Titanic : Retro Gems

#9 Titanic (1997)

I don’t remember the number of times I have watched Titanic . When I saw it for the very first time, little did I know that some stranger characters, Rose and Jack would make an everlasting impact on me. I had made a scrap book full of its photos and penned down all possible dialogues in my memory in the book. My obsession of the movie impressed the manager of the theatre, where I saw this movie maximum number of times.. In the light of this, he gifted me a photo set of the movie which I have treasured. Do visit my youtube channel to view the slideshow of the same, named as ‘Titanic Stills‘.

Plot

Treasure hunter Keldysh (Bill Caxton) contacts and invites Rose Dawson Calvert, for getting details of her journey on the magnificent ship, Titanic. Keldysh is on the hunt for the necklace with a rare diamond ‘The Heart Of The Ocean’. He is keen and excited to know the story from the person who was actually on board. She narrates the story to the entire staff, which listens patiently . . .

Back in 1912, a beautiful, care free 17 year old Rose DeWitt Bukater ( Kate Winslet ) arrives on board of Titanic along with her mother and fiance Cal (Billy Zane) . At the same time, Jack Dawson ( Leonardo DiCaprio) , a free spirited young boy is trying his luck at a game of poker, to win a ticket for travelling in the dreamy Titanic ship. He wins and rushes along with his friend, to catch his chance of travelling on the mighty ship. Rose has her reservation in first class compartment where as Jack being poor is in a third class.

Love At First Sight

When Jack is sitting on the deck of ship along with his friends, he sees an uncomparably beautiful girl sight viewing. She is none other than Rose. He falls for Rose the moment he sets his eyes on her. He sees him but tries to ignore. Rose is living a life, thrust upon her by her family. The elite societal life style and its pressures suffocates her to the limit. She finally decides to succumb and at night, proceeds towards the highest part of the deck for ending her life. Jack sees her and tricks her into changing her mind.

Cal arrives there along with his attendant Spicer Lovejoy to find Rose and Jack in an awkward position. Jack covers up for Rose and handles the delicacy of the matter with finnese. Cal invites him for a dinner, as a token of thanks for saving the life of Rose.

Rose Falls For Jack

During the dinner, Rose discovers the free sprit nature of Jack. His lifestyle impresses her and she falls for him. After the dinner, she secretly joins Jack for a wild party in the third class. She has a gala time with the happy folks there. Lovejoy traces her and she is answerable to her mother and Cal, the very next day. They try to keep her away from Jack. But she has made up her mind and the lovers steal moments to spend with each other.

The Collision

On April 14, when Rose and Jack are making up precious memories, they experience an intense jerk. An ice berg hits Titanic and wrath falls. The hitting results in the damage of the ship, causing water to enter various parts of the ship. People in the first and second classes get the first preference to get access to the life boats. The unfortunate third class passengers suffer in this unlucky collision to the maximum.

Rose prefers to go with Jack, terminating her relation with Cal. While Cal takes his jewellery, including the Heart Of The Ocean, and leaves with Lovejoy.
Later in the movie people struggle to save their lives.

True Love

Finally, Jack and Rose are in a situation, where they find a wooden plank. But it can withstand the weight of only one person. Jack happily tells Rose to be on it, while he choses to stay in the freezing waters of the ocean. He knows that he would not be able to survive this. But his unconditional love for Rose makes him suffer in this heart wrenching condition, without a trace of complaint. Everytime I have seen this movie, this scene tears me apart. How can one be so selfless and committed? At the end, Jack takes an assurance from Rose that she will not give up and live her life. She knows he is going to die. But she promises him and frees his soul. Hence, Rose does not fall short when it comes to unconditional love.

The Promise

As promised to Jack, Rose lives a full life, bears children and flourishes. The Heart Of The Ocean is with Rose now, which she gets through the coat Cal gave her, accidentally. The narration of the story is over now, but the mystery of the diamond is with Rose. The film ends with a old, satisfied Rose walking towards the peril of the ship slowly. She removes the diamond and swirls it into the mighty ocean with a lovely smile on her face.

Later during sleep, she envisions herself young and gracious, walking on the staircase of Titanic, towards Jack. They unite in the presence of the passengers on board of Titanic.

Magnificent, heart touching. I am sure you have seen this masterpiece. If not, do so. See you all with another cult movie with the charisma of its lead pair.

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