The Film That Launched 1,000 2+ Hour Films

Rating: 7/10 (31 January 2007)

Remember when a film that ran over two hours was a shiny beacon among film that exemplified greatness? Extended length represented importance, and we all had to stand up and take notice to its magnitude.
Now, add into the mix that we all knew what the ending was going to be. "Titanic," a very LONG story that history spoiled the ending to, made fools out of all the naysayers. Millions upon millions have seen this film, and we all know the outcome...brilliant! Where does that brilliance come from? Is it the acting? Well, nobody I know didn't want Gloria Stuart to walk home without a Best Supporting Actress Oscar...after all, we got her all dolled up and made her stay out late--but, it didn't happen.
And, why didn't it? Was it the writing? Well, what can you say about a film that, for the last hour, at least, consisted of dialogue no more monumental than..."Rose!" "Jack!" "Jack!" "Rose!" No, gentle readers, it's the special effects that kept the crowd there. As much as I hate the fact that I hate this film as much as I do on an intellectual level, I cannot deny that, no matter how many times I've seen that ship sink, I'm always mesmerized each and every time it does. Jim Cameron has indeed gone out of his way to stupefy us with his ending...and I bought it hook, line, and sinker.
Although it took us almost two hours of banal dialogue to get there, the ending is absolutely spectacular in its delivery. No awards for acting or script--obviously--"Titanic" may sink, but the ending is not to be missed.