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English 102
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Titanic: The Best Film Ever Made
When evaluating films, it is important to consider many factors. Ultimately, this comes
down to assessments of cast quality, plot quality, the personal and social impressions left by a
film, its critical acclaim, and its artistic quality. As a film, Titanic stands as a record holder for
blockbuster acclaim. While Titanic may suffer according to other accounts, it ultimately qualifies
as the best film ever made according to these categories.
First, Titanic contains a superior cast. Titanic contained many top celebrities when it was
made in 1997. However, these actors have managed to maintain their top-level status into the
present-day. The two lead actors, Kate Winslet (as Rose) and Leonardo DiCaprio (as Jack),
have both fared well into the modern decade. Leonardo DiCaprio was ranked #2 actor of the
1990s on a popular website based upon popular votes (The Top Tens). Decades later, in the
present-day, he has maintained this ranking with more professional judges, tying on a
cumulative score rank with Johnny Depp. Kate Winslet ranks as #51 on the same global rank
(Forbes).
It is also important to consider the value placed upon acting chemistry. James Cameron
considered chemistry of “the actor and the director” to be highly important (Google Books).
When assessing his performance and quality, DiCaprio maintained pride in his performance (US
Magazine). While Kate Winslet looked back with skepticism on her experience in making the
film (Daily Mail), this objection was largely based upon a comparison of how she acted and
looked at the start of her prime to her present-day performance. Thus, there seems to be little
room to solidly condemn the film’s cast; rather, the cast seems to have maintained high stardom
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that would challenge other films.
Second, Titanic has a well-understood and well-known plotline. When assessing a
selection from the beginning of the script, it was found to be on a seventh-grade reading level,
within the general audience. The film also is considered to be well-paced (Kong), and manages
to condense years of Rose’s personal experience into a 195-minute film. However, its strong
familiarity does not end here. The entire plot, based around the genre of romantic tragedy and
drama, is highly familiar to the public. Indeed, similar titles in the genre of romance films perform
on par to action and adventure films (Box Office Mojo). This combination allows Titanic to
uniquely be both easily understood and easily transferred -- the only different factor is the
setting and the historical theme, but these are kept subtle enough to be enjoyed and
appreciated but still a partner to the overall theme.
Not only is the film understandable, it is also engaged. Rose and Jack’s relationship,
mixed in with the tradition and expectations of the 20th century and Rose’s fiance, Caledon
Hockley, offer a plotline that isn’t foretold from the beginning. It’s ending, where Jack dies, is
also not immediately within the expected plot of a romance drama. While it is true that it is
foreseeable that a romantic drama could end or make sudden tragic turns of events after a
temporarily separated couple becomes emotionally reunited (TV Tropes), the dramatic element
cannot be ignored.
Third, Titanic commands a social impact that exists in almost every frame of modern
society. Quotes such as “You jump, I jump” are not only easily recognizable, but appeal to the
story of Ida and Isidor Straus, who died on Titanic together rather than be split up (New York
Post). Therefore, its impact reinforces culture and history. There are numerous other quotes that
stand out from Titanic, including those based on emotion, such as Rose’s emotional monologue
near the end, where she says, “Jack, there’s a boat, Jack” and “I’ll never let go.” Quotes from
Titanic also force the recall of specific scenes from the movie -- for example, the quote “I’m
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flying,” spoken by Rose, is reminiscent of their famous scene on the bow of the ship. Quotes
also operate as vital internal devices for the plot. When Captain Smith says “Full speed ahead,”
it acts not only to lead the plot forward, it appeals to the audience’s knowledge of what the
Captain is steaming ahead into. It also has its historical roots deep in the emergence of the
romantic drama. In fact, its use of targeting represents a milestone in the genre (Google Books).
It is this same community that has surrounded Titanic and has qualified it as a movie of
exceptional and unique impact. Many myths and comparisons from the movie can be found
(Mental Floss), and these connections are constantly being re-examined by fans and curious
audience members.
Fourth, Titanic has enjoyed severe acclaim from awards and box office earnings. Titanic
set or tied the record for the most Oscar and Golden Globe nominations (CNN), and managed
to win 11 total in 1998 at the Oscars (One India). This same accomplishment has been hardsought by other films and won largely due to Titanic’s critical acclaim (CNN). However, the
accomplishments of the film as a blockbuster do not end here. Titanic has also been a pace
setter for box office and revenue earnings. Titanic made $2,186,000,000 worldwide, which set
an all-time record for total revenue until it was passed by Avatar in 2009. However, Titanic still
maintains the record for opening weekend earnings, earning almost $25 million within the small
time period. It was also, of all movies, ranked #1 for the longest period of time following its
theatrical release. In addition to all of this, it maintained its total revenue record for twelve years
(Box Office Mojo), and was only surpassed by a film by the same director with more modern
technology as an action and adventure film.
Finally, Titanic was highly exceptional in its artistic quality. Its setting, modeled after the
actual ship, included water that was kept at frigid temperatures in order to convey realism. The
actors had to wear wetsuits in order to complete long-term acting. When Kate Winslet refused
over a period of time, she developed pneumonia (The Daily Beast). Many of these set and
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design decisions were made by James Cameron himself. Given that he visited the wreckage of
Titanic, he used his expertise on many areas of the film. In costume development, 50 people
spent a year working solely on their detail (Glamour). This great detail is met by the film artistic
quality of its cinematography and CGI. Russel Carpenter won an Oscar for his cinematography
(Moviemaker), which in many cases had to simulate a ‘tilt’ in the ship as it was sinking, and at
one point was used to visually justify a glass tilting off of a mantle (Evanerichards). CGI scenes
were considered historic, particularly a scene where the wreckage of Titanic was digitally
transformed into the set for much of the play at the very beginning (Anlimara). Thus, in many
ways, the artistic components of Titanic were groundbreaking.
In conclusion, Titanic has a distinct sense of impact on plot, artistry, emotion, cast, and
critical acclaim. The records it set in multiple areas of filmmaking stand in time to commemorate
this impact with strong critical acclaim that has given it numerous awards. However, the true test
of an unforgettable film, one worthy to be called the “best” film, is its overall recognition in the
present day. Titanic has outlasted other films in this area. Its quotes are popular culture, many
of its records are standing, and its cast has maintained their reputation. Overall, whereas other
good films have endured over time, Titanic has remained just as impactful.