Classic Revisited in 3D: Titanic (1997)

The 3D version of this true magnum opus was just an excuse to check it out at the theaters. Of course, the prospect of seeing some intense romantic scenes and a tastefully done nude scene on the big screen, also played a part in my decision to check out James Cameroon's 1997 epic. I wasn't taken to the theater when Titanic released first, as I was not even 11 then.

Today, the movie made me emotional with its absolutely magical BG score by James Horner, which haunts and gives you an indisputable high. Goose bumps whenever the main theme played in the background. Actually sat till the end credits rolled out completely. Such was the charm that the two 'James' wielded with this classic.

The greatest ship made by man, the ship of dreams sets sail from Southampton to New York city on her maiden voyage. Due to an iceberg, the lower floors are first flooded and as time progresses, the entire ship is flooded and finally the entire ship breaks into two and crashes into the ocean floor. A diamond necklace called the "Heart of the Ocean" plays a main role in the state of affairs.

LDC and Kate Winslet weren't big stars then. But now they are stratospheric. Leo is so naive, raw and he fits the bill perfectly as the low-society Jack who floors Rose with his absolute love and honesty. Kate as Rose bowls you over with her passionate love particularly in the final scene when she screams at a dying Jack "Come back, Come back" and the scene when she jumps back into the ship from the life boat, just to be with her man. The scenes when Jack and Rose run around in a drowning ship show their magical true-to-life romantic chemistry. Among the best romances in cinema history though it is a typical poor guy meets suppressed rich girl story. The villain in the story is the typical rich man who is engaged to Rose and he loathes Jack to the core. This rich man's moves and characterization are stereotypical.

The 3D effects are subtle and there are no gimmicks. Titanic was magnificent without the added dimension, itself. The production of the movie is mammoth with gallons of water being used. The number of actors used and the way they have been managed is a lesson for any production crew. The way the Titanic has been recreated and the VFX scenes during the final collapsing of the ship are mind-blowing. That said, the ice berg was pretty lame.

James Cameroon makes sure that the human element and emotions connect big time with the audience unlike say the disaster movie specialist Roland Emmerich whose films just make you clap hands but, never move you to tears. Samples - the musicians on the ship who play till the ship is about to collapse, the guards who operate the life boats and their dilemma whether to send more people into the life boat, the ship's captain and the maker's emotional connect with the ship etc. etc.

Made at a budget of 200million USD, the box-office collections are fast approaching 2billion USD. Only Avatar is ahead but by sheer number of tickets sold, Titanic is the biggest blockbuster of all time. 14 Oscar nominations and 11 Oscars are the mere icing on the cake.

VERDICT: Magnum opus in every sense of the word. Experience the magic again in a nearby theater to commemorate the centenary of the tragedy.