“Everyone knows the familiar stories of Titanic, the nobility of the band playing ‘til the very end but I’m interested in the untold stories, the secrets locked deep inside the hull of Titanic…” a quote made by Brock Lovett, portrayed by Bill Paxton in the 1997 version of the movie "Titanic," directed by James Cameron.
The film set the bar so far above the socioeconomic classifications and barriers in the time period. Rose is born into a first class family with champagne tastes. She wants to live a life different than anyone else her age in that time period but cannot do that with the boundaries she has been brought up in and will soon marry into.
Rose was born in 1895 and lived in a time period when women were raised to be housewives. They went to finishing school, they were wives, and they did not have careers generally. This was 1912, this was pre-World War I, and of course, World War II era. Rose knew she would be living the rest of her life being a housewife to an abusive asshole Caledon Hockley.
The movie, although fictional, is historically accurate for the most part. There are a few ‘oops’ here and there, but what movie doesn’t have them? The flashlights used to look for Rose and Jack while they’re in the car getting steamy? Those weren’t invented yet. The pond that Jack refers to falling into when he’s telling Rose about ice fishing? Until 1918 it was actually filled with oil and was unable to be swam or fished in. Whoops.
Towards the end of the movie, Cal shoots at Jack and Rose. He misses and hits a piece of cut-out wood on the ship. Seconds later, you can see the wood cut in half and where the explosive went off instead of a bullet chopping through it. Rose also has frequent shoe changes that were not supposed to be captured on camera. Nonetheless, it is interesting to continue watching so many times in order to spot these little spoofs.
It discussed mental illness before it was truly a controversial topic. When Rose saw no way out but to commit suicide and jump off the stern of Titanic in the beginning of the movie, Jack and Rose have their first moment together where he talks her through getting back on the deck side of the rail. She slips, almost falling in, basically creating their connection for the movie.
Shortly following, she explains how “poor little rich girl, how does she know anything about misery?” and he doesn’t judge her. He understands that she may have a rough life, and she may have money, but that doesn’t make her have a perfect life. That’s one reason they were perfect for each other.
Caledon Hockley honestly represents a personality we have probably all met at one time or another. With his arrogance in almost everything he says including, “Monet... he won't amount to a thing, trust me.” “My fian-... my fiancée! Yes, you are, and my wife. My wife in practice if not yet by law, so you will honor me. You will honor me the way a wife is required to honor a husband. Because I will not be made a fool, Rose. Is this in any way unclear?”
I could go on, but Cal’s need for control is quite common in today’s arrogant personalities.
The quotes. “You jump. I jump, remember?” “I’d rather be his whore than your wife.” “A woman’s heart is a deep ocean of secrets.” “Make it count.” “I’m king of the world!” “Where to miss?” “To the stars.”
All of these amazing quotes come from this movie. There are so many quotes from this movie that are perfect for smooth-talking your special other, captioning a good Instagram picture, or showcasing how many times you’ve seen this movie.
While I’m still waiting to get my "Titanic" quote tattoo of Jack Dawson’s famous words, which were uttered sitting around the dinner table telling the group of his heroic tale, I’ll probably watch the movie 40 more times before I get it.
This film broke boundaries with its insight for the time period, the setting, and the actual film taking place. It was truly a masterpiece created by James Cameron, and I will forever hold it as a favorite movie of mine, all three hours and fifteen minutes. Let’s also not forget the beautiful bond this movie created on behalf of the co-stars Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio for the world to enjoy still 20 years later after the film was released. They have a beautiful bond and friendship, something that the world needed.
Also, because there is profound controversy surrounding whether Jack and Rose both could have fit on the door in the very end scene before Jack died of hypothermia, director James Cameron teamed up with Mythbusters to finally put to rest the debate. Cameron stated that yes, the two star crossed lovers could’ve both fit on the door, but that would’ve effected the buoyancy of the door, revealing them both to the cold temperatures and more than likely killing them both. Jack realized this when he originally tried to get on the door. Therefore, he made the decision to let Rose stay on top of the door and hopefully live, while he basically sacrificed himself in an effort to save her.
Ugh, it's so sweet it hurts.
“But now you know there was man named Jack Dawson, and that he saved me… in every way that a person can be saved. I don’t even have a picture of him, he exists only in my memory now.”
Luckily for us, we have lots of pictures of him.
