Producer Jon Landau stood about five feet from me with writer/director Jim Cameron at Paramount this morning to show 18 minutes of footage from the newly revamped 3-D Titanic. When they’re standing that close to you they can say a whole lot of things but you’re going to hear nothing but the pounding throb in your head: I’m five feet away from Jim Cameron and it’s freaking me out. Cameron was there to explain the process — in that detailed way only he can — of turning his and our beloved Titanic into a 3-D experience.
But the chitter chatter was mostly unnecessary, as the footage really speaks for itself, the detail and meticulous attention to every object on the frame speaks for itself. As Cameron finished talking about how many millions it took to heighten this already visually stunning film into 3-D, the lights dimmed. Immediately, from the first frame the movie looks the same, only different – it’s everything it always was only more of it – it’s kind of like being drugs (not that I would know) and revisiting familiar tastes and places – it’s all heightened – the colors, the sharpness, the shapes. It is one of the most breathtaking things I’ve ever seen.
Titanic was also quite something in the Oscar race, deservedly taking almost every tech award it was up for. Kris Tapley goes through Titanic and Oscar over at Hitfix. Check it out.
I have a love/hate relationship with Titanic. I think it is at once one of the best and one of the worst movies ever made. It’s inexplicable how it can be both. Watching this footage, though, it struck me how good it really is. As more time goes on, the bad dialogue in some scenes just doesn’t seem to matter anymore because of what this movie ultimately is.
Like any master of great foreplay, Cameron teased us with this footage, showing us some scenes but of course reserving the money shot for when the film is released — April 2012 in IMAX 3-D. For me, the film really takes off once the ship hits the iceberg. And from then on, I bow down to Cameron as the god of cinema that he is. What a movie from then on.
I still cringe when I see the famous paintings (which are hanging in museums) floating by and I still sort of cringe when a line comes out of Kate Winslet’s mouth but with the 3-D heightening every tiny gesture, every dangling bead, every strand of hair and moistening of lips there couldn’t be anything less relevant than the dialogue.
I suspect this is why Avatar is such a miracle on screen with 3-D but just doesn’t work at all on TV or in 2-D. The 3-D is so dazzling, so unbelievable you can’t do anything but stare slack-jawed at what you’re seeing on screen.
After the 18 minutes of a few choice scenes, nowhere near enough, Cameron and Landau came back out to talk about the footage and answers questions. There weren’t many questions anyone was confident enough to ask. My first question Cameron answered without being asked — he said he “doesn’t have the revisionist gene.” I’d wondered if he felt compelled to tinker with the movie – to alter some scenes. He said no, that it is the film he made. They didn’t change anything.
The other thing I wanted to know was whether working in 3-D made you lazier as a director, less willing to use your resourcefulness and imagination to create great shots. Had his thinking changed significantly between Titanic and Avatar, for instance. But I never got up the nerve to ask.
Either way, I couldn’t be more excited about seeing Titanic on the big screening next April. Cameron seems able to really bring it when it comes to the magic of cinema like no other. Hopefully people will get the message and pony up the dough to see this film. There are times when paying for a movie ticket is nothing compared to what you get in return. The original Titanic was one of those. So was Avatar. There is no question that the 3-D Titanic will also be an experience worth the price of admission.
Keifer … no, there wasn’t any intellectual insight. I suppose. I mean, to be honest I’m not sure what you mean by intellectual insight, but if you mean grand morose monologues on the unpredictability of fate or something else of that nature … well, I think he captured a disaster just as the disaster would have happened. People panicking and the like. I don’t think “intellectual insight” was on anybody’s mind that night ….
Keifer … no, there wasn’t any intellectual insight. I suppose. I mean, to be honest I’m not sure what you mean by intellectual insight, but if you mean grand morose monologues on the unpredictability of fate or something else of that nature … well, I think he captured a disaster just as the disaster would have happened. People panicking and the like. I don’t think “intellectual insight” was on anybody’s mind that night ….
