It has been more than 20 years since “Titanic” smashed (too soon?) box office records and told us the tragic tale of Jack and Rose aboard the titular ill-fated ship. The tremendously successful blockbuster took audiences and critics by storm, and it’s one of the most famous movies of all time. That said, there are a lot of fun behind-the-scenes quirks that went on during the film process that aren’t terribly well-known. Here are 10 of our favorites:
1. It almost starred Gwyneth Paltrow and River Phoenix
It’s hard to imagine anybody playing Rose and Jack besides Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, but of course other actors were considered – in fact they weren’t even the initial first choices! Nicole Kidman and Gwyneth Paltrow were both considered for Rose, and River Phoenix was James Cameron’s initial first choice to play Jack Dawson.
Tragically, however, by the time the film was made Phoenix had passed away. DiCaprio was the ideal age (21) and fit the part well. Winslet wanted the part of Rose very badly, and has admitted to sending James Cameron roses with a note signed, “From Your Rose” after her audition.
2. Titanic budget
The original Titanic ship that was built in 1910-1912 cost $7.5 million to build. Due to inflation that cost equals about $120-150 million in 1997.
“Titanic” (the movie) cost $200 million to make, more than the deflated cost of the actual ship, but that’s ok; it grossed a ridiculous $2.187 billion.
3. Neil DeGrasse Tyson told Cameron to change a scene
It’s not unheard of for a director to have arguments with a screenwriter or actor, but to have your script changed for an astrophysicist is a bit more unusual. Neil DeGrasse Tyson sent James Cameron an email informing him that the star field Rose sees as she gazes up at the sky while floating on the door would not have been the one she saw in real life. Astonishingly, Cameron re-shot the scene just for him in the 2012 3D release.
4. That’s one way to break the ice
Leonardo DiCaprio wasn’t sure he wanted the role of Jack, and it was in part to Kate Winslet’s convincing that he ever accepted it. Winslet discovered that the famous nude drawing scene would be the first scene the two would film together. Hilariously, she decided that the best way to prepare DiCaprio was to flash him the first time they met on set.
Check out Kate Winslet’s original screen test!
5. Cameron’s drawing
While we’re on the topic of the drawing scene, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that Leonardo DiCaprio didn’t actually do the drawing. What is a surprise, though, is who did: James Cameron! Winslet posed for the director in a swimsuit so that he could draw her, and it’s his hands you see in the drawing shot.
6. Twin roses
Titanic was the first film where two actors, Kate Winslet and Gloria Stuart played the same part and were both nominated for Academy Awards. Neither Rose ultimately won.
7. A happier story
DiCaprio had a pet lizard (named Blizzard) during the filming of “Titanic.” The poor little guy was run over by a truck early on, but over the course of the filming Leo was able to nurse him back to health. At least there’s a happy ending for someone!
8. Dress for success
Kate Winslet turned down the use of a wet suit during the shooting, but said James Cameron still didn’t want “a wet t-shirt contest.” He did, however, want the dress to cling to her in the water, so it was important that it look as good wet as it did dry. Deborah Lynn Scott made 24 identical versions of the dress with this in mind, and without a wet suit Winslet did get hypothermia!
9. 2:20 a.m.
James Cameron is been a stickler for small details, and this is one of our favorites: During the final scene of the movie when Rose meets Jack, the time on the clock reads 2:20 – the exact time the ship sank.
10. The heart almost didn’t go on
James Cameron hadn’t planned on using any pop music in “Titanic,” but the film’s composer James Horner really wanted something special for the end credits. In secret, Horner arranged to have Will Jennings and Céline Dion meet up to write a song.
“My Heart Will Go On” was recorded on a demo tape and Cameron liked it enough to put it in the film. Now the song and film are practically synonymous with each other!
We hope you’ve enjoyed these ten facts about “Titanic,” and that they’ll make your next viewing more interesting!
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