Unfair criticized, unfairly praised.

Rating: Null/10 (14 November 2003)

Spoilers ahead.
I am writing this after its recent performance in certain polls.
I don't think this deserves to go down as the worst film ever, especially in a poll that includes both Pearl Harbour and Battlefield Earth, (though to be honest the lack of votes may be more to do with a lack of viewers. Now be honest, how many of you have actually watched it, eh).
However, I am not convinced that it should go down as the greatest movie ever. In my humble opinion, there no movie deserves that award.
One of the accusations leveled at the director, is its use of some cliched characters and events. You know the stuff, the poor, but noble steerage, the rich but decedent 1st class. Well to be fair to James Cameron, these cliches are as much apart of the Titanic legend as the sinking itself. In actual fact it would have been near on impossible not to include them.
So on to the movie itself.
It's central narrative is provided by the character of Rose. However Cameron doesn't allow this to stop him showing over, important events and conversations. Even, in the case of conversations on the bridge, there is no way or reason for her to be present.
The movie contains three separate, but interwoven, strands.
Firstly, of course there is the story of the ship and its sinking. Secondary you have the romance between Jack and Rose. Lastly you have the savage operation.
Titanics story is handled fairly well. More could have be made of subplots, Ismay's part in the ships operations for instance. This said it contains enough to satisfy anyone with a casual interest, and to be honest the special effects go a long way to make up for this.
The second strand, the romance between Rose, a 1st class passenger, and Jack Dawson, a steerage passenger, is in my eyes the weakest part of the movie. However I fear that this was more than likely there to help the film get the green light. Ladies looks aware now, fellas, hands up if you cheered when DiCaprio's copse sank near the end?
Lastly, the strand that pulls it altogether. An 102 year old Rose's telling of the story on board the Calvish. Well I liked this idea. Although its not original, it gave the movie some focus, and allowed facts to be spoken, without it breaking up the flow of the dialogue. This also allows for some flashy but impressive editing. Namely moving from the wreck to an intact Titanic, and vice versa.
So what, you may with justification ask, is my verdict. Well to be honest, like the curates egg of legend, good in parts, but still enjoyable. Now all it needs is a proper, well thought out DVD special edition.