Everytime I think of the length of this movie, I can't help but be reminded of the line from that other famous boatwreck in history, the S.S. Minnow...
Unlike that ill fated ship, however, the passengers and crew of this majestic liner did not all survive. In fact, the overall loss of life was incredible...nearly 1500 people perished. In my other example, all 7 of the passengers and crew survived. So much for THAT comparison.
James Cameron played this movie for effect rather than attempt to overwhelm his viewers with numerous facts. In fact, so many uncertainties about that night exist, that Cameron had to take certain liberties in his attempt to create both an involving and an entertaining plot.
What amazes me more than anything is that the film holds water (sorry about the pun) even after repeated viewings...personally I have seen this film nearly 30 times. There are many people who would argue that this film does not deserve to be at the top of the "highest grossing" list. In some ways, I would agree, but in reality, the story is so "human" and involving, that ANYONE can relate to it. I'll admit that, every time I saw the film in the theatre, I FELT like I was onboard the ship. In that way, I can think of no film more deserving of the top honors accorded Titanic.
The major trouble with this masterpiece is that it doesn't translate well to the small screen. The ship was meant to be larger than life. The oversized theatrical screen brings the ship and the characters to life. Unfortunately, much like other big screen masterpieces like Star Wars and Jurassic Park, once you shrink the film down, even if you letterbox it, you've lost the full impact of the director's intentions.
Given a choice of seeing this film on the small screen or the big screen, I'd take it's theatrical presentation any day. But if someone asked me if I wanted to watch Titanic on video at a party or quiet intimate evening at home, I have a sinking feeling I'd still say "yes"...
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