Somebody should have asked when The Abyss is coming out on Blu, that’s the most pressing Cameron-related query at the moment.
Somebody should have asked when The Abyss is coming out on Blu, that’s the most pressing Cameron-related query at the moment.
I’ll be there. One of my all-time favorite films. Hate it all you want but at the end of the day the film is pure magic, what going to the movies is all about.
I’ll be there. One of my all-time favorite films. Hate it all you want but at the end of the day the film is pure magic, what going to the movies is all about.
Luke,
My position is that Cameron deliberately targeted his audience to a lower middle-class mentality throughout the entire film. There isn’t one intellectual insight into the disaster or the characters (especially Jack and Rose). And the fiance of Rose is played like a villain out of a Laurel and Hardy comedy . . . everything but a twirling black mustache. Oh, wait a second. I thought I did see it twirl when he jumped into the boat.
Historical Item: MURDOCH DID NOT COMMIT SUICIDE. That was a gross depiction of inaccuracy.
One other item of inaccuracy? Jack and Rose swimming around the interior of the sinking boat . . . the water lit turquoise as if it’s an L.A. warm pool. The only reference to FREEZING water is when Jack resurfaces after 20 minutes and blandly observes, “Wow, that water sure is cold.” In reality, he would have been dead from hypothermia by then.
Luke,
My position is that Cameron deliberately targeted his audience to a lower middle-class mentality throughout the entire film. There isn’t one intellectual insight into the disaster or the characters (especially Jack and Rose). And the fiance of Rose is played like a villain out of a Laurel and Hardy comedy . . . everything but a twirling black mustache. Oh, wait a second. I thought I did see it twirl when he jumped into the boat.
Historical Item: MURDOCH DID NOT COMMIT SUICIDE. That was a gross depiction of inaccuracy.
One other item of inaccuracy? Jack and Rose swimming around the interior of the sinking boat . . . the water lit turquoise as if it’s an L.A. warm pool. The only reference to FREEZING water is when Jack resurfaces after 20 minutes and blandly observes, “Wow, that water sure is cold.” In reality, he would have been dead from hypothermia by then.
I thought the role of “Rose” was originally for Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Winslet was like the second choice??? No?
Anyway, I don’t think it should be in 3D… It’ll just ruin the film… Though I’m on the L.A. Confidential boat….
I thought the role of “Rose” was originally for Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Winslet was like the second choice??? No?
Anyway, I don’t think it should be in 3D… It’ll just ruin the film… Though I’m on the L.A. Confidential boat….
Keifer,
I’m not sure what the fuss about the innaccuracies are? I read the behind the scene book “James Cameron’s Titanic” when it came out and he went to PAINSTAKING details to make sure that the everything was as accuarte as possible. You can say what you want about Cameron being an asshole but you gotta admit his movies are something else (in a good way). And also I don’t think that the film endorsed that sterotypical view you think it has: Mrs. Brown (Kathy Bates)/ Mr. Andres (Victor Garber) don’t fit that bill….why so bitter!
Keifer,
I’m not sure what the fuss about the innaccuracies are? I read the behind the scene book “James Cameron’s Titanic” when it came out and he went to PAINSTAKING details to make sure that the everything was as accuarte as possible. You can say what you want about Cameron being an asshole but you gotta admit his movies are something else (in a good way). And also I don’t think that the film endorsed that sterotypical view you think it has: Mrs. Brown (Kathy Bates)/ Mr. Andres (Victor Garber) don’t fit that bill….why so bitter!
Absolutely not.
A piece of shit film from start to finish. I nearly walked out of it during its premiere. Totally undeserving of its Oscars . . . and Cameron’s direction is cold and uninvolving. For all is production values, quite inaccurate. I hated its conclusive attitude that all rich people suck, and are evil and manipulative; and that all poor people are wonderfully bright, optimistic, fiddling, Irish jigging, educated masses who deserve everything for nothing.
