Opinion

Truly Gigantic

By SCOTT HARDS

Since late 1997, I have been hungry for knowledge about one thing. I have read every article I could find and several books about one ship ― a huge passenger liner with a black history. I learned it had two sister ships, named Olympic and Britannic, and that a fourth vessel, named Gigantic, was planned. And I am not the only one. All around the world, thousands, perhaps millions, of people are doing the same thing: reading books and articles, listening to the same music on their stereos, and going back to the movie theater time and time again to see the same movie. Of course, I am talking about Titanic

Since James Cameron's masterpiece opened in late December, it has, in just four months, broken almost every record related to the success of a motion picture. While the press about the movie has been more subdued in Japan, the phenomenon of "Titanic" is still huge in the States. Consider the film's records: It has already earned more money than any motion picture in history ― both in the U.S. market and globally — and it is still showing all over the world.

The film cost more to make than any other movie in history — roughly $200 million. The film was the No. 1 money-earner in America for more than 14 consecutive weeks, also a record. The film was awarded 11 Academy Awards, tied with "Ben-Hur" for the most in history. The soundtrack album is selling faster than any other movie soundtrack in history — more than 13 million copies have already been sold and a sequel album is planned

The book about the film is also a huge best seller. And the film is having other economic effects: Cruise ship operators' bookings for 1998 are 10 to 15 percent above 1997.

Have you seen the movie? If not, get to your local theater as soon as you can! Normally, I would not make a commercial endorsement in a column like this, but this movie is truly something special that needs to be experienced on the big screen. I have seen it twice myself.

Cameron's genius is shown off in the masterful way he treats what is ultimately a horrible tragedy, but still lets you go home feeling good. There is something for everybody. You have two charismatic lead characters (played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet), each is appealing to viewers of the opposite sex. You have an engrossing love story that is not too syrupy. You have the fascinating world of the super-rich of the early 20th century

And then you have the ship. It's recreated so accurately, the film might as well be a documentary! Amazing afloat, it's even more amazing going down. Here is where the movie really succeeds. The special effects don't distract you but instead complement the story in a constructive way — adding to its inherent power.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about this movie is how it will affect the Hollywood movie business. It has proven that love stories work, that movies over three hours long can succeed, and that you can spend a fortune and still earn your money back. For obvious reasons, I don't think we'll see a sequel to "Titanic," but it will be exciting to see what other spectacles Hollywood can dream up after this blockbuster.

Shukan ST: April 17, 1998

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