James Cameron’s epic film, Titanic, begins not with the ill-fated voyage itself, but with a modern-day expedition searching for treasure within the wreck of the RMS Titanic. This expedition, led by Brock Lovett, quickly shifts the narrative to the past through the discovery of a drawing of a young woman, Rose DeWitt Bukater, wearing the famed “Heart of the Ocean” diamond necklace.
A Modern-Day Treasure Hunt Kicks Things Off
The opening scenes of Titanic immediately immerse the audience in the contemporary setting of the late 1990s. We are introduced to Brock Lovett (Bill Paxton), a treasure hunter obsessed with finding the “Heart of the Ocean” diamond, which is believed to have been lost with the ship. Lovett and his team are using submersibles to explore the wreck, searching for a safe rumored to contain the necklace.
Setting the Stage for Flashbacks
The initial scenes serve several crucial purposes. Firstly, they establish the timeframe of the narrative. Secondly, they introduce the enduring mystery surrounding the Titanic disaster and the legendary diamond. More importantly, they create a compelling reason to delve into the past. The discovery of the drawing of Rose, a survivor presumed dead, triggers a chain of events that allows the film to transition seamlessly into the story of the Titanic’s fateful voyage.
The Arrival of Rose: A Bridge to the Past
When Rose Calvert (Gloria Stuart), the elderly Rose DeWitt Bukater, sees the news reports about Lovett’s discovery, she contacts him, claiming to be the woman in the drawing. This encounter forms the narrative bridge between the modern-day expedition and the historical events of 1912.
Rose’s Story Unfolds
Rose’s arrival marks a pivotal point in the film. She provides Lovett, and by extension, the audience, with a first-hand account of her experience aboard the Titanic. This narrative framework allows Cameron to tell the story of Jack and Rose through Rose’s recollections, offering a personal and deeply emotional perspective on the disaster.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Titanic’s Opening
FAQ 1: Why did James Cameron choose to start the movie in the present day?
Cameron chose to begin the movie in the present day for several reasons. It provided a hook to draw the audience in with the intrigue of a modern-day treasure hunt. It also established a framework for the historical narrative, allowing Rose’s story to unfold as a flashback. Finally, it highlighted the enduring fascination with the Titanic and its legacy.
FAQ 2: Who is Brock Lovett and why is he so focused on the “Heart of the Ocean”?
Brock Lovett is a treasure hunter driven by the hope of finding the “Heart of the Ocean,” a fictional, yet highly valuable, diamond necklace believed to have been lost with the Titanic. He is motivated by financial gain and the prestige of discovering such a legendary artifact.
FAQ 3: Is the “Heart of the Ocean” a real diamond?
No, the “Heart of the Ocean” diamond is a fictional creation for the film. While there were certainly valuable jewels aboard the Titanic, a diamond of that size and significance with that name is not historically documented.
FAQ 4: What is the significance of Rose seeing her drawing on the news?
Rose seeing the drawing on the news is a crucial plot device. It’s the catalyst that prompts her to come forward and share her story, providing the narrative framework for the rest of the film. It allows the past to be brought to life through her memories.
FAQ 5: How accurate are the scenes of the modern-day Titanic wreck exploration?
While the modern-day scenes in Titanic are dramatized for cinematic effect, they are based on real-life explorations of the Titanic wreck. Cameron consulted with experts and used actual footage of the wreck to enhance the authenticity of these scenes.
FAQ 6: What year does the modern-day portion of the film take place?
The modern-day portion of the film takes place in 1996.
FAQ 7: Why is Rose initially reluctant to talk about her experience on the Titanic?
While not explicitly stated in the opening scenes, Rose’s reluctance to talk about the Titanic stems from the trauma of surviving the disaster and the loss of Jack. Her memories are filled with pain and heartbreak, making it difficult for her to revisit that period of her life.
FAQ 8: What clues are there in the opening scenes that foreshadow events to come?
The opening scenes subtly foreshadow events to come. The decaying state of the wreck hints at the tragedy that occurred. The images of submerged rooms and belongings suggest the loss of life and the disruption of social hierarchies.
FAQ 9: How does the film use visual storytelling in the opening to convey the scale of the Titanic disaster?
The film uses wide shots of the wreck, juxtaposed with the small submersibles, to emphasize the immense size of the Titanic and the scale of the disaster. The images of debris and personal belongings scattered around the wreck further convey the human cost of the tragedy.
FAQ 10: What is the effect of transitioning from the modern-day scenes to the flashbacks of 1912?
The transition from the modern-day scenes to the flashbacks of 1912 creates a powerful contrast. It highlights the passage of time and the enduring legacy of the Titanic. It also allows the audience to experience the story from Rose’s perspective, moving seamlessly between her present-day reflections and her past experiences.
FAQ 11: How does the opening sequence establish the themes of the film?
The opening sequence establishes several key themes of the film, including loss, memory, love, class disparity, and the hubris of man. The wreck represents loss and the fragility of human endeavor, while Rose’s story emphasizes the enduring power of love and memory.
FAQ 12: Could the movie have started any other way?
While other approaches were possible, starting with the modern-day expedition and the treasure hunt provided a strong narrative hook and a compelling reason to explore the historical events of 1912. This framing device allows the audience to connect with the story on a personal level and appreciate the enduring significance of the Titanic disaster. Without it, the film could have felt more like a generic historical drama. The treasure hunt and the mystery surrounding the “Heart of the Ocean” added an element of intrigue that helped to propel the narrative forward.