May I bring up one point about this Oscar year. This was the year that “LA Confidential” (a far superior film on every level imaginable) was bested by James Cameron’s Titanic. I remember seeing Gwyneth Paltrow being intereviewed in a pre-Oscar forecast and asking who she thought would win that year. Her answer? “Anything but Titanic”. I think I fell in love with Gwynnie right then and there! Good girl!
Absolutely not.
A piece of shit film from start to finish. I nearly walked out of it during its premiere. Totally undeserving of its Oscars . . . and Cameron’s direction is cold and uninvolving. For all is production values, quite inaccurate. I hated its conclusive attitude that all rich people suck, and are evil and manipulative; and that all poor people are wonderfully bright, optimistic, fiddling, Irish jigging, educated masses who deserve everything for nothing.
May I bring up one point about this Oscar year. This was the year that “LA Confidential” (a far superior film on every level imaginable) was bested by James Cameron’s Titanic. I remember seeing Gwyneth Paltrow being intereviewed in a pre-Oscar forecast and asking who she thought would win that year. Her answer? “Anything but Titanic”. I think I fell in love with Gwynnie right then and there! Good girl!
To be perfectly honest, I don’t get the extreme hate of Titanic. It strikes me as posturing. I don’t love it and I don’t hate it. At the time, I remember thinking it was a technical wonder, and I thought Leo and Kate made a charming romantic couple. But LA Confidential and Boogie Nights were still my favorite films of the year. But when Titanic won all the awards it won, I understood it. It had become one of those larger than life films that only comes along about once in a decade. Even all these years later, I understand how it all happened.
Having said that, I would much rather watch Titanic than Avatar. Why? Leo and Kate. And I find that ironic, on several fronts. The reason people saw Titanic over and over again was because of the romance between Leo and Kate. The ship and its sinking was undoubtedly a wonder of a backdrop, but the chemistry between Leo and Kate was what kept all those teen girls (and others) coming back again and again.
To be perfectly honest, I don’t get the extreme hate of Titanic. It strikes me as posturing. I don’t love it and I don’t hate it. At the time, I remember thinking it was a technical wonder, and I thought Leo and Kate made a charming romantic couple. But LA Confidential and Boogie Nights were still my favorite films of the year. But when Titanic won all the awards it won, I understood it. It had become one of those larger than life films that only comes along about once in a decade. Even all these years later, I understand how it all happened.
Having said that, I would much rather watch Titanic than Avatar. Why? Leo and Kate. And I find that ironic, on several fronts. The reason people saw Titanic over and over again was because of the romance between Leo and Kate. The ship and its sinking was undoubtedly a wonder of a backdrop, but the chemistry between Leo and Kate was what kept all those teen girls (and others) coming back again and again.
Like Avatar afterward, the reason Titanic barreled to being the top grossing film in American history was fourfold; the eye candy (visual effects); the acting, the directing, and, whether anyone likes it or not or wants to admit it or not, the writing. All 4 things working together made Titanic the obvious choice, then and now, for their sweep of the ’97 Oscars. In fact, they got hosed in Actress (Winslet) and Supporting Actress (Stuart). But that was during a time when the Academy was more mainstream and accepted boxoffice hits that garnered substantial critical appeal. As opposed to the drudgery of the last decade, save 2003, when arthouse films more often than not have the inside track on the big-ticket Oscars.
Like Avatar afterward, the reason Titanic barreled to being the top grossing film in American history was fourfold; the eye candy (visual effects); the acting, the directing, and, whether anyone likes it or not or wants to admit it or not, the writing. All 4 things working together made Titanic the obvious choice, then and now, for their sweep of the ’97 Oscars. In fact, they got hosed in Actress (Winslet) and Supporting Actress (Stuart). But that was during a time when the Academy was more mainstream and accepted boxoffice hits that garnered substantial critical appeal. As opposed to the drudgery of the last decade, save 2003, when arthouse films more often than not have the inside track on the big-ticket Oscars.
