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Show 199? nuary 13, 1998 ?". 'V , Page 7 The Dixie Sun V'l" i, J L til For a film that is past due and over mdget, Titanic was well orth the wait. Since its elease, Titanic has been elling out to addicted mdiences of all ages, and to actually s expected treak the even mark on ,his $200 million dollar that captured both heart and screen was that of The Unsinkable Molly Brown, brought to life by Kathy Bates. Bates served as a eontrastable figure to the stuffy British aristocracy, but was protagonistie comic relief. Her sympathy for her fellow passengers at the end drew the audience back to an emotional ong . ilm. In another unprece-lente- d stride for the film ndustry, James Cameron akes us to his dream ielow the surface of the kater. The film opens ith actual footage taken om the wreckage at the icean, n Often in a film concluded with the death of several characters, directors feel that long dramatic scenes are more effective, unfortunately the opposite is more likely to happen. of the mighty a ghostly echo of the worst tragedies lottom me peak. of The final performances of the doomed passengers was both respectable and emotional without the dra- history. Historical films provide the enter ainment of Titanic, as it s difficult to add a unique wist to a plot that is heady predetermined. matic; overstated lenghthy scenes. arely Adding to the accuracy of the film was the attention to detail. Costumes were ornate, dec- attending the film, Vhen are not surmthe boat egins to sink, but the ntroduction of humanity n the two lead characters, evelops the element of uspense that is often udiences orative, and beautiful, while still adhering with precision to the styles of the era. The furnishings, staircases, scenery and props were also created with attention to detail. was The silverware the stamped, authentically carpets were produced by the same companies who produced those of the original vessel, in corresponding patterns. It is nearly painful to know the work and finances involved with the film, and watch it all ised when in s Although the revealed the sur- val of the characters till lie last scenes, audience eembers remained at the ge of their seats as the ilm progressed, due to the Pert cinematography of he acking non-fiction- al lms. pre-lew- production. utirely TITANIC The film was historically accu- se, save the fictional affair between Rose na Jack. Although not 3Ve 5rt of the original inci-en- h the love story was ssential to the success of e film, and ances of the dors was eserve the perform- two young expert and recognition. The casting of the 0 actors was uncertain, ?or has it that despite amerons request, Haprio hestitated on CePting the role of Jack, and breaks the pretty boy performer mold, by delivering a performance so filled with emotion and character, that he will undoubtable join the perforWinslets of acclaimed actors. ranks enchantwas Rose of mance The key to a sucfrom away breaking ing, is sympathy for cessful film, helpless the overused, if sympathy the She characters, engenue classification. shoes a fiery temper, but a is not achieved, then the between screen graceful innocence that is connection The and audience fails. captivating. Leonardo DiCaprio Titanic incident is indeed a whereas Winslet had to convince the director for the part, sending a rose from his Rose. tragedy, but the humanization of the victims, a portrayal of the relationships, families, dreams, personalities and aspirations was the for portal to success Cameron. The characterization was detailed and the accompanying perfor- mances were all noteworthy, down to the minor roles of atmosphere. The minor character destroyed by water. Cameron insisted, however, on building a replica of the ship in a large water tank, and using hydrolic systems, actually resunk the Titanic, a precaution which eliminated any unrealistic effects. Well, worth the budget, the Titanic will be impressing audiences for years, and resurfacing a drama that is nearly a decade old. |