James Cameron: A Man on a Mission

Rating: 10/10 (20 February 1999)

It is widely known that the director is the hardest working person on the set. James Cameron takes this fact to a new level.
Cameron took a great interest in the great ship back in 1989 while filming his deep-sea thriller "The Abyss". In 1994, Cameron began principal photography of the wreckage just off the coast of Newfoundland. As Cameron took his cameras deep into the Atlantic, tears came to his eyes as he looked at the destroyed vessel for the first time. Cameron was on a mission to re-create the story of the great ship, a mission which could be called the greatest accomplishment in film history.
"Titanic" incorporates the widest variety of genres; it is a romance, a drama, an action/adventure, a suspense/thriller. It is a tear-jerker, a spirit-lifter, a special effects extravaganza. It drew in an audience demographic so wide that children, grandparents and all in between love to watch it over and over. It is one of those few films that you can see ten times and still love it, still notice something else which makes you love it more. "Titanic" took movie-making to a new level, both technically and thematically and in such a way that its achievement may never be surpassed.
Cameron poured his heart into this film. He wanted to produce a tale of the ship which would have a great effect on its viewers; make them feel for the passengers, the tragedy of the ship, the power of Rose and Jack's love. The symbolism of their relationship mirrors that of the ship itself. Their love for each other, although short-lived, will last for an eternity. They came from a different world, different backgrounds, yet the essence of their inner selves is so wholesome, so connected that they could not stand to be apart even if it meant changing everything they know.
The film reaches into our hearts, shows us a love so pure, so tragic and destined for destruction yet we all truly care for Rose and Jack, wanting them to survive so their hearts can go on. Tears came to my eyes on five different occasions while watching this film. I was pulled into the story, the characters and the sheer presence of the ship. I wanted everyone I cared about to experience this film, to be able to feel what I felt, to see what I saw. Cameron showed me a side to the human spirit, human tragedy, and the power of love well beyond anything I knew possible. I am eternally thankful for Cameron's monumental achievement and I will never forget experiencing "Titanic".