Y’a know, I saw Titanic opening day. I liked it. But then again, I was already a die hard fan of Cameron. Sure it wasn’t half the film, Abyss, T2, and Aliens are, but the tech wizardry sure was. I always read the film like that, instead of some sappy romance 🙂
Y’a know, I saw Titanic opening day. I liked it. But then again, I was already a die hard fan of Cameron. Sure it wasn’t half the film, Abyss, T2, and Aliens are, but the tech wizardry sure was. I always read the film like that, instead of some sappy romance 🙂
I have the exact same feeling about Titanic. I remember in the intermission thinking “people have GOT to be kidding? This is it?!” But then afterwards, when the ship starts to sink – OH MY GOD! But the first 90 minutes are so over-done in every soap opera aspect. Kate Winslet isn’t even that great in it, she overacts the hell out of a character that has too much drama to go through. She and DiCaprio are queen and king of overacting, which might make them suit each other. Neither of them have ever been good at being subtle in their acting, and maybe they are the perfect fit for Cameron in that way. But as you say, Sasha, the lines that Winslet has to deliver. They are NOT good. And she can’t really deliver them. I especially loathe the scene where she first sees DiCaprio’s drawing. The “I hate you/I am surprised/I calm down/God he is talented” emotions she has to go through just don’t work.
I can’t wait to see the 3D version – and I will be dying just to get past the intermission. Yet I would love to see a full four hour version one day so that all the supporting cast finally get their do. Some characters have big death scenes that just don’t seem emotional when their backstory and most of their scenes were cut.
I have the exact same feeling about Titanic. I remember in the intermission thinking “people have GOT to be kidding? This is it?!” But then afterwards, when the ship starts to sink – OH MY GOD! But the first 90 minutes are so over-done in every soap opera aspect. Kate Winslet isn’t even that great in it, she overacts the hell out of a character that has too much drama to go through. She and DiCaprio are queen and king of overacting, which might make them suit each other. Neither of them have ever been good at being subtle in their acting, and maybe they are the perfect fit for Cameron in that way. But as you say, Sasha, the lines that Winslet has to deliver. They are NOT good. And she can’t really deliver them. I especially loathe the scene where she first sees DiCaprio’s drawing. The “I hate you/I am surprised/I calm down/God he is talented” emotions she has to go through just don’t work.
I can’t wait to see the 3D version – and I will be dying just to get past the intermission. Yet I would love to see a full four hour version one day so that all the supporting cast finally get their do. Some characters have big death scenes that just don’t seem emotional when their backstory and most of their scenes were cut.
‘Titanic’ always seems to be the one film that polarizes most among film fans.
I for my part didn’t like it when I saw it for the first time (because of Billy Zane’s shooting scene that I felt didn’t fit in and therefore seemed to have ruined the film for me), but after the second and the third time I saw it in the theater I liked it more and more. So much for the reevaluation.
But in contrast to others I find most of the dialogue appropriate for such a film. The part that actually bugs me most today is the treasure hunt frame story that provides the worst acting and writing for me. But nonetheless I still think that it’s a great film.
Much better than Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ which I (unfortunately) didn’t see it in 3D. But the interesting thing is: I pretty much liked the visuals in 2D, but not the rest of it. All 3D-films I have seen until now (and that aren’t many) didn’t sweep me off my feet. But maybe it is because of my eyes that can only seldom perceive a difference. I don’t really know.
But speaking of ‘Titanic’, Sasha. What were your personal Top Five films (respectively BP winner) of 1997?
‘Titanic’ always seems to be the one film that polarizes most among film fans.
I for my part didn’t like it when I saw it for the first time (because of Billy Zane’s shooting scene that I felt didn’t fit in and therefore seemed to have ruined the film for me), but after the second and the third time I saw it in the theater I liked it more and more. So much for the reevaluation.
But in contrast to others I find most of the dialogue appropriate for such a film. The part that actually bugs me most today is the treasure hunt frame story that provides the worst acting and writing for me. But nonetheless I still think that it’s a great film.
