Of all the movies depicting the sinking of the Titanic, this version is the most accurate to detailed accounts from witnesses as to how it actually happened. The movie is based on the Sir Walter Lord book of the same name, which was the result of years of research he did on the subject.
It is magnificently done, both artistically and dramatically. Certainly the technology used in the production is dated, but the filming technique actually adds, rather then detracts, to the somber mood of the impending disaster. The black and white filming gives an overall claustrophobic tone, and puts the viewer aboard the ship along with the passengers to empathize with the horror these people must have endured.
Someone who has seen the more fictionalized version "Titanic!" will recognize some lines of (word-for-word) dialog and some actions by the passengers and crew. These things actually took place and Cameron's movie borrowed much of the information it used from Lord's work, and this movie. None of the fiction, (such as people shooting each other during the sinking) is in this version. But you will see the heroism of some passengers voluntarily sacrificing themselves so someone else could get on a lifeboat. You will also see cowards who impersonated women to sneak aboard lifeboats. This movie gives you everything that happened, positive or negative.
Certainly the story addresses how the calamity occurred--what mistakes were made, and by whom, and how the crew and passengers addressed their situation. It's done remarkably well, and the scene of the band singing "Nearer My God to Thee," is touching and heartbreaking. Objects from the wreck, shown floating in the water, are haunting.
Highly recommended, a fine movie which depicts the history well, and shows proper respect for those who perished.
It is magnificently done, both artistically and dramatically. Certainly the technology used in the production is dated, but the filming technique actually adds, rather then detracts, to the somber mood of the impending disaster. The black and white filming gives an overall claustrophobic tone, and puts the viewer aboard the ship along with the passengers to empathize with the horror these people must have endured.
Someone who has seen the more fictionalized version "Titanic!" will recognize some lines of (word-for-word) dialog and some actions by the passengers and crew. These things actually took place and Cameron's movie borrowed much of the information it used from Lord's work, and this movie. None of the fiction, (such as people shooting each other during the sinking) is in this version. But you will see the heroism of some passengers voluntarily sacrificing themselves so someone else could get on a lifeboat. You will also see cowards who impersonated women to sneak aboard lifeboats. This movie gives you everything that happened, positive or negative.
Certainly the story addresses how the calamity occurred--what mistakes were made, and by whom, and how the crew and passengers addressed their situation. It's done remarkably well, and the scene of the band singing "Nearer My God to Thee," is touching and heartbreaking. Objects from the wreck, shown floating in the water, are haunting.
Highly recommended, a fine movie which depicts the history well, and shows proper respect for those who perished.