3D makes you relive those moments - those moments of passion, terror and tragedy. Titanic in every dimension, is spectacular...
These lines were told by Rose (played by wonderful Gloria Stuart) when she first sees an old mirror from Titanic, restored from the wreck. Same goes for this 1997 film, which created a history, a phenomenon - which is the fifth highest grossing film of all time (yes, ahead of Avatar, if you adjust for inflation) and is now presented in post-converted 3D by the director James Cameron. When it was released all those years ago, experts predicted it a box-office bomb. Cameron had to fight with studio executives for its budget and length. But against all odds, Titanic was perhaps most successful film of modern cinema.
The film starts as a treasure hunting film, and then it goes to flashback - how Rose was unhappy - how she was trapped in the fake high class society - how Jack brought up Rose's carefree, full of life spirit - how the Ship met its tragic day and how ultimately the whole event altered Rose's life.
Leonardo Di Caprio played Jack with high spirit and vigor. "I am the king of the world", he screams at top of his lungs standing on the edge of the Titanic. But Kate Winslet steals the show - specially her last scene - the scene where she gathers all of the air from his lungs and blows the whistle - marvelous. Billy Zane's Cal is cartoonish, stereotypical and yet fun. Kathy Bates leaves quite an impression in her short but well performed role of Molly Brown.
But hero of the film is James Cameron - his direction, his vision and his presentation. Ranging from subtle transition shots of young Rose to 100 years Rose, to sweeping shots of the ship in early scenes and finally the splitting of the ship - Cameron uses his camera in a most effective manner and presents director of photography's (Russell Carpenter) work as the best he can. Visual effects are a milestone for modern cinema, even after 15 years they never feel outdated or imposed. Music by James Horner is remarkable - vocals by Sissel Kyrkjebø, amazing use of flute and bagpipe with Irish touch is outstanding. Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" is annoying - however it does complies with film's schmaltzy romance.
But hero of the film is James Cameron - his direction, his vision and his presentation. Ranging from subtle transition shots of young Rose to 100 years Rose, to sweeping shots of the ship in early scenes and finally the splitting of the ship - Cameron uses his camera in a most effective manner and presents director of photography's (Russell Carpenter) work as the best he can. Visual effects are a milestone for modern cinema, even after 15 years they never feel outdated or imposed. Music by James Horner is remarkable - vocals by Sissel Kyrkjebø, amazing use of flute and bagpipe with Irish touch is outstanding. Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" is annoying - however it does complies with film's schmaltzy romance.
Script is flawed - specially the dialogues, they are too flawed. Cheesy, cringe worthy and unintentionally funny. Since James Cameron is no Aaron Sorkin, his script is mercilessly stuffed with typical Hollywood romance and conventional storyline. A poor boy meets rich girl, the girl falls for the boy, they fall in love; girl's family disapprove of the boy - I don't know how many Bollywood films will resemble this story.
3D conversion for Titanic is pretty good - some standout scenes in 3D include a very early scene where Rose gets out of her car wearing an enormous hat, the departure of Titanic, "King of the World" scene, "I am flying" scene, Rose and Jack running through the steam in the engine compartment, and almost every scene of the last hour. 3D however, does decreases the brightness. If you take off the glasses and you can see how dark the footage becomes. But that's just nitpicking, the film is pretty bright with glasses as well.
It is hard to find someone who hasn't seen Titanic yet. Almost everyone has seen it. And yet, each time you see it, it brings something new, something resounding. Titanic is a homage to all those souls who died on that tragic night. It is a wonderful piece of cinema, and a certain classic.