Much better than Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ which I (unfortunately) didn’t see it in 3D. But the interesting thing is: I pretty much liked the visuals in 2D, but not the rest of it. All 3D-films I have seen until now (and that aren’t many) didn’t sweep me off my feet. But maybe it is because of my eyes that can only seldom perceive a difference. I don’t really know.
But speaking of ‘Titanic’, Sasha. What were your personal Top Five films (respectively BP winner) of 1997?
“I suspect this is why Avatar is such a miracle on screen with 3-D but just doesn’t work at all on TV or in 2-D. ”
Avatar is not even close to being my favorite Cameron movie (I actually didn’t like it that much), but this comment always amazes me because I actually preferred the film in 2D. I could see more of the careful detail planned in each shot. They really created a world. The second time I saw the movie was in 2d on a widescreen SmartBoard and you could see insects crawling in trees in the background. It was just crazy the level of detail in each shot. I agree that the clunky dialogue stands out more when watching on a little screen, but outright dismissing it (both Avatar and Titanic) and saying it’s unwatchable is going a little overboard. Cameron is the STRUCTURE writing king when it comes to storytelling. His films always get me, little screen or big screen. I wish he wasn’t sticking with Pandora though. I would love to see his version of Fantastic Voyage (with a wife saving the husband instead of the announced husband saving the wife).
“I suspect this is why Avatar is such a miracle on screen with 3-D but just doesn’t work at all on TV or in 2-D. ”
Avatar is not even close to being my favorite Cameron movie (I actually didn’t like it that much), but this comment always amazes me because I actually preferred the film in 2D. I could see more of the careful detail planned in each shot. They really created a world. The second time I saw the movie was in 2d on a widescreen SmartBoard and you could see insects crawling in trees in the background. It was just crazy the level of detail in each shot. I agree that the clunky dialogue stands out more when watching on a little screen, but outright dismissing it (both Avatar and Titanic) and saying it’s unwatchable is going a little overboard. Cameron is the STRUCTURE writing king when it comes to storytelling. His films always get me, little screen or big screen. I wish he wasn’t sticking with Pandora though. I would love to see his version of Fantastic Voyage (with a wife saving the husband instead of the announced husband saving the wife).
While I too believe that Cameron is below par when it comes to dialogue I bought into Titanic completely. To this day I can watch it all the way through and be lost in the melodramatic world he created. Strangely I was not captivated at all by Avatar and found it to be one of the most boring films I had ever seen. I will definitely go and see Titanic in 3D. Can’t wait!
While I too believe that Cameron is below par when it comes to dialogue I bought into Titanic completely. To this day I can watch it all the way through and be lost in the melodramatic world he created. Strangely I was not captivated at all by Avatar and found it to be one of the most boring films I had ever seen. I will definitely go and see Titanic in 3D. Can’t wait!
Speaking of 3D Re Releases, are they still going forward with the Star Wars 3D releases? I maintain that if Lucas planned on releasing A New Hope 3D first it would probably get close to Avatar’s record. I think Titanic 3D will probably do Lion King 3D type business. Maybe slightly less due to the running time.
Speaking of 3D Re Releases, are they still going forward with the Star Wars 3D releases? I maintain that if Lucas planned on releasing A New Hope 3D first it would probably get close to Avatar’s record. I think Titanic 3D will probably do Lion King 3D type business. Maybe slightly less due to the running time.
I think one of the main differences between Avatar and Titanic is that while the female leads were believable and great in both, in Avatar Sam Worthington (that’s his name right? the guy who played Jake?), while he didn’t do a bad job, was not in my opinion convincing … in either human nor Avatar form (and part of the reason was the dialogue). I agree with an earlier comment that there do not have to be eloquent, insightful speeches or monologues in the movie. My favorite movie, Eternal Sunshine, barely had more than simple short interchanges.
