Titanic is such a frustratingly stupid movie. Cameron had so much potential to tell a great tale, and instead he went about it all wrong - including grave robbing to make his movie seem more important (seriously, you do not need to travel the depths and bring up artifacts to use as props. Let it be!) He vilified many of the ships workers who have been "exonerated" countless times over, all for "dramatic effect" and then argued he did tons of "research" and felt that the film was accurate.
Never mind that his leading male character's name was the same as a crewman working in the boiler room of the ship. Whose body was never found (and I believe was either black or of another ethnic background). Nevermind that thousands of love sick teenagers found out and went to his "grave" thinking it was *the* Jack Dawson portrayed by DiCaprio. Cameron found it humorous.
The acting was subpar. In all of the viewings I've suffered through, DiCaprio and Winslet are by far the most disappointing performances. Their chemistry was contrived - partially due to the writing, but mainly because of DiCaprio's one note acting style. I know, I'm in the minority when it comes to all of this, but considering I don't buy into the storyline, I'm not biased towards the couple. Perhaps my dislike for Cameron clouds my judgement a tad, or the fact that I've only ever liked DiCaprio in one film (What's Eating Gilbert Grape). I don't know, I just know that I normally adore Kate in anything she's in and I can't stand her as Rose.
The secondary characters really shine, though. But, really, considering who plays them it should come as no surprise. Kathy Bates as the "unsinkable Molly Brown" was perfect casting, as was Victor Garber as Thomas Andrews - the ship's designer who had no desire to be sailing on her maiden voyage as his wife was due to give birth (but he was to pick up a crib in New York to bring back). Thankfully Andrews was not one of the villains in the film, as he typically is written, and is a very kind and sympathetic character.
Not as well liked are the Captain, is First Mate, and others - who are given the spotlight as the ones who doomed the ship. Nevermind it was really the head of the White Star line who demanded full steam ahead. Yes, the Captain made some costly mistakes, and his First Mate in turn, but to negate who really pushed for stupidity was a poor choice on Cameron's part. Also the shooting of passengers at the end - which was proven false in several reports/interviews/testimonials - was another "director's choice" that probably shouldn't have happened. Yes it was a very well circulated rumor/belief that it happened, but it vilified an entire group of men who were in an impossible situation doing the best they could amongst the chaos. The crew should not have been made to be the villains. It was corporate greed that sank the ship and killed 1500 people.
Seriously, I could go on and on and on about how much I hate this movie. But it will just make me angry for no good reason. Needless to say I avoid this movie like the plague and I HATE that it plays on one channel or another every week.
