that, the upper-class
interior decoration is transcendent, as well as costume design: Rose's outfits
are amongst my top favorite dresses in period movies.
Although
the entire cast is a wholesome and well-rounded ensemble, Kate and Leo are two
stars in a true sense of the word. As a kid, I thought that Winslet was perfect
and I guess I wanted to be like her, when I grow up. Haha, nice memories. It's
amazing to see how much the lady's career evolved in years and she is, hands down,
one of the most significant actresses nowadays. And Leo, well, Leo. Jack Dawson
is not his best part for sure, but without it, his filmography wouldn't have
been complete. The two of them make a fantastic onscreen couple, whether it's a
heartbreaking romantic tale or a heartbreaking depressive one a decade later (Revolutionary Road, 2008). There's this word
that you stumble upon in various romcom reviews. Chemistry. It has been so
overused that I don't know if it's relevant to describe Kate and Leo's onscreen
relationship like that. Therefore, if you know a decent synonym, well… you know
how to describe it correctly.
Titanic is a monumental
film that was slightly hit by the iceberg of negative critiques but it
withstood because of James Cameron's dedication, overall splendid production,
and two amazing leads, who tell us a beautiful but harrowing story of love.
Rating:
5 stars
PS
As for the quote, I just love that life boat scene.
PPS
Damn, I forgot that I have to mention 3D. Well, it was pointless. In my view
only. Duh. But I'm happy I went to see it.
What do you make of Titanic as a film? What do you make of Titanic as a film in 3D? Do you have a favorite scene? Share your
thoughts please.
I'm in love with this movie! I've enjoyed both the original and the 3D versions! Nice post!!
ReplyDeleteIt's just such an amazing picture. I'm happy to see that its fans still exist! Yeah, we do :)
DeleteHow weird, I wrote two poems about Titanic recently.
ReplyDeleteLoved the post.
P.W.
Thanks.
DeleteI have no intentions of seeing it on 3D, yet I still think it's a brilliant film.
ReplyDeleteGreat to know that you think it's brilliant, too!
DeleteI loved this film, and seeing it on the big screen (but the 3D was pretty pointless - it always is) was totally cool. Nice review!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI went and saw this movie (in 3D since it was my only option). I saw it when it was first released, when I was 11, and was not very impressed then. I felt that I used some slightly stupid per-pubescant boy logic for hating the film...
ReplyDeleteSo I felt it worth it to revisit it, and how better than to see it on the big screen???
I can say that I'm a converted fan. I loved the romance story and almost forgot that I was being sent on a trip on this infamous boat. Winslett and DiCaprio were awesome. I kind of giggled when I came to the realization that the guy who was Billy Zane (whatever happened to him?) butler was the same guy who played the scientist in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2.
There were some scenes, like anything with Kathy Bates, which was just too forced. But overall a great movie.
With all that said though. I still loath the Celine Dione song (I doubt that piece can ever be saved for me) and I wouldn't mind if it took another decade before I saw it again.
3D sucked too.
Great post though.
Yay, it's awesome that you liked it. Nevert thought of Kathy Bates scenes being forced, but it's probably because I never focused on them, so it's a good call.
Delete