Titanic I think just really did an amazing job of capturing both the HUGE spectacle of the film and the love story at its center. While the whole Romeo and Juliet/Class struggle thing was a bit cliche, it worked because the focus wasn’t that struggle, it was the relationship between the two leads. I think it’s ok when a story “tells” you how to feel, which Titanic does with the cheesy dialogue and the score and the spectacle; not every love film has to be an intimate, “poignant” (whatever that means, right?), restrictive story to make it “good.” Titanic brought out emotion, and it did it with a huge, huge bang, without trying being very “artsy” or indie or very introspective or anything (which I’ll be the first to admit works well on its own in other movies); I don’t think that in any way diminishes the quality of any film.
I think one of the main differences between Avatar and Titanic is that while the female leads were believable and great in both, in Avatar Sam Worthington (that’s his name right? the guy who played Jake?), while he didn’t do a bad job, was not in my opinion convincing … in either human nor Avatar form (and part of the reason was the dialogue). I agree with an earlier comment that there do not have to be eloquent, insightful speeches or monologues in the movie. My favorite movie, Eternal Sunshine, barely had more than simple short interchanges.
Titanic I think just really did an amazing job of capturing both the HUGE spectacle of the film and the love story at its center. While the whole Romeo and Juliet/Class struggle thing was a bit cliche, it worked because the focus wasn’t that struggle, it was the relationship between the two leads. I think it’s ok when a story “tells” you how to feel, which Titanic does with the cheesy dialogue and the score and the spectacle; not every love film has to be an intimate, “poignant” (whatever that means, right?), restrictive story to make it “good.” Titanic brought out emotion, and it did it with a huge, huge bang, without trying being very “artsy” or indie or very introspective or anything (which I’ll be the first to admit works well on its own in other movies); I don’t think that in any way diminishes the quality of any film.
“Are re-releases eligible for Oscar nominations/wins??”
Like the Tonys – best revival. Remakes, re-releases, even director’s cuts on disc could be eligible. Good way to make up for past oversights? …maybe. It would be better to get it right the first time, though.
“Are re-releases eligible for Oscar nominations/wins??”
Like the Tonys – best revival. Remakes, re-releases, even director’s cuts on disc could be eligible. Good way to make up for past oversights? …maybe. It would be better to get it right the first time, though.
“I still sort of cringe when a line comes out of Kate Winslet’s mouth”
How does it feel not to love beautiful things? I kid, I kid.
But I am beyond excited for the opportunity to see Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet (The Holiday, Sense and Sensibility) reclaim cinema screens as Rose in this IMAX 3D presentation of Titanic. My heart will go on.. pounding with anticipation, that is!
Are re-releases eligible for Oscar nominations/wins??
“I still sort of cringe when a line comes out of Kate Winslet’s mouth”
How does it feel not to love beautiful things? I kid, I kid.
But I am beyond excited for the opportunity to see Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet (The Holiday, Sense and Sensibility) reclaim cinema screens as Rose in this IMAX 3D presentation of Titanic. My heart will go on.. pounding with anticipation, that is!
Are re-releases eligible for Oscar nominations/wins??
I don’t think I’m going to be seeing anything re-released in 3D.
I don’t think I’m going to be seeing anything re-released in 3D.
The question is:
Can Titanic 3D make more than 160 million dollars and take back the All Time Grossing Film in North America From Avatar?
The question is:
Can Titanic 3D make more than 160 million dollars and take back the All Time Grossing Film in North America From Avatar?
Titanic is definitely a guilty pleasure and if anything was made for 3D, this is it. I think its main attraction is the fact that it’s based on a real event and audiences are more willing to give a weak storyline a pass in exchange for the experience of being there when the event occurred. Like the frenzy over Gone With The Wind when it was released (at about the same distance in time from the actual event), there are certain historical happenings that are part of the cultural fabric. 80 years from now – if not sooner, but when enough time has passed – there will probably be a graphic electronic dramatization, in whatever media format of the day, of 9/11, anchored by a secondary storyline. The whole point of the exercise will not be the characters’ story, but providing the audience with the ability experience the event itself. That’s what Titanic did. It’s not TSN or Citizen Kane, but it serves a purpose.
