Titanic…I’m the King of the World!

What do you get when you put together two good-looking talented actors, an intense, dramatic love affair, and a widely known true story of a once thought unsinkable ship sinking on April 15, 1912 on it’s way from Southampton to New York City? Titanic, directed by James Cameron, nominated for 14 Academy Awards and winner of 11. At the time in 1997, it was the most expensive film ever made ($200 million) and the highest-grossing film of all time. It retained the highest-grossing status until Cameron’s film Avatar stole the title in 2010.

Oh, Titanic. This movie is a legend. I remember the hype around the release was so huge. Everyone knows the story, and there have been remakes since the tragedy, but Cameron’s film brought the story to life in way that had never been done before.

Watching this trailer really brings back memories. Everyone was obsessed with this movie. I myself saw it three times in theaters, and I don’t usually do that. Every girl in my school fell in love with Leonardo DiCaprio after seeing this film. It seems like he is made to play these intense romantic roles, like his Romeo role in Romeo & Juliet. In Titanic, he was able to make really gushy, lovesick scenes and corny dialogue believable.

We all remember this scene. “I’m the king of the world!” It’s probably one of the most well-known phrases in pop culture. DiCaprio was able to take that really cheesy line and say it in a way that lifted the spirits of the audience. You were happy and excited for Jack Dawson as he looked out over the vast ocean ahead of him.

Besides Disney movies, I blame Titanic for giving me the false belief that guys can be just as romantic as Jack Dawson and would do anything for their love. In this case, Jack, a lower class passenger, set his eyes on the upper-class Rose DeWitt Bukater, played by the beautiful and talented Kate Winslet. “I’m flying! Jack!” This scene just captivates your attention. I couldn’t take my eyes off DiCaprio and Winslet. Cameron made the perfect choices in angles while shooting this scene. You really get a sense of how big the ocean was and how alone they were out there, but also how exciting it was to be on a ship of that size. By watching the movie, you were embarking on a new adventure with the characters.

Wow, did it get hot in here? The drawing scene is also another very memorable point in Titanic. Rose asks Jack to draw her like he draws his French girls. The scene actually has more meaning than I thought it did. Back in 97, it was just embarrassing to watch while with my parents and an “oohing” moment with my friends. If you think about it, this scene represents Rose’s attempt at liberating herself. She was trapped in a rigid lifestyle, forced to marry a man she did not love. She felt like she was suffocating and wanted a way out. Being drawn in the nude like this was Rose’s way of expressing her emotions.

This was another embarrassing scene to watch with anyone at the age of 9, but probably one of the most memorable scenes of the movie. Everyone knows the hand. Winslet turned up the steam in this sex scene when she slapped her hand on the window and left an imprint. I remember that this was the scene that everyone talked about and made fun of. In cars, my friends and I would try to re-create the hand slapping motion and imprint whenever the windows got all steamed up due to weather.

“I’ll never let go, Jack. I’ll never let go.” I tried to find a good enough video of this scene to put on here, but the ones I found were bad quality, too long or cut off at the wrong part. So I just decided to put the picture up here because in this case, a picture is worth a thousand words. Out of the entire film, THIS is the MOST memorable scene. Probably one of the most memorable scenes in film history, in my opinion. It was scary, creepy and tragic, yet DiCaprio and Winslet were still able to keep the love alive. Because the film was based on a true story, everyone knew what was going to happen. The ship was going to sink no matter how much you hoped that the ending would be a happy one. I would cringe every time I saw the frozen to death bodies. The music and the darkness also escalated the sadness and feeling of despair. I think this really showcases DiCaprio’s and Winslet’s talents. While I am able to make fun of this scene later on in life, I still get tongue-tied while actually watching it. The intense emotion that the actors portray is incredible. A little fun fact: the water was actually really warm, which exhibits DiCaprio’s and Winslet’s talents even more. This is also another scene that people often try to re-create. I found this funny video on YouTube of two little kids portraying the roles of Jack and Rose in this scene.

Hahaha, they are too cute. I especially love the other little boy in the background whispering to his mommy.

Aaah, the heart of the ocean necklace. “But I thought the old lady dropped it into the ocean in the end.” Well Britney Spears, you were right. The last memorable scene of Titanic is when Old Rose, played by Gloria Stuart, walks out to the edge of ship and drops the legendary necklace. Who knows if the character actually meant to drop it or if it just slipped from her hands, but I do know that everyone was asking, “Whyyyyy!?” I think that she wanted the necklace to be with Jack, but if I were her, I probably would have made some money off it. The very end of the film is also supposed to be left to interpretation. The camera slowly moves past pictures in Rose’s bedroom of her experiencing all of the things that Jack wanted for her, including wearing pants and riding a horse the way a man did. The camera then slowly moves past a sleeping or deceased Rose (your call) and into a dream or heaven (also your call) where she at last reunites with Mr. Jack Dawson and all of the other people lost on the RMS Titanic. I think that she died, but some people believe it was just a dream. What do you think? Either way, I believe that this was a perfect way to end the film.

Besides the movie creating a crazed obsession, Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” also created a huge frenzy.

This song played on every single radio station and between every single commercial break for well beyond the time when the hype died down on the movie. At first, I loved this song. Celine Dion’s voice is amazing and powerful. It reminded me of the tragic love story; however, that was also the problem. There was such a craze surrounding this movie, that all of a sudden it did what every other craze does: it faded. Just as quickly as it rose, it fell. All of sudden, it was considered un-cool to like Leo and to obsess over Titanic. My friends and I were annoyed by the song, and would change the radio station every time it came on. Eventually the dislike-of-anything-Titanic also died down. The film is extraordinary and the acting, whether you like to admit it or not, captured your heart and human inclination for love story tragedies.

