The 1997 film of Titanic was not only a classic, but it was also Leonardo Dicaprio’s first oscar nomination. However in this blog I will attempt to sink the unsinkable ship and discuss sound, acting, and drama in which is seen in this film.
Titanic has arguably one of the most iconic featured songs in this time era. The song My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion is such featured song. This song, and other sound to in the film have importance for the structure of the characters, and also the plot of the film. An example would be the the start of the song. The sound of slow and passive violin just depicts Jack’s character. As the violin picks up and a flute joins in, it gives a sound that would be identified by the Liverpool. Just the beginning of the song we already know what one of our character will be like. Later, in the scene when Jack finally makes it onto the ship, and goes to the front of it. The sound picks up and has a dreamy feel to it. We want to think that Jack has overcome the conflict of getting out of Liverpool, and finally can make it to America. Finally the sound drastically changes to fast pace and dark. I like the fast pace music because it shows how fast the water is rushing onto the ship.
For drama, I want to focus on the aesthetics of the film. First off, just by looking at the costumes in which our two main characters are wearing can show off their class in the film. Jack is wearing rags, or whatever he could find, while Rose is wearing an elegant dress with an umbrella. Also to add to class, Jack is in a shady bar playing a card game to win an opportunity to get to America, while Rose is being chauffeured to the gigantic ship. The drama of these two characters are so drastically polar opposites. However this makes for a perfect love story, which is exactly why this film is loved. I also find it interesting that because of what they’re wearing, and the situation they’re in shows off their gender. Rose has this look of being a princess, while Jack has almost a feel of being a low life rat. This just adds to the gender role of the time period.
Based on the drama which was explained above, the acting had to be on point. It takes a special actor to have so many faces like Leonardo Dicaprio has. I personally believe that this performance in Titanic was one of his best. One reason I think this is because although he is poor, and just barley getting on the ship yet to because of one scene we are to think that he really is the king. The famous scene of Jack being on front of the ship yelling “I’m the king of the world” is just to show that he is still going to be himself although supporting the lower class. It takes some special acting to be able to do this.
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