Titanic Review (Kate Winslet Month @ the LAMB)

When a film becomes the highest grossing film at the box office in movie history (without adjusting for inflation), you know the people behind the film are doing something right.  With Titanic, James Cameron did multiple things right such as filling his cast with a slew of talented actors, writing a script that knows exactly what kind of film it is in service of and doing a masterful job in the director's chair.

James Cameron is the true force behind this (once) box office king.  His script isn't anything special and actually falls into cliche a little too often (especially with the romantic elements of the film).  The film is also a little slow at times (especially during the first half of the film where it overindulges us in the world of the the infamous ship).  There is even a part of the film that is completely ineffective.  The present day storyline serves no purpose other than making the runtime bloated.  Despite all of this, Cameron has more than enough talent to make this film prevail.  His flawed script even does so much right that it is easy to see why so many took multiple trips to the theater to see it.  Cameron knows how to cater to all ages and gender.  This may not seem like much, but it is a lot harder than it seems to cater to everyone.



As we all know (and as is on clear display in this film), Cameron's true talent is behind the camera.  He does an astonishing job of creating a single ship into its in own, unique world.  Cameron's Titanic appears to breath in this film as if it is an actual character.  Although not known for being much of a director of straight dramatic films, Cameron actually elevates the early part of the film from his script.  Then comes the third act and Cameron is allowed to direct in the style that he truly excels at: action.  The final act of this film is an amazing, non-stop thrill ride.  It's something that only few directors could pull off while still making the characters important (something most present day action film directors don't know how to do).  Speaking of the more visual components of this film, the technical team does an astonishing job by combining state of the art visual effects, gorgeous costume design and intricate set design into the perfect eye candy.  Cameron then ends it all in an ambiguous but still accessible final scene in a prominent location on the ship.  It feels like he was pandering to the masses a little too much, but still is an effective ending to the film.

Cameron was very fortunate to have a great backing him up on this one.  Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, of course, have great chemistry together, but they are also effective on their own.  Winslet is phenomenal as she takes a character with many unlikeable characteristics (and almost borderline annoying on the script) and turns her into a great heroine.  DiCaprio shows why he is so revered today with a decent performance that does carry the early parts of the film.  It is far from his best performance but I couldn't imagine anyone else in the role.

The supporting cast is well casted.  Billy Zane is hammy, but perfectly suited for his villainous role.  Kathy Bates almost steals the show as the spunky Molly Brown.  Victor Garber and Bernard Hill make the most of their historical figures by playing them subdued yet true performances.  Gloria Stuart is pretty good, but does nothing astonishing.  The only weak link is Bill Paxton who, devoid of any charisma, makes us wish we were just back on the "real" ship already.

Titanic is enjoyable film with a director that knows how to get everyone to enjoy the art of film.  A major accomplishment.

9/10


For the month of October, it is Kate Winslet month at Large Association of Movie Blogs.  Look out for a plethora of features about the actress later this month there.