Titanic is definitely a guilty pleasure and if anything was made for 3D, this is it. I think its main attraction is the fact that it’s based on a real event and audiences are more willing to give a weak storyline a pass in exchange for the experience of being there when the event occurred. Like the frenzy over Gone With The Wind when it was released (at about the same distance in time from the actual event), there are certain historical happenings that are part of the cultural fabric. 80 years from now – if not sooner, but when enough time has passed – there will probably be a graphic electronic dramatization, in whatever media format of the day, of 9/11, anchored by a secondary storyline. The whole point of the exercise will not be the characters’ story, but providing the audience with the ability experience the event itself. That’s what Titanic did. It’s not TSN or Citizen Kane, but it serves a purpose.
Because lazarus the characters are still interesting, and not annoying little brats.
Because lazarus the characters are still interesting, and not annoying little brats.
BARF
Titanic is one of the worst films ever made. Who cares.
BARF
Titanic is one of the worst films ever made. Who cares.
Leo and Kate save the film for me. Somehow in the midst of that GIANT machine of a movie, they pull off a charming, believable love story. Truly a film where charisma and acting mattered. At least for me.
Leo and Kate save the film for me. Somehow in the midst of that GIANT machine of a movie, they pull off a charming, believable love story. Truly a film where charisma and acting mattered. At least for me.
Only BP winner to not have its screenplay even nominated since some musical in the 50’s or early 60’s, if I’m not mistaken?
Still don’t understand why this gets a pass for horrible dialogue and a poor performance from an important secondary character (Billy Zane) when The Phantom Menace is still eviscerated for the same reasons.. That film also had breathtaking visuals and some fantastic set pieces, as Lucas is also a very good director of action scenes.
Unlike Titanic, it was robbed of awards it deserved for costumes and visual effects, sound and sound effects, and arguably art direction as well.
And I am looking forward much more to the 3-D version of this film, also out next year (or 2013?). Hopefully the New experience will help its reputation.
Only BP winner to not have its screenplay even nominated since some musical in the 50’s or early 60’s, if I’m not mistaken?
Still don’t understand why this gets a pass for horrible dialogue and a poor performance from an important secondary character (Billy Zane) when The Phantom Menace is still eviscerated for the same reasons.. That film also had breathtaking visuals and some fantastic set pieces, as Lucas is also a very good director of action scenes.
Unlike Titanic, it was robbed of awards it deserved for costumes and visual effects, sound and sound effects, and arguably art direction as well.
And I am looking forward much more to the 3-D version of this film, also out next year (or 2013?). Hopefully the New experience will help its reputation.
Yes, as someone said, it’s not the dialogue really, but the storytelling that makes the movie putter along like the well-oiled engine that it is. It’s really, for me at least, what movies have always been about. You can go back to silent films, early talkies, up to today’s special f/x laden wonders and that is Titanic, all wrapped up in one beautiful package. Still, it’s the story that keeps you coming back. I even have to say that I totally enjoyed the first part of the film, primarily because of Leo and Kate and their chemistry together. They made me care for their sappy love story, even if their dialogue was on the trite side. I’m not sure I would have liked it any better had it not been so, to be completely honest.
Yes, as someone said, it’s not the dialogue really, but the storytelling that makes the movie putter along like the well-oiled engine that it is. It’s really, for me at least, what movies have always been about. You can go back to silent films, early talkies, up to today’s special f/x laden wonders and that is Titanic, all wrapped up in one beautiful package. Still, it’s the story that keeps you coming back. I even have to say that I totally enjoyed the first part of the film, primarily because of Leo and Kate and their chemistry together. They made me care for their sappy love story, even if their dialogue was on the trite side. I’m not sure I would have liked it any better had it not been so, to be completely honest.
