The 1997 film by James Cameron, Titanic, is one of epic proportions on all levels. Often written off as a glorified blockbuster chick flick, its deeper symbolism, themes, and emotional impact are overlooked. The classic ideas of young versus old, love or money, and the overbearing restrictions of class systems are prevalent throughout the film and relate a profound message to the viewer.
Rose and her mother, Ruth, display all the timeless characteristics of the never-ending battle between the young and the old. As an older, “wiser”, more experienced woman, Ruth believes it is entirely appropriate for Rose to marry Cal, Rose’s well to do fiancé, if only for financial and status gains. In Rose’s eyes, this idea is heinous and all together intrusive on her rights as an individual. She knows in her heart that Cal is an angry, closed minded, pompous fool- the polar opposite of her free spirit. Ruth asserts her age dominance over Rose by forcing her into not only the engagement, but also obeying the behavioral constraints of the time and their society. She even goes so far as to say that Rose is selfish for not wanting to be forced into this marriage. As all youth do, Rose constantly attempts to rebel by grasping for anything to pull her out of this seemingly helpless predicament, even attempting suicide to escape her mother’s and soon-to-be husband’s control. Her young life should be open ended and left to her own choice, but as a result of this age old age battle, her life is seemingly written for her before it has had the chance to begin. After Jack prevents her from taking her life and their chemistry begins to come out, Ruth bears her teeth even further, and without giving him a chance, abhorrently detests this new, impoverished specimen. With her old age comes preconceived notions of his “type”; with Rose’s youth comes the innocence and honesty of true attraction and love. Fundamental differences such as these between Rose and her mother make it impossible for them to ever see eye to eye and come to terms with each other.
Once Rose and Jack set course on their inevitable path to love, Rose faces another classic dilemma in the matters of romance: love or money? With Cal, she has financial security, a fixed social status, nice things, and the approval of all who know her. With Jack, she will inevitably be poor, and struggle the rest of her life. But, she would have love. The question is what she values more, safety or happiness. She puts on a façade to hide this inner turmoil, acting like there is no decision to be made. Even when Jack steals her away for a few moments to give her his piece on the matter, telling her that she is “trapped”, she acts as if she is truly in love with Cal and dismisses Jack entirely. The layers of her façade are thick but transparent, as she quickly flees his presence, visibly flustered. Her actions are opposite to her words. It is not until she witnesses a young girl in the upper class dining hall regally setting a napkin on her lap that it sinks in to her that she does not fit in with this mindless snobby crowd, that molds even their children to their pointless etiquette and rules. Only then makes the most significant decision of her life- to choose love over money.
Throughout the film, the differences between the classes of passengers on the ship and the restrictions that come along with them are more than apparent. Historically accurate, signs are posted everywhere designating where the third and second class people may go onboard, the differences in decoration and quality between the rooms are vast, the first class passengers walk their dogs on the third class deck, and there are metal cage like enclosures at the openings to the third class living quarters. In Rose and Jack’s story, the restrictions come into play mentally, socially, and physically. The entire reason they come to meet is because of Rose’s ultimate hatred for the conformist nature of her high society. It is a stunning moment as she runs past Jack lying on the bench as she goes to jump off the ship, her in her elaborate evening gown, and he in his corduroys and suspenders. Despite these obvious physical differences, they are the same in character. However, to the rest of her high society, she remains above him; but, when these physical barriers are equaled at dinner, Cal, who was yelling inches from his face the night before, did not even initially recognize him. Later on, when he attempts to come see her on Sunday during the chapel service, he is not allowed into the place of God, simply because of his apparent class standing. After the tragic collision with the iceberg and the captain gives the famous order of “women and children first”, it becomes apparent that it is not really all women and children, but first class women and children. Because of the money these people possessed, many of whom were on their way to America in hopes of finding wealth, they were left to drown or freeze in the middle of the North Atlantic.
Titanic is a beautiful film with far deeper meaning than most people give it credit for. Its content is rich and thought provoking. One must get past its major gross at the box office and expenditures during production, and see the film in a more simplistic light. It is a classic and tragic tale of love, rank, and loss.
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