On the 25th anniversary of TITANIC fans are In for a real treat with the release of a brand new documentary.
For James Cameron’s Titanic, an Awesome 25th Anniversary Gift.
Traditionally, a 25th Anniversary merits a gift of Silver but Oscar-winning director James Cameron, currently Oscar-nominated for his latest mega hit, Avatar: The Way of Water, will probably settle for more box office Gold. That’s because his blockbuster Titanic will be cruising back into theatres next month, delighting audiences and introducing a new generation to the love story of “Rose and Jack,” set against the backdrop of one of the 20th Century’s most tragic real-life maritime disasters. Admit it, no matter how many times you may have seen it in cinemas, you can’t help but watch it whenever it’s on TV!
For countless millions of Titanic fans around the world, there is an unseen jewel about to be added to “the heart of the ocean” and its cinematic legacy. A new feature documentary, Ship of Dreams: Titanic Movie Diaries, written and directed by Titanic actress Alexandra Boyd, comes out independently from but in timing with Cameron’s rerelease, February 10. It is my honour to be included as a Presenter and historian (yes, I am actually an expert on ‘Titanic” history). Mr. C is in for a very happy surprise!
More than a quarter century ago, Ms. Boyd – and almost every other actor in Los Angeles – went through gruelling auditions to land even the tiniest roles in the film (she won a part and survived the cutting room floor to have some memorable moments as a flirtatious “First Class Passenger” with eyes for Leonard DiCaprio). As they say, “there are no small parts, only small actors,” and Boyd has utilized her considerable skills as an artist to corral many of her castmates to share heretofore never-shared anecdotes, recollections, photos and archival footage that will have “Titaniacs” gleefully glued to the screen. Imagine if the Munchkins from The Wizard of Oz had been able to spill the tea on what it was like to work on that celluloid classic!
You won’t believe what Cameron put his cast and crew through in his quest to create the perfect Soap-Opera-At-Sea. You will hear them recount the exhaustive, sometimes painful process of bringing his vision to life…all with the common thread of recognizing it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that would enthral moviegoers in such a timeless fashion.
In addition to fascinating insights from Cameron’s set, this sentimental and compelling film manages to fire up Titanic fever hotter than a new variant…especially when it profiles some die-hard fanatics who share and show how the film changed their lives. Boyd takes us around the world, from Australia to Africa, from Europe to Hollywood featuring these devotees in often funny and surprisingly moving moments. One of these memorable superfans is Melbourne-based Zach Douglas, a former runner-up on Australia’s Big Brother with an extensive (and expensive!) collection of props and costume pieces from the film. He credits Titanic for helping him in his journey to become a happy, out gay man. Zach tells me, “I’m so excited to share my story because the film has been such a BIG part of my life. It’s something I’m extremely passionate about and I love to share the pieces that I own with the public.” He’s looking forward to discovering how it’s changed the lives of others, too. “Secrets, misfortunes & heartfelt connections. I can’t wait!”
As Boyd notes, “Many people nowadays get their history lessons from films. This puts a huge responsibility into the hands of filmmakers to tell those stories well and truthfully. Having had a tiny, but life-changing part in Titanic, I explore why people are so fascinated with this epic story.”
Titanic has touched almost everyone who has ever seen it. Ship of Dreams: Titanic Movie Diaries is poised to do the same as a documentary love letter celebrating the enduring power of not only Titanic, but of the motion picture industry itself.
Go to www.shipofdreamsfilm.com to watch the trailer and find out how to see the film in theaters or stream online.