But, wait, Titanic is coming back? According to a USA Today interview with Cameron, he is planning to re-release Titanic in 3D in the spring of 2012 for the 100th anniversary of the sailing of the ship. Wow, that will definitely bring millions of people to the theater, in my opinion. However, I am worried about the effect the 3D will have. It took me three times to not get the feeling like I couldn’t breath when water was rushing and breaking through the ship, and that was just by watching the screen. With all the dramatic sounds and imagery, a 3D Titanic experience will be even more intense. Everything is going to be right in your face, and you will feel even more like you are on the ship. While I do have some qualms on the subject, they probably won’t stop me from seeing the new version of the film. After all, who wouldn’t want to experience Leonardo DiCaprio in 3D?

Clueless…As If!

We all remember those two epic words. Two words that when apart are nothing, but when put together symbolize a part of 90s culture that will forever live on for generations to come. Cher Horowitz’ wildly popular phrase, “As if!” is but one memorable quote from the hit 90s movie, Clueless.

I wanted to live in this world. I mean, just look at these girls. They’re rich, young and good-looking. They can basically get whatever they want. Look at their impressive outfits, shoe collection, cars and Beverly Hills mansions. Anyone who has a wardrobe matching computer program complete with a rotating closet that seems to go on forever is cool in my book.

“Ooh! Project!” And who could forget the amazing makeover scene when Cher & Dionne take Tai in and change her from a socially awkward teenager into a beautiful, fashionable young woman.

Loosely based on Jane Austen’s novel Emma, Clueless is a teen comedy that follows materialistic teenager Cher (Alicia Silverstone) through her trials and tribulations of matchmaking. She and her best friend Dionne (Stacey Ash) makeover the new girl in town, Tai (Brittany Murphy), and try to fix her up with the newly single Elton. They also try to get two of their lonely teachers together, Ms. Geist and Mr. Hall. Cher is so busy trying to do good by matching everyone else up, that she doesn’t comprehend her meddling ways. So consumed by appearances and her rich lifestyle, Cher finally realizes how clueless she is and tries to change her ways. Oh yeah, and of course she finds love.

I own the “Whatever!” Edition of Clueless (pictured on the right). This edition has many special features that are not on the original DVD. It includes commentary from the writer/director Amy Heckerling, stories from the cast and crew and a feature that describes the filmmakers’ trend-setting fashion choices. After all, one of the things that people remember most about this movie is the killer outfits. While many of them are over the top with interesting patterns, outrageous Dr. Seuss hats and feathered boas, I’m not gonna lie, I would love to be able to dress like them. Maybe not out in public, but at least around the house.

Baggy pants boys? Ugh, as if! I love watching that scene in the movie. It makes me laugh every time. I also have to point out another trend that Clueless most definitely started…ladies and gentlemen, the feather pen.

Everyone I know had a feather pen. I was 6 when the movie first came out, but those pens lasted well into my elementary years. You could get them in any color. I think I had a pink one and purple one. I loved writing with it in school. I felt just like Cher. I probably even re-enacted that exact feather pen pose (yup, kinda loser-ish haha).

Clueless is also one of those movies that people quote all the time. Besides “As if!” “Whatever!” with hand gesture and the “Hait-i-an” speech, this movie delivered some famous scenes.

I couldn’t find a video of the scene, so this audio will have to do. Travis Birkenstock, played by Breckin Meyer, is a stoner skateboard fanatic who has a crush on Tai. Before this quote, Mr. Hall is reading off student tardies. Travis has the most, and he makes this speech:

“I would like to say this. Tardiness is not something you can do all on your own. Many, many people contributed to my tardiness. I would like to thank my parents for never giving me a ride to school, the LA city bus driver for taking a chance on an unknown kid, and last but not least, the wonderful crew of McDonald’s for spending hours making those egg McMuffins without which I’d never be tardy.”

This is my sister’s favorite quote from this movie. While there is definitely nothing special about it, this quote is a great example of Clueless‘s humor. Nobody would make a speech in class like this in real life, but this would be exactly what you would expect from a character like Travis.

One of my favorite moments includes the late Brittany Murphy (1977-2009). Her death was a surprise, and I am still in shock about it every time I watch one of her movies. She had a contagious smile and a certain flair about her that made you pay attention to her. Clueless was definitely her breakout role, and I know I will forever remember her as Tai Frasier.

Cher and Tai are working out to a Buns of Steel video, and Tai gets tired. She sits down and turns on the television.

“Yeah, I hope not sporadically.” Who could forget this scene? Brittany showcases her beautiful voice and exaggerated New Jersey accent. Besides her energy on film, I loved Brittany’s voice. She also sings in other movies, including Little Black Book and Happy Feet. I always thought she had something unique. I don’t know how much money Mentos paid for that product integration, but I definitely bought packs of Mentos after watching this movie and loved singing the song.

Clueless is one of those movies to which everyone can relate. Of course it’s about fashion and the life of the wealthy, but it is also about fitting in and finding yourself at a time when most people have no clue how to do either. Everything in the movie may have been over the top, and it may seem like a superficial chick flick to the naked eye, but Clueless is a pop culture iconic film for a reason.