Day one – first showing.
Day one – first showing.
i’m unashamed to say i love titanic. maybe part of it’s nostalgia for me (i was one of those pre-teen girls in love with leo and saw it four times in theaters) but it’s an unabashed hollywood melodrama and still an inherently watchable movie. and i think kate and leo were both great in it, no matter what you think of the dialogue. sasha’s right, the scope of the movie is such that it doesn’t really matter while you’re watching it. i’m excited to see it in 3D
i’m unashamed to say i love titanic. maybe part of it’s nostalgia for me (i was one of those pre-teen girls in love with leo and saw it four times in theaters) but it’s an unabashed hollywood melodrama and still an inherently watchable movie. and i think kate and leo were both great in it, no matter what you think of the dialogue. sasha’s right, the scope of the movie is such that it doesn’t really matter while you’re watching it. i’m excited to see it in 3D
Ready. Amazing movie!! 11 Oscars. Period.
Ready. Amazing movie!! 11 Oscars. Period.
@ LKMOSCAR
The dialogue bothers me in Titanic, but not because the characters don’t speak like geniuses. I too dislike films in which the characters are unnaturally insightful and eloquent in their dialogue – that’s probably the reason I don’t like about half of Woody Allen’s films. But James Cameron’s problem with writing dialogue is different. He has an awkward, blunt way of expressing emotions through dialogue, and the actors have to wrangle their way around many of his lines.
@ LKMOSCAR
The dialogue bothers me in Titanic, but not because the characters don’t speak like geniuses. I too dislike films in which the characters are unnaturally insightful and eloquent in their dialogue – that’s probably the reason I don’t like about half of Woody Allen’s films. But James Cameron’s problem with writing dialogue is different. He has an awkward, blunt way of expressing emotions through dialogue, and the actors have to wrangle their way around many of his lines.
Titanic was a great production, but a terrible movie.
Everything around the actors looked great, but the acting was at times close to keystone cops level, and the writing was even worse. I remember squirming in my seat and wanting to leave until the damned ship started sinking. I have no interest in seeing it in 3d, except maybe for the last hour.
Cameron is a great, great action director, and he is something of a visionary with regards to implementing new technology. In action films he mainly gets away with subpar dialogue because of his visuals, but even Avatar (which I mainly liked) had me shaking my head a few times.
Titanic was a great production, but a terrible movie.
Everything around the actors looked great, but the acting was at times close to keystone cops level, and the writing was even worse. I remember squirming in my seat and wanting to leave until the damned ship started sinking. I have no interest in seeing it in 3d, except maybe for the last hour.
Cameron is a great, great action director, and he is something of a visionary with regards to implementing new technology. In action films he mainly gets away with subpar dialogue because of his visuals, but even Avatar (which I mainly liked) had me shaking my head a few times.
What Cameron lacks as a writer he more than makes up for as a storyteller.
What Cameron lacks as a writer he more than makes up for as a storyteller.
I’m surprised the dialogue bothers people (in no way should it outweigh the film’s overall effect). To think that people in films should speak like geniuses is really to erase realistic portayals of human interactions.
I’m surprised the dialogue bothers people (in no way should it outweigh the film’s overall effect). To think that people in films should speak like geniuses is really to erase realistic portayals of human interactions.
Sasha,
I completely agree with you on the love/hate relationship with Titanic. I will probably see this, as James Cameron is the only director I completely trust with new technology, especially 3-D technology. With what he did with Avatar, he has earned my trust.
I’m just not looking forward to the Cameron dialogue.
Rob
Sasha,
I completely agree with you on the love/hate relationship with Titanic. I will probably see this, as James Cameron is the only director I completely trust with new technology, especially 3-D technology. With what he did with Avatar, he has earned my trust.
I’m just not looking forward to the Cameron dialogue.
Rob
No.
It’s not that I’m not ready. I just don’t like the movie.
No.
It’s not that I’m not ready. I just don’t like the movie.