FEBRUARY 2023:
ROGER EBERT’S REVIEW OF TITANIC STILL HOLDS WATER…
In his 1997 review of James Cameron‘s Titanic, renowned film critic Roger Ebert offers high praise for the epic cinematic experience. Ebert commends Cameron‘s masterful storytelling, the film’s stunning visual effects, and the powerful performances of its lead actors, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Kate Winslet.
Ebert begins by acknowledging the historical significance of the RMS Titanic‘s sinking, and how Cameron successfully brings this tragic event to life on the silver screen. He highlights Cameron‘s meticulous attention to detail in recreating the grandeur and opulence of the RMS Titanic, allowing the audience to feel immersed in the era and atmosphere of the early 20th century.
![RMS Titanic was a British passenger liner, operated by the White Star Line, that sank in the North Atlantic Ocean on 15 April 1912 after striking an iceberg during her maiden voyage from Southampton, England to New York City, United States. Of the estimated 2,224 passengers and crew aboard, more than 1,500 died, making it the deadliest sinking of a single ship up to that time.[a] It remains the deadliest peacetime sinking of an ocean liner or cruise ship.[4] The disaster drew public attention, provided foundational material for the disaster film genre, and has inspired many artistic works. Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons](https://i2.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/RMS-TItanic-1024x753.jpeg?ssl=1)
The critic then proceeds to laud the chemistry between DiCaprio and Winslet, whose portrayals of Third-Class passenger, Jack Dawson and First-Class passenger, Rose DeWitt Bukater, respectively, drive the film’s emotional core. Ebert emphasizes that their romance is both tender and believable, transcending their social differences and providing a compelling narrative throughout the movie.
Ebert is also impressed by the film’s groundbreaking visual effects, particularly during the climactic sinking sequence. Ebert notes that Cameron‘s use of advanced technology creates a harrowing and realistic portrayal of the disaster, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats. Ebert praises the film’s ability to evoke powerful emotions, particularly during moments of loss and sacrifice.
In conclusion, Roger Ebert gives Titanic a glowing review, acknowledging it as a cinematic triumph that combines history, romance, and spectacle. He recognizes James Cameron‘s vision and execution, along with the stellar performances of the lead actors, as the driving forces behind the film’s success. Ebert’s review adds to the overall acclaim Titanic received upon its release, cementing its place as one of the most beloved and influential films in cinematic history and every reason to revisit the review for the film’s 25th Anniversary re-release in theaters for a limited time!
You can read Roger Ebert’s 1997 Review of Titanic by clicking